Government Museum, Chennai
South India Region
The Government Museum, Chennai, also known as the Madras Museum, is a prominent cultural institution located in the Egmore neighborhood of Chennai, India. Founded in 1851, it is the second oldest museum in India after the Indian Museum in Kolkata. The museum complex is an architectural marvel built in the Indo-Saracenic style, featuring the iconic Museum Theatre and the National Art Gallery. It houses a vast collection of artifacts, including one of the largest collections of Roman coins outside Europe and over 500 bronze idols dating back to 1000 BCE, showcasing ancient Asian craftsmanship. The National Art Gallery within the complex displays rare European and Asian paintings by renowned artists such as Raja Ravi Varma. The museum also includes the Connemara Public Library, noted for its stained glass windows, ornate woodwork, and elaborate stucco decorations, reflecting the colonial heritage. With extensive galleries covering archaeology, anthropology, arms, and fine arts, the museum attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and serves as a key repository of South India's historical and cultural heritage.
ヒント: Visitors are advised to visit during the cooler months from November to February for a comfortable experience. It is recommended to allocate ample time to explore the extensive galleries and the National Art Gallery. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but checking for any advance booking options or guided tours is advisable. The museum offers concessions for students and senior citizens. Photography may be restricted in certain galleries, so visitors should inquire at the entrance. The museum complex is accessible via public transport and has nearby parking facilities.
興味深い事実
- •The museum holds one of the largest collections of Roman coins outside Europe.
- •It houses over 500 bronze idols dating back to 1000 BCE, making it a significant repository of ancient Asian bronze art.
- •The Museum Theatre features a unique semi-circular seating arrangement with a 'pit' for premium seating.
- •The Connemara Public Library within the complex is noted for its stained glass windows and elaborate woodwork, resembling the interiors of the Bank of Madras.
- •The museum grounds were home to Madras’s first zoo established in 1855 before it was relocated.
歴史
The Government Museum, Chennai, was established in 1851 initially in a building on College Road, Nungambakkam, before moving to its present location in Egmore in 1854.
The museum evolved from a collection of geological specimens donated by the Madras Literary Society.
Between 1864 and 1890, significant expansions were made, including the addition of the Connemara Public Library in 1896, designed by Henry Irwin in the Indo-Saracenic style.
The museum grounds originally housed Madras’s first zoo established in 1855, which later relocated.
Over the years, the museum has undergone restorations to preserve its architectural heritage and expand its collections, marking its 150th anniversary with modern upgrades such as air-conditioning in the Museum Theatre.
場所ガイド
Museum Theatre19th century
A 19th-century theatre within the museum complex featuring a semi-circular tiered seating arrangement and a central 'pit' area for premium audience members. It has been restored and modernized with air-conditioning.
National Art Gallery
Houses rare European and Asian paintings, including works by Raja Ravi Varma, showcasing fine art from the region and beyond.
Connemara Public Library1896
Built in 1896, this library features stained glass windows, ornate woodwork, and stucco decorations. It was designed by Henry Irwin and resembles the interiors of the Bank of Madras.
Bronze Idol Collectioncirca 1000 BCE
A vast collection of over 500 bronze idols dating back to 1000 BCE, representing ancient Asian craftsmanship and religious art.