Government Museum and Art Gallery
Overview
The Chandigarh Government Museum and Art Gallery is a cultural and historical institution located in the city of Chandigarh, India.
Location Map
Entry Fee
Adult – Rs 10 Per Person
Child Under 12 Age – Rs 5 Per Child
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Visit Timings
10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Tuesday to Sunday, And Monday Closed.
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Things To Do
- Exhibitions
- Rare artifacts and sculptures from ancient times
- Paintings and works of art by famous artists
- A section dedicated to the modern art movement in India
- A reference library for researchers and scholars
- Guided tours and educational programs
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Overview & History
The Government Museum and Art Gallery, Chandigarh is a premier institution that showcases the rich cultural heritage of North India.
It was established in the aftermath of the partition of India in 1947, as a result of which a significant portion of the collections of art objects, paintings, and sculptures that were housed in the Central Museum, Lahore, was divided between India and Pakistan.
The museum is home to an extensive collection of Gandharan sculptures, ancient and medieval Indian sculptures, and Pahari and Rajasthani miniature paintings.
The collection of Gandharan artifacts is particularly noteworthy, as it is one of the largest in the world. The museum also houses a collection of manuscripts, coins, and other historical artifacts.
The building that houses the museum was designed by the renowned Swiss-born French architect, Le Corbusier, along with his associates Manmohan Nath Sharma, Pierre Jeanneret, and Shiv Dutt Sharma.
It is one of the three museums designed by Le Corbusier, the other two being Sanskar Kendra in Ahmedabad and the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo. The design of the building was completed between 1960-62 and construction took place between 1962 and 1967.
The Government Museum and Art Gallery were officially inaugurated on May 6, 1968, by Dr. M. S. Randhawa, the then Chief Commissioner of Chandigarh.
Today, it stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of North India and serves as an important educational and cultural resource for the people of Chandigarh and the surrounding areas.
Timings to Visit Government Museum and Art Gallery in Chandigarh
The government museum and art gallery are open to visitors from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. The museum is closed on Mondays and national holidays.
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Chandigarh Government Museum and Art Gallery Entry Fee
The entry fee for the government museum and art gallery is very reasonable, with adults paying just INR 10 and children under the age of 12 paying INR 5.
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How To Reach Government Museum and Art Gallery in Chandigarh?
The Chandigarh Government Museum and Art Gallery are located in Sector 10-C, Chandigarh, India.
The best way to reach the museum is by taking a bus or auto-rickshaw from any location within the city.
The museum is also easily accessible by car, as it is located on the main road.
If you are coming from the railway station or bus stand, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the museum.
Things To Do At Government Museum and Art Gallery
Explore the various galleries
The Government Museum and Art Gallery feature several galleries that showcase the cultural heritage of the region, including sculptures, paintings, textiles, coins, and more. Each gallery is dedicated to a specific theme, such as Indian art, international art, and natural history.
View the art collection
The art gallery features works by renowned Indian artists, including Raja Ravi Varma, Amrita Sher-Gil, and S.H. Raza. Visitors can also view the international art collection which includes works by famous artists like Monet and Degas.
Learn about the history of Chandigarh
The museum has a section dedicated to the history of Chandigarh, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the city’s past and development.
Visit the Natural History section
The Natural History section of the museum features a collection of specimens that showcase the rich biodiversity of the region. Visitors can learn about the different plant and animal species that are found in the area.
Attend cultural events
The museum has an auditorium and a library where educational and cultural events are held. Visitors can attend talks, lectures, workshops, and other events that are organized by the museum.
Visit the Children’s section
The museum has a section dedicated to children, where they can learn about the history and culture of Chandigarh in an interactive and fun way.
Enjoy the beautiful architecture
The Government Museum and Art Gallery are housed in a beautiful building that showcases the unique architecture of the city. Visitors can take a walk around the building and admire its design and features.
Take photographs
Visitors are allowed to take photographs of the exhibits and artifacts on display, making it the perfect place to capture memories of your visit to the Government Museum and Art Gallery in Chandigarh.
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Interesting Facts About Government Museum and Art Gallery in Chandigarh
- The Chandigarh Government Museum and Art Gallery is located in the heart of the city of Chandigarh, India and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region.
- The museum was established in 1968 and features a wide range of exhibits on the history, culture, and art of the region.
- The collection of 627 Gandharan sculptures at the museum were obtained from the Lahore museum during the partition period. This makes it the second largest collection of such artifacts in India, with only the Indian Museum in Kolkata having more.
- The museum's art gallery features a wide range of works by some of India's most renowned artists, including Raja Ravi Varma, Amrita Sher-Gil, and M.F. Hussain.
- The museum also features a number of interactive exhibits and educational programs, making it a great destination for families and students.
- The museum's architecture is also noteworthy, as it was designed by the renowned French architect Le Corbusier and is considered a masterpiece of modernist architecture.
- The museum is open to the public throughout the week and admission is free for all visitors.
- the museum also hosts a number of special events and cultural programs throughout the year, including art exhibitions, concerts, and lectures.
- The museum also has a library and reading room, containing a vast collection of books and manuscripts.
- The museum is a great destination for those interested in art, history, and culture, and is a must-see attraction for visitors to the city of Chandigarh.
Cultural Significance Of Government Museum and Art Gallery in Chandigarh
The Chandigarh Government Museum and Art Gallery hold significant cultural value for the city of Chandigarh and its inhabitants. As one of the oldest and most renowned museums in the region, it serves as a valuable resource for the study and preservation of the area’s rich cultural heritage.
The museum houses a vast collection of ancient and modern artworks, including sculptures, paintings, and artifacts from the Indus Valley Civilization, as well as contemporary art from local and regional artists.
This collection provides visitors with a deep understanding of the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the region over time.
