National Art Gallery - History, Timings & Entry Fee

Museum / Gallery

Photo Credit: Flickr

Distance (From Chennai Central Railway Station): 3 Kms

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 30 Mins

Place Location: Inside Government Museum Complex

Transportation Options: Walk/Trek

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 3 km from Chennai Central Railway Station, the National Art Gallery is situated inside the Government Museum Complex on Pantheon Road in Egmore, Chennai. This is one of the oldest art galleries in India and also one of the must visit Chennai Tourist Places.

The National Art Gallery was built of sandstone in the year 1907 by T. Namberumal Chetty. Earlier known as Victoria Memorial Hall, the National Art Gallery was built during the celebration of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in Indo-Saracenic style, designed by architect Henry Irwin. It has been identified as a Heritage site by the CMDA.

The National Art Gallery consists of four different sections, which include Tanjore Painting Gallery, Decorative Art Gallery, Indian Traditional Art Gallery and Raja Ravi Varma Painting Gallery. The miniature paintings from the Mughal era, handicrafts from 11th and 12th centuries and Rajput paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries are also on display. Portraits of various British officers such as Lord Connemara and Lord William Bentinck are also present.

Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM, Closed on Fridays & on National Holidays

Entry Fee: Rs. 15 for Adults & Rs. 10 for Children