The first Government-sponsored Museum in the country, it opened in Chennai in 1851.
Its collection of Bronzes and Buddhist antiques is among the best. Especially impressive are the Arms gallery, its pre-historic collection, its philatelic collection, its antique jewellery and the musical instruments collection.
The museum has an auditorium of its own. All the buildings inside the museum grounds are old and very intricate.
The museum is closed on Sundays