3 Best Museums in Chennai

“Government Museum in Chennai holds the distinction of being India's second-oldest museum. Comprising six buildings with 46 galleries, it showcases advanced lighting techniques as technology demonstrations. The initiative for establishing a museum in Madras was first proposed by the Madras Literary Society in 1846 AD, and the then Governor, Sir Henry Pottinger, secured the approval of the Court of Directors of the East India Company in London. Within the museum's premises, a designated area houses an extensive collection of Roman antiquities, palm-leaf manuscripts, Amravati paintings, wooden carvings, and other historical artefacts. Notably, the Government Museum features a specialised Children's Museum section, offering a unique experience for young visitors. Situated in the Government Museum Complex in Egmore, this institution is a repository of human history and culture. It boasts an unparalleled collection of Roman antiquities and allows visitors to delve into Indian art, sculpture, bronzes, and anthropology.

UNIQUE FACTS:
• Splendid Reading Room
• Beautiful Teak Wood Shelves.”

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“Vivekananda House is a historic edifice in Chennai that serves as the dwelling for a technologically advanced museum known as "Experience Vivekananda," focusing on Indian Culture. The House was within these walls that the revered Indian saint Swami Vivekananda stayed during his visit to Chennai in 1897, later being renamed in his honour. The museum vividly portrays the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda, utilising cutting-edge trends such as Virtual and Augmented Reality, modern 3D/4D effects, and advanced Son et Lumiere elements. This monument hosts an array of paintings, depictions, and displays, including a captivating 3D film illustrating Swami Vivekananda's iconic speech in Chicago. Vivekananda House remains an inspirational destination, drawing thousands of visitors annually from India and abroad. Presently, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, oversees the maintenance of Vivekananda House, continuing to inspire countless Indian and international visitors annually with its rich heritage and technological innovations in showcasing Swami Vivekananda's life and message.

UNIQUE FACTS:
• Architectural Heritage.”

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“Chennai Rail Museum encompasses indoor and outdoor spaces, showcasing vintage engines and coaches and offering miniature train rides within its 6.25-acre premises. This museum hosts technical and heritage exhibits, prominently featuring a substantial collection of steam engines from the British Raj era. Renowned for the past 150 years, it is a prime destination for delving into the rich heritage of Indian Railways. Within the Chennai Rail Museum, visitors encounter a wealth of heritage exhibits, photographs, and significant information detailing the illustrious history of railways. Distinguished from other Rail Museums, CRM boasts distinctive features such as a dedicated Art gallery showcasing rail-related artwork by esteemed artists, a 90-seater Air-conditioned Movie Theatre, and numerous other captivating attractions. Five indoor galleries proudly display heritage rail items, photographs, scale models, and various art exhibits, including miniature train models and comprehensive historical documentation of Indian railways. A museum shop is also available, offering a range of goods for purchase.

UNIQUE FACTS:
• Has Displays.”

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