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The National Art Gallery Chennai is one fascinating cultural site that would remind one of the beautiful historical background of India. This gallery is both artistic and architecturally significant and is found in the centre of Tamil Nadu’s business capital. It has a rich display of paintings. It contains traditional paintings of India and modern paintings too. Regarded as the best art gallery in Chennai, this place is highly recommended for art lovers, history lovers, and anyone who wishes to be a part of the rich Indian art culture.
Location
Photo: L.vivian.richard / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
National Art Gallery is a subordinate of the Government Museum Complex situated in Egmore in Chennai city of Tamil Nadu state. The National Art Gallery is situated at the Government Museum Complex – Pantheon Road, Egmore Chennai – 600008, Tamil Nadu. Its location is strategic and it is well-known among museums and art galleries in Chennai hence it can be easily accessible.
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How To Reach
Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons
By Road: The gallery has excellent road access since Chennai has a well-developed road system. Public transportation, including buses, auto-rickshaws or taxi services are available to transport visitors to the site. For instance, if one starts from Marina Beach, it will take him or her a 15-minute drive (about 5 km) to the site. The Egmore area is also served by regular Chennai Metro buses.
By Rail: The nearby railway junction is the Egmore Railway Station, which is just 1 Kilometer from this hotel. From there one has to walk or take an auto rickshaw, which will take them to the National Art Gallery in Chennai.
By Air: The Chennai International Airport is roughly about 11 miles away from the gallery. One can hire a taxi directly from the airport, which will take around 40 minutes excluding the traffic signals to reach the gallery. Alternatively, you can travel through an app-based cab.
Things To Do
1. Explore The Art Collections
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The National Art Gallery located in Chennai contains a treasure that charts the course of Indian art. On the premises of the palace, visitors can see marvellous artistic compositions – Indian paintings in the Tanjore style which are characterized by the extreme popularity of gold foil. The gallery also displays work by another artist who could be best described as blending Indian art themes with a Western approach to artwork Raja Ravi Varma. Sculptures in different periods like Chola and Vijayanagara periods offer some idea about the sculptural traditions of India.
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2. Photography
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The National Art Gallery is a wonderful place to photograph with the Indo-Saracenic touch of the Gothic Mughal period. The architectural design of its exterior is red sandstone and the interior with arched windows; the carvings on the stonework make it ideal for photography. The gardens nearby are perfect for taking stunning photographs of the buildings that form the modern museum.
Places To Visit Nearby National Art Gallery Chennai
1. Marina Beach
Photo: Socrates veeramani / Wikimedia Commons
Marina Beach is not just a beach but a cultural venue and a lively expression of the spirit of Chennai (formerly known as Madras). Extending for about 13 km, it is one of the largest urban beaches on the globe. The beach is one of the most important places for the people of this place as well as the tourists, as they get the best of relaxation along with entertainment both recreational and cultural. Some of the statues that are found along the promenade include the Hindu tragic heroine Anarkali, Tamil poet Subramania Bharati, and Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi.
Location: Marina Beach Road, Chennai
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2. Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Photo: Sailko / Wikimedia Commons
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a preserved testimony of the Dravidian style of architecture and a religious site for the people of Chennai. The temple is also built for Lord Shiva and there is a finesse Gopuram which is an artistic tower with different colours with a single entrance and specially crafted idols at the places and the outside walls of this Gopuram representing Hindu mythology stories. The temple has active worshipping with the special feature that people come to pray and contribute towards the worshipping, amid a natural environment.
Location: Mylapore, Chennai
3. Fort St. George
Photo: George John Edkins / Wikimedia Commons
This historical fort of Chennai symbolises the colonial architectural history of Chennai and how it was an important trading point of the British Empire. For construction, the viceroy of English forces, Thomas, the agent of the British East India Company, began the construction in 1644 and was completed also in 1644, this fort was the initial British fortification in India and had played a significant part in pristine supremacy of Britain in this portion of the world. A large collection of historical items such as weapons, coins, paintings, and documents related to British colonialism.
Location: Rajaji Salai, Chennai
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Where To Eat
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Visitors to the National Art Gallery Chennai can visit black restaurants that offer tasty foods after going around the gallery. If you are looking for a calm environment and European dishes, there is a restaurant named Amethyst Café. For those of you who are a fan of South Indian cuisines, then Murugan Idli Shop is a place where you should go. Mathura Restaurant in Egmore has several vegetarian North Indian dishes The Ponnusamy Hotel is famous for its Chettinad dishes.
Where To Stay
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For those who may be interested in an overnight or even longer stay around the gallery, there are these nearby accommodation facilities. Taj Connemara is a luxury hotel with tradition and Egmore Residency is an economy hotel located in a good area of the city. Among all the Raintree hotels, the one located at Anna Salai offers the best services coupled with premium amenities. For travellers looking for a Lodging facility that will guarantee comfort at a relatively cheap rate, Hotel Pandian should be preferred.
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Best Time To Visit
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The best climatic conditions that any tourist would want for a visit to museums and art galleries in Chennai is during the winter which is between November and February with temperatures lying between 20°C – 25°C, therefore making it the best season for any tourist wishing to visit National Art Gallery Chennai.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of The Trip
In the National Art Gallery Chennai, the cost could range from ₹500-1500 per individual including charges for entry fees, transport and food. Other incidental expenses may be a guide to take the visitors around or buy some mementoes.
Tips For Travellers
- Carry a water bottle and light snacks, especially if travelling with children.
- Check for ongoing exhibitions or events before planning your visit.
- Respect the artefacts and follow the “Do Not Touch” signage.
- Wear light cotton clothing if visiting during warmer months.
The National Art Gallery Chennai is not a place where art is stored and preserved, but it’s a place where one gets a tour of various forms of art in India. This gallery is perfect for an art lover but even a tourist who just happens to be passing by will not be disappointed. With this mesmerising timeless beauty plan your visit to the best art gallery in Chennai and get some senses mesmerised.
Cover Photo: Sailko / Wikimedia Commons
