If you are history folk, like me, The Government Museum and art gallery is one of the best places for us.

Being a college-going student, I must heal myself, especially during exam days. As soon as, my math exam was over, I decided to visit some museums in Chandigarh.

However, the worst part was, that no friend of mine was ready to visit there as most of them hate museums and history stuff. So, I decided to visit there alone.

Now let me give you, some information about Chandigarh and its museums.

Regarded as one of the best cities in India to adopt a mixture of western and traditional cultures, Chandigarh is also famous for its Tourism, Monuments and variety of museums.

In total, there are more than 15 museums in a city. The Government Museum of Art and gallery, Chandigarh Architecture Museum, National History Museum, Museum of Evolution life, Le Corbusier Centre, National Gallery of Portraits, and High Court Museum, are the most visited ones. However, the government Museum of Art and gallery is culturally and archeologically more significant.

After researching for a while, I decided to visit the government Museum of Art and gallery. You can also listen to this audio, where I had given all information and experiences of this visit. link given below-

History-

After scrolling the Internet about the history of this museum, I get to know some interesting facts.

Its existence was even way before 1947. But after the saddened partition of India and Pakistan, not only people but Museum’s sculptures and paintings were also divided and housed in Lahore for a year.

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After the division in April 1948, India gains 40% of its objects and the remaining 60 % to Pakistan.

Then, on 16 May 1968, M.S Randhawa, the Commissioner of Chandigarh inaugurated this museum.

So, this museum is not only culturally significant but also politically.

Location-

Located in Sector- 10C of Chandigarh, It is a few km away from Panjab university and is located on the front side of Rose Garden.

You can visit there by bus, too, as the connectivity of Chandigarh buses is very well planned and smart.

I also visited there, by bus.

Timing-

I get to know from authorities that Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday. 10 am to 4:30 pm is a fixed time to get an entry.

Timing can be extended by 40-45 minutes on weekends due to more visitors.

I reached there by 11 am, my mind was very shaky as I was alone but the excitement of the museum killed my shakiness after some time.

Entry-

When I reached there, I came to know that this is a museum complex, which comprises four main buildings or museums, namely the government museum of art and gallery, Chandigarh Architecture Museum, National History Museum, and Museum of Evolution Life.

As soon as, you will enter, the Museum will be waiting for you to come inside it.

Just kidding.

Although, I became happy as I’m going to visit three more museums along with this.

Ticket Prices-

Just after entering the building of the museum, there was a ticket Counter. I get to know, ticket prices, from staff members, which you can see in the given below table.

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I had to pay 30 Rupees for my Ticket to it.

A staff member insisted to deposit my bag on a counter due to security reasons. Apart from this, they Charged me extra 50 Rupees for Clicking Pictures.

So, now, I was excited to know whether my money is going to be worth the museum or not.

Inside of the Museum-

1.     Ground Section of the Museum-

In the ground section of the Museum, various sculptures and paintings were hanging on a wall. Everything was so beautiful and perfect. It was small but very informative.

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2.     Upper Section of the Museum-

Now, it was time for the Upper Section of the museum.

On a counter, one staff member was saying very positive things about Upper Section.

So, my expectations were high.

Through one fancy stair, I reached the upper section.

Metal Sculpture Section-

On the left side of me, there was a Metal Sculpture Section, where many Hindu and Buddhist gods were sculptured in a metal form like Nataraja, Hanu-bhairava, Mahankali, and many more.

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Gandhara Sculpture Section-

After exploring metal sculptures, it was time for the Gandhara Sculpture section, which was right on the front side of the previous section. Mainly, it was dedicated to Lord’s Buddha journey and his stories.

However, I was mesmerized by seeing the sculptures of Lord buddha.

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Moreover, It was like buddha is standing in front of me and showering his blessings on me.

Ancient Indian Sculpture Section-

More ancient sculptures were placed in this section, which was archeologically perfect.

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Pahari and Rajasthan Miniature Paintings-

After the sculptures section, it was a time for RajasthaniPaintings. As soon as, I entered, My heart fall from them. From birds to Mughal rulers to Rajasthan princes and princesses, I have never seen this many beautiful paintings in my life.

Detailing color combinations and paint was the next level.

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My brain was forcing me to take one painting to my home.

But, you know, I can’t do that.

Ancient Rocks and Coins-

I entered in Rock and coin section, but my heart was left out in the paintings section, especially for Portrait of Jaipur Princess, the most beautiful painting of any woman, I have ever seen.

Okay. Love aside.

It was time for the ancient rocks and Coins section. From Vedic to Mauryan to Delhi sultanate to Mughals to Britishers, every coin was a wonder of its own.

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Women’s struggle section-

Now, it was time for the last section in which Women’s struggle was depicted through various paintings.

I was really missing my mom as, with her company, I would enjoy these paintings more.

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Souvenir Shop-

After the last section, through the same stairs, I take the exit from the upper section let me say, this was an experience.

After reaching the ticket counter, I take back my bag and one woman forced me to buy some things from the Souvenir shop.

One uncle showed me some sculptures and paintings and all of that was so beautiful.

After minutes of discussion on my own, I decided to buy a painting of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

And, that uncle was so sweet to me. He thoroughly explained to me, each and every painting and object. It feels so nice when someone treats you the way you want, sweet and kind.

Exit-

After buying a painting, I take an exit from the government Museum of Art and gallery.

For me, this visit was so special as I visited a museum for the first time without my friends.

My soul and body were refreshed through all this experience.

I strongly recommend to you all to visit here with your friends and family. This place is not only culturally and intellectually important, but also spiritually and mentally.

Frequently asked Questions-

Q-1. How many museums are there in Chandigarh?

Ans- There are more than 15 museums in Chandigarh.

Q-2. Where is the government Museum and art gallery located at?

Ans- The government Museum and art gallery is located at Sector- 10C, Chandigarh, a few km away from Panjab University and  on the front side of Rose Garden.

Q-3.  What are the timings to visit the government museum and art gallery ?

Ans- 10 am to 4:30 pm is a fixed time to visit the government museum and art gallery.

Q-4. What are the ticket prices of The government Museum and art gallery ?

Ans– 30 Rupees per person (for adults) is a ticket of the government Museum and art gallery and it is free of cost for children and school-going students.  

Q-5. Is The government Museum and art gallery is open today or not ?

Ans- The government Museum and art gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday. It remains close on Monday.

Q-6. Architecture of The government Museum and art gallery was planned whom?

Ans- Le Corbusier is a architect who planned the government Museum and art gallery.

Q-7. How we can contact The government Museum and art gallery, Chandigarh ?

Ans- For more queries, you can Contact 0172 274 2010.

Q-8 Which is the biggest art gallery in Punjab?

Ans- The government Museum and art gallery in Chandigarh is the biggest art gallery in Punjab.