National Art Gallery Egmore Chennai
A heritage gem in Chennai, housing diverse Indian art within magnificent Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
National Art Gallery Egmore Chennai
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A heritage gem in Chennai, housing diverse Indian art within magnificent Indo-Saracenic architecture.
"A peaceful escape offering a serene atmosphere and fascinating historical artifacts."
🎯 Carry Cash for Tickets
Internet can be unreliable inside. Always have cash handy for entry fees and any small purchases.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to admire the art and architecture. Comfortable shoes are a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Indo-Saracenic Architecture
Exterior and interior
Marvel at the stunning Indo-Saracenic architecture, a heritage site that's as much a masterpiece as the art within.
Raja Ravi Varma Collection
Gallery halls
Explore a significant collection of works by the renowned Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma, showcasing his iconic style.
Tanjore Paintings
Gallery halls
Admire the intricate details and rich artistry of traditional Tanjore paintings, a highlight of South Indian art.
Portraits of British Officers
Gallery halls
See large-scale portraits of British officers and Governors, including Lord Connemara, offering a glimpse into colonial history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Ticket & Connectivity Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Carry Cash for Tickets
Internet can be unreliable inside. Always have cash handy for entry fees and any small purchases.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to admire the art and architecture. Comfortable shoes are a must!
📸 Photography is Allowed
Capture the beauty! Most areas allow photography, but check for specific restrictions on certain exhibits.
🏛️ Explore the Complex
Your ticket often includes access to other museums in the Government Museum complex.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Carry Cash for Tickets
Internet can be unreliable inside. Always have cash handy for entry fees and any small purchases.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to admire the art and architecture. Comfortable shoes are a must!
📸 Photography is Allowed
Capture the beauty! Most areas allow photography, but check for specific restrictions on certain exhibits.
🏛️ Explore the Complex
Your ticket often includes access to other museums in the Government Museum complex.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush! Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to truly appreciate the art and the building's history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the National Art Gallery Egmore Chennai as a peaceful escape with fascinating historical artifacts and a serene atmosphere. The architecture is frequently highlighted as a major draw, alongside the diverse art collections, including works by Raja Ravi Varma and traditional Tanjore paintings. While some note a need for thorough cleaning and more detailed information on paintings, the affordable entry fee and the opportunity to explore the entire museum complex are consistently appreciated.
"This museum is a peaceful escape from the bustling city, offering a serene atmosphere and fascinating historical artifacts. The calm, quiet ambiance allows you to immerse yourself in history, making it an ideal spot for those seeking both relaxation and enrichment. A perfect hidden gem for a tranquil, reflective experience."
Tanzeel Zargar
"A wonderful place for children to visit.
This place includes a lot of information regarding the artifacts exhibited there.It attracts historians from all over the country and is really amazing."
Shreyashi Karmakar
"Tge place was good but need to be clean throughly. Crowd management is nice. The architecture of the building os very detailed. One thing to note is that the paintings places only have the details of the painter, the painting style and some account no. It don't specify the year in which it is made. Only a handful of painting have it."
chandrakant subheswar subudhi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Art Gallery is located in the Government Museum Complex in Egmore, Chennai. You can easily reach it by bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi. It's a well-known landmark, so most drivers will know the way. 
Yes, there is usually parking available within the Government Museum complex. However, it can get busy, especially on weekends.
Egmore is well-connected by public transport. The Egmore railway station is nearby, and numerous bus routes serve the area, making it accessible from various parts of Chennai.
Absolutely! Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola are readily available in Chennai and can drop you off directly at the museum complex.
While the historic architecture presents some challenges, efforts are often made to improve accessibility. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for the most up-to-date information on accessibility features.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is very affordable, typically around ₹15-₹50. This price often includes access to other museums within the Government Museum complex.
The gallery is generally open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It is usually closed on Fridays. It's always a good idea to check the latest timings before your visit.
Advance booking is typically not required for general entry. Tickets can be purchased at the counter upon arrival.
The gallery occasionally hosts special exhibitions. It's best to check their official website or social media pages for any upcoming events or new displays. +1
It's recommended to carry cash as internet connectivity can be limited, and card payment facilities might not always be available.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The gallery features a diverse collection, including traditional Tanjore paintings, works by Raja Ravi Varma, Mughal paintings, and portraits of British officials. +1
Yes, photography is generally permitted inside the gallery, allowing you to capture the beautiful artworks and the architecture. However, always be mindful of any specific signage regarding photography restrictions.
To fully appreciate the exhibits and the building, plan for at least 2-3 hours. If you intend to visit other museums in the complex, allocate more time.
Yes, it's considered a wonderful place for children to visit, offering educational insights into art and history.
The building itself is a significant attraction, built in the Indo-Saracenic style and identified as a heritage site. Its intricate details and grandeur are highly praised.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior architecture, especially the grand entrance and facade, is a prime spot. Inside, focus on capturing the details of the paintings and the unique interior design elements.
Generally, professional photography equipment like tripods might require special permission. For personal use, standard cameras and phone cameras are usually fine.
While general photography is allowed, some sensitive or newly acquired artworks might have specific restrictions. Always look for signage indicating 'No Photography' zones.
Morning light can be beautiful for exterior shots, while diffused light inside can be good for capturing artwork details. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds in your shots.
You can expect to capture detailed shots of traditional Indian paintings, historical portraits, and the unique architectural features of the gallery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid larger crowds and ensure a more comfortable experience for children. The affordable ticket price makes it an economical choice for family outings. Encourage kids to look for specific details in the paintings or architectural elements to make the visit interactive and fun.
🏛️ History Buffs & Art Enthusiasts
Allocate ample time to truly absorb the details of the exhibits and the historical context. The gallery's location within the larger Government Museum complex also means you can extend your historical exploration to other nearby institutions.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2While general photography is allowed, be mindful of any specific restrictions on certain exhibits. Visiting during off-peak hours will allow you to capture your shots without the distraction of large crowds, ensuring cleaner compositions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into India's Artistic Heritage
+3Beyond traditional Indian art, the gallery also features a notable collection of portraits of British officers and Governors, including prominent figures like Lord Connemara. These pieces offer a unique perspective on the colonial era in India. The gallery's history is intertwined with the broader narrative of the Government Museum, which is one of the oldest in India, making a visit here a journey through both art and history.
Many visitors find the gallery to be a peaceful escape from the city's hustle, offering a serene atmosphere for reflection and appreciation. The affordable entry fee makes it an accessible cultural experience for everyone, and the chance to explore other museums within the same complex adds significant value to the visit.
Architectural Marvels and Historical Significance
+3Identified as a heritage site by CMDA, the building's construction dates back to the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. It's a part of the larger Government Museum complex, which is the second oldest museum in India. This historical context elevates the gallery from a mere exhibition space to a living monument of architectural and cultural importance.
+1Many visitors are struck by the building's grandeur and character, noting how it enhances the overall museum experience. The architecture provides a beautiful backdrop for the artworks, creating an immersive environment for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit