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Chandigarh is a bustling city in Punjab, following a glimpse into the region’s history, culture and traditions too. Like a lot of the museums in the state, it offers a glimpse into the past, especially with the extensive collections in the gallery. The museum offers a glimpse into ancient India, especially with the collection of miniature paintings. Before the partition, the art and the artefacts were all preserved inside the Central Museum, Lahore. If you are a history buff interested in learning more about the past Indian history, the Government Museum and Art Gallery Chandigarh is one of those destinations that you can’t miss out on exploring.
Quick Details
Government Museum and Art Gallery Address: Sector, 10C, Sector 10, Chandigarh, 160011
Government Museum and Art Gallery Timings: 10 AM – 04:30 PM
Government Museum and Art Gallery Ticket Price: ₹30 per person
Photography: Not allowed inside the museum halls
Architectural style: Brutalist architecture
Phone: 0172 274 2010
Collection size: Approx. 10,000 artefacts
History Of Government Museum And Art Gallery
Photo: Rhythm Katraia / Wikimedia Commons
During the Partition of India, the then Government of India established the Government Museum and Art Gallery in Chandigarh, to keep the artefacts that were collected from the Lahore Museum. The structure and design of the museum were done by the renowned French architect, Le Corbusier. Initially, the design of the museum was finished and proposed between 1960 and 1962. Following that, the construction took place between 1962 and 1967. Inside the museum, it consists of India’s finest Gandhara sculptures, miniature paintings, and artefacts from the Indus Valley Civilization. One of the main attractions inside the museum is the art gallery, especially the collection of miniature paintings.
How To Reach Art Museum Chandigarh
Photo: Sanyam Bahga / Wikimedia Commons
The Government Museum and Art Gallery is easily accessible from different parts of Chandigarh, making it a popular tourist destination among the tourists.
By Air: If you are flying to Amritsar, Chandigarh International Airport is your nearest airport to the museum and art gallery. There are taxis and auto rickshaws available outside the museum, making it fairly accessible.
By Rail: Chandigarh Railway Station is the nearest railhead from the museum and art gallery, making it easier for you to reach there from the nearby cities and states. You can hire a taxi, or take a bus or auto-rickshaw to reach Sector 10C, where the museum is located.
By Road: There are Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) buses and taxis that can easily take you to the museum from anywhere in the city.
Things To Do At The Government Museum
Having a well-planned itinerary when you are exploring the museum and art gallery in Chandigarh comes a lot in handy.
1. Explore Ancient Gandhara Sculptures
Photo: UnpetitproleX / Wikimedia Commons
One of the main attractions inside the museum is the ancient Gandhara sculptures, which you can explore. It is one of the most extensive collections in the country. Historians depict that the majority of these sculptures were created during the Kushan dynasty and offer a glimpse into the early Buddhist art that blended Indian and Greco-Roman styles. Also, you will get to witness carvings on stone depicting Buddha’s journey to enlightenment.
2. Admire The Miniature Paintings
Photo: Rhythm Kataria / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Beyond the sculptures, another important aspect of the museum is the collection of miniature paintings. These paintings were previously kept inside the Central Museum in Lahore and offer a vivid representation of India’s artistic heritage. With works from Rajasthan, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, the gallery showcases an array of themes from mythological tales to royal court scenes.
3. Get A Glimpse Into Indus Valley Civilisation
Photo: UnpetitproleX / Wikimedia Commons
Since the museum has all the historical evidence of India’s past, you can also explore details of the Indus Valley Civilisation. The museum covers around 5000 years of history, up until the present day. This collection highlights the daily lives, beliefs, and advancements of the Harappan people. The pottery and terracotta sculptures, which are over 4,000 years old, provide a rare look into the craftsmanship from back in the day.
4. Walk Through Human Evolution In The Natural History Museum
Photo: Deepank Ranka / Wikimedia Commons
Another important gallery inside the museum is the Natural History Museum. This particular gallery offers a glimpse into the immersive journey through the history of life on Earth. Inside this gallery, you will get to witness life-sized dioramas, fossilised remains, and taxidermy specimens depicting the natural history of the planet, alongside displays of prehistoric human evolution.
5. Explore The Textile Gallery
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the most underrated exhibits inside the museum is the textile gallery which offers a glimpse into the various textiles from across different sections in India. You get to witness Chamba rumours from Himachal Pradesh, Kantha of Bengal, Phulkari from Punjab, Thangkas from Tibet and Nepal and a lot of other staples. Another unique textile on display is the Bapuji Phad from Rajasthan, which offers an illustration of the local hero.
Places To Visit Around The Art Gallery
The Government Museum and Art Gallery, located in Chandigarh’s Sector 10 C, is surrounded by several remarkable attractions in the city, which you can explore.
1. Le Corbusier Centre
Photo: UnpetitproleX / Wikimedia Commons
To witness the life and the contributions of Le Corbusier, you can visit the Le Corbusier Centre. His contribution to the design of Chandigarh is best reflected in this place. The centre is located in Sector 19, which is a short distance away from the museum. Inside the centre, you also get a glimpse into the various exhibits and the original plans, sketches and letters depicting his masterful planning.
Distance From Government Museum And Art Gallery: 4.9 Km
Timings: 10 AM – 06 PM
2. Rock Garden Of Chandigarh
Photo: Gshashidhar125 / Wikimedia Commons
Another popular tourist attraction in Chandigarh is the Rock Gardens. The garden is spread across an area of 40 acres and constructed entirely from urban and industrial waste. The entire garden was conceptualised by Nek Chand, who constructed it between 1957 and 1976. There are various phases inside the garden and have intricate pathways and sculptures. Inside the garden, you will find over 5000 sculptures made out of discarded materials such as broken tiles, ceramics, and bottles.
Distance From Government Museum And Art Gallery: 3.3 Km
Timings: 9 AM – 7:30 PM
3. Sukhna Lake
Photo: Eatcha / Wikimedia Commons
If you are interested in boating and enjoying nature’s wonders, Sukhna Lake is another spot you can visit after exploring the museum. This is a man-made reservoir, located around 5 km from the Government Museum. Located against the backdrop of the Shivalik Hills, it is a great destination for you to relax, enjoy leisure activities and set up picnics. Boating on Sukhna Lake is one of the most popular activities, with paddle boats and shikaras available for rent.
Distance From Government Museum And Art Gallery: 4.6 Km
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Where To Stay
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There are several amazing hotels in Chandigarh, both affordable ones like Hotel Downtown 17 Chandigarh and Hotel Pride and expensive luxury properties like The Altius Boutique Hotel and Lemon Tree Hotel, Chandigarh.
Where To Eat
Photo: Marvin Ozz / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Chandigarh is a paradise for foodies, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. So, when you are there exploring the sightseeing spots, you can stop to enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants like Baithak the Craft Kitchen, Swagath Restaurant and Bar and Anardana Chandigarh.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Shyamal L. / Wikimedia Commons
The winter and spring months are usually one of the best times to visit and explore the museum and art gallery in Chandigarh. So, if you are planning your visit, consider doing so between November to March. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C and usually goes up to 35°C or more during the summer months.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Shyamal / Wikimedia Commons
To have a well-rounded travel experience in Chandigarh, keep the following factors into consideration:
- Carry a notebook to jot down interesting facts about the exhibits.
- Taking Government Museum and Art Gallery photos is not allowed, be mindful of that.
- Check the museum’s website for special events and exhibitions before visiting.
- Hire a guide for an in-depth understanding of the museum’s artefacts.
- Plan a full day to explore the museum, and nearby places, and enjoy a relaxing time at Sukhna Lake.
Government Museum and Art Gallery Chandigarh is one of the must-visit tourist attractions in the city. From learning about the country’s past to getting a glimpse into the arts and crafts, there are a lot of experiences waiting to be explored. You can make the most out of your time by booking your next vacation with TripXL to avail the best deals and discounts.
Cover Photo: UnpetitproleX / Wikimedia Commons
