Information on Govt Museum (Bangalore, Karnataka) - History & Architecture

Govt Museum Bangalore is regarded as one of the oldest museums in India. It is situated in Kasturba Gandhi Road of Bangalore, Karnataka. The present central structure of the museum was created in the year 1876 by Colonel Richard Hieram Sankey. In later phases, multiple sections were added to the central structure of Govt Museum Bangalore. At present, Govt Museum Bangalore has become an archaeological gallery, having rare collection geological articles comprising antique jewels, statue, coins and writings among others. Most of the objects found in the museum is about 5000 years old.

Govt Museum Architecture

Govt Museum Bangalore encompasses two exhibition grounds, which are additionally divided into eighteen galleries. These galleries incorporate several sections which covers statues, regular history, geological items, arts, music and numismatics. The first floor of Govt Museum Bangalore is a fountain of art and objects made of ceramic, terracotta and copper plates with writings dispensed by kings. Besides, it also houses fabrics, antique weapons and a fortification of Tippu Sultan. Several objects of past Indian civilisations can also be found in this segment. The second floor of Govt Museum Bangalore treasures several old musical tools along with paintings of Deccan, Mughal and Persian people. It also houses Tanjore style structures, Buddha statues, war processions, stone captions and various dancing statues.

Govt Museum Bangalore is fringed by 'Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum' and was established according to neoclassical architectural style. The museum has two entrances. Furthermore, the construction of the building it is characterised by Corinthian pillars, circular archways, slanted waves and noticeable sloping bulwark walls.

Govt Museum History

Initially, the Govt Museum Bangalore was created in 1865 with the guidance and direction of Edward G. Balfour, a medical general of Madras military. He recommended establishment of a museum in Mysore which was similar to the one situated in Madras. Balfour was also prepared various collections for the purpose of exhibition in the museum. The Govt Museum Bangalore was termed as Mysore Government Museum on that time and the first structure of the museum was opened in Cantonment's jail building. It continued to stay in that location till 1876. However, the jail building was regarded as inappropriate place for a museum and therefore it was decided that a special museum will be developed near Sydney road, which is presently known as Kasturba road. As a result, a new museum was planned and constructed by Colonel Sankey in the year 1877 and become the present Govt Museum Bangalore. This museum is also termed as 'Tamasha House'.

Govt Museum Tourism Importance

Due to its unique collection of various historical artefacts, Govt Museum Bangalore is regarded as important tourist attraction. It provides travellers a flavour of past Indian life. This museum is worth viewing for those people who desire to go back to the traditional times characterised by the rules of kings and prefer to witness various objects on that period. In other words, those who are attracted in a preview of the past, there can be no better option in Bangalore than Govt Museum Bangalore. With items dating back to the Stone Age and Iron Age, Govt Museum Bangalore is considered as a treasure trove of rare coins, statuaries, portraits and equipments. The objects of the museum are related with ancient civilisation such as Harappa civilisation, which makes it one of precious place for visiting.