Chennai Museums and Art Galleries

(Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India)

The city of Chennai has a few prominent museums, each with its own angle on local history and culture. The Government Museum is a vast complex and takes the broadest angle, coming with a healthy collection of archaeological exhibits and an exceptional art gallery.

Chennai also has more specialised museums and institutes on hand, many of which are especially suitable for families, such as both the Birla Planetarium and the highly recommended Periyar Science and Technology Centre. Smaller, privately owned art galleries reside in the city centre.

Government Museum / National Art Gallery

Address: 486 Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai, India, IN
Tel: +91 044 2819 3238
The red-brick Government Museum is housed in the Pantheon Complex, a fine colonial building that would be worth visiting even without the interesting displays. The principal building houses a series of archaeological exhibits, while the National Art Gallery is also incorporated within this complex and can be visited on a single ticket. Also part of this complex is a large Italianate-style theatre with a distinctive semi-circular frontage. The adjacent Bronze Gallery ICIC contains some impressive bronze pieces and Chola art works. Also onsite is the Children's Museum attraction and a very notable modern art gallery.
Open hours: Saturday to Thursday - 09:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Vivekananda House / Ice House (Vivekanandar Illam)

Address: Kamarajar Salai, Triplicane, Chennai, India, IN
Tel: +91 044 2844 6188
Swami Vivekananda was also known as the 'wandering monk'. He became something of a liaison between Eastern and Western religions, bringing Hinduism to world prominence in the late 19th century and eventually went to Chicago for the Parliament of World Religions. Vivekananda House, his former residence, is now a museum of his life, with paintings, period furniture, much memorabilia and a well-maintained meditation room.
Open hours: Thursday to Tuesday - 10:00 to 12:00, 15:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Fort Museum

Address: Fort St. George, Kamaraj Road, Chennai, India, IN
Tel: +91 044 2567 0389
The Fort Museum stands within the grounds of Fort St. George, in the historic Exchange Building, and features exhibits relating to the city's British colonial days. Displays boast plenty of period costumes and weaponry, including a few standard-issue uniforms and portraits of prominent personalities. Be sure to stop by Gallery 2 for a look at the scale model fort.
Open hours: Saturday to Thursday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Periyar Science and Technology Centre

Address: Kotturpuram, Chennai, India, IN
Tel: +91 044 2441 6751
Located within the Kotturpuram area of the city, this is the premier science-based attraction in Chennai and is full of interactive exhibits that are both educational and popular with children. The Periyar Science and Technology Centre is divided into separate themed areas, such as the Eco Park and Science Park, as well as the Children's Hall of Sciences, Electronics and Communication, and Physical Sciences. Expect lots of hands-on activities, audio-visual presentations and regular lectures. A perennial favourite is an exhibit that determines what your felt-weight would be on planetoid Pluto.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge

Birla Planetarium

Address: Kottupuram, Chennai, India, IN
Tel: +91 044 2441 6751
This is one of the most modern planetariums in the country and is easily visited in conjunction with the Periyar Science and Technology Museum. The Birla Planetarium regularly receives student groups on field trips, so you may show up only to find the place crowded. This attraction makes for a fun diversion for families with children who are tired of visiting churches and temples.
Open hours: daily shows - 10:45, 13:15 and 15:45
Admission: charge