In addition to its art collection, the museum also features exhibits on the history and culture of Punjab, including the region’s traditional customs, crafts, and costumes.
This provides visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the local culture and its evolution over time.
The museum also serves as an important educational resource for students and scholars, providing valuable insights into the region’s past and present.
It also hosts regular cultural events, such as lectures, workshops, and exhibitions, which provide opportunities for the community to engage with and learn about the area’s rich cultural heritage.
The Chandigarh Government Museum and Art Gallery is a vital cultural institution that plays an important role in preserving and promoting the region’s rich cultural heritage. It serves as a valuable resource for visitors, students, and scholars, as well as the local community.
Artworks of Chandigarh Government Museum and Art Gallery
The collection at the Chandigarh Government Museum and Art Gallery began with the partition of India in 1947 when 40% of the collection of the Central Museum in Lahore was given to India.
- A significant portion of this collection was Gandhara sculptures, which were first housed in Amritsar, then Shimla and Patiala before being moved to Chandigarh in 1968.
- Over time, the collection was expanded by Dr. M. S. Randhawa to include Pahari miniature paintings, modern and Indian contemporary art.
- The collection is divided into several categories, including Gandhara sculptures, ancient and medieval Indian sculptures, metal sculptures, miniatures, manuscripts, textiles, numismatics, contemporary Indian art, and other artifacts.
- The museum contains 627 Gandharan sculptures, making it the second-largest collection of such artifacts in India after the Indian Museum in Kolkata.
- The collection also includes ancient terracotta heads and figurines, medieval Indian sculptures from various sites, metal sculptures from Kangra, Nepal, Tibet, and southern India, miniature Pahari, Rajasthani, Sikh, and Mughal paintings, 18th and 19th century manuscripts, textiles from all over the Indian subcontinent, and coins from various eras of Indian history.
- The Contemporary Indian Art section includes works by artists such as Abanindra Nath Tagore, Akbar Padamsee, Amrita Sher-Gil, Bhupen Khakhar, Bireswar Sen, FN Souza, Jamini Roy, MF Husain, Nandalal Bose, Nicholas Roerich, OP Sharma, Raja Ravi Varma, S. G. Thakur Singh, Sobha Singh, Tyeb Mehta and many others.
- Other artifacts include a Patua scroll from Bengal, metal Kullu masks, papier-mâché, and folk sculptures from Bastar, Kangra, and Kullu.
How Can Citizens Help Keep Government Museum and Art Gallery Clean And Safe?
Citizens can help keep the Government Museum and Art Gallery clean and safe by following these steps:
- Report any damage or vandalism to the museum staff or security immediately.
- Use the trash and recycling receptacles provided throughout the museum and art gallery.
- Respect the art and artifacts on display by not touching or leaning on them.
- Follow any posted rules or guidelines for visiting the museum and art gallery.
- Volunteer to assist with cleaning or maintenance tasks at the museum and art gallery.
- Support the museum and art gallery by becoming a member or making a donation.
- Encourage others to visit and also follow the rules and guidelines.
- Use the designated walking areas and avoid walking on the grass or gardens around the museum and art gallery.
- Do not bring in any food or drink that may spill or leave a mess.
- Be mindful of your personal belongings and keep them with you at all times to avoid any loss or damage.
How Can Tourists Help Keep Government Museum and Art Gallery Clean And Safe?
Tourists can help keep the Government Museum and Art Gallery clean and safe by:
- Educate themselves: Tourists should educate themselves about the history, culture, and rules of the place before visiting the museum and art gallery, so they can understand the importance of keeping it clean and safe.
- Proper disposal of trash: Tourists should use the designated trash cans and recycling bins throughout the museum and art gallery to properly dispose of their waste.
- Respect the artwork: Visitors should refrain from touching or leaning on the artwork and displays, as this can cause damage or wear.
- Wear appropriate footwear: High heels or shoes with sharp heels can damage the floors and displays. Visitors should wear comfortable, flat shoes that won’t damage the floors.
- Follow the rules and guidelines: Museums and art galleries typically have rules and guidelines in place to ensure the safety and preservation of the artwork. Visitors should follow these rules, such as no flash photography or eating in certain areas.
- Report any issues: Visitors should report any issues or concerns they may have to museum staff, such as spills, broken displays, or suspicious behavior.
- Keep the area clean: Visitors should dispose of any litter or waste they produce and make sure the area is clean and tidy before leaving the museum and art gallery.
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After Visiting Government Museum and Art Gallery, Where Can You Visit Next?
Here is a table that shows the distance from the Government Museum and Art Gallery to various tourist attractions in Chandigarh.
Attraction | Distance (km) |
1.5 km | |
2.4 km | |
3.1 km | |
3.3 km | |
4.3 km | |
Iskcon Temple | 4.5 km |
6.4 km | |
8.1 km |
FAQs About Government Museum and Art Gallery in Chandigarh
It is a museum and art gallery located in the city of Chandigarh, India. It houses a collection of art and artifacts from the region, as well as temporary exhibitions.
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The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays, and closed on Sundays and public holidays.
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Yes, there is an entry fee for the museum. Adults paying just INR 10 and children under the age of 12 paying INR 5.
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The museum has a collection of sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts from the region, as well as temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.
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Photography and videography are allowed inside the museum, but with certain restrictions. Visitors may be required to pay an additional fee for photography or videography.
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Yes, the museum has ramps and elevators to assist visitors with mobility impairments.
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Yes, there is a gift shop at the museum where visitors can purchase souvenirs and books related to the exhibits.
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Yes, the museum offers guided tours for groups and individuals. Visitors should contact the museum in advance to schedule a guided tour.
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Yes, there is a parking facility available at the museum.
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No, the museum does not have any restaurant or café. But, visitors can find nearby restaurants and cafes.
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