In the circle of fire, Shiva dances atop illusion, still and wild all at once. Each motion a mantra, each pose a universe unfolding. Time bows to his rhythm, and silence sings his name. Through his dance, the cosmos breathes, burns, and begins anew.
Daily: 10:30 am–6:30 pm.
Friday Closed / Holiday
Egmore, Chennai,
Tamil Nadu 600 008.

In the circle of fire, Shiva dances atop illusion, still and wild all at once. Each motion a mantra, each pose a universe unfolding. Time bows to his rhythm, and silence sings his name. Through his dance, the cosmos breathes, burns, and begins anew.
In the cosmic silence, Lord Shiva dances as Nataraja, spinning time and space into motion. Each step crushes ignorance, lighting the path to liberation.
He spins in the void, hair flowing like rivers of time, eyes closed in divine bliss. Through his dance, all things rise, fall, and return.
With flames in hand and drumbeat in rhythm, Shiva dances the birth and death of worlds. His cosmic ballet balances creation, destruction, and rebirth.
Shiva’s fiery dance spins the cosmos, balancing creation and destruction in rhythm divine. With every step, illusion fades and the eternal truth unfolds.
The Government Museum in Egmore, Chennai, established in
1851, is the second-oldest museum in
India and a landmark of cultural and historical
significance. Spread across 16.25 acres,
it houses six buildings with 46 galleries that exhibit a
wide range of collections including archaeology,
anthropology, numismatics, and zoology.
Visitors can explore iconic South Indian bronzes, ancient
sculptures, Roman artifacts, and rare manuscripts. The
museum complex also includes the beautiful
Indo-Saracenic styled Museum Theatre, the National Art
Gallery, the Connemara Public Library, and a Children’s
Museum — making it an educational and artistic hub for all
ages.
Discovered in the fossil-rich regions of Tamil Nadu and dating back over 60 million years, this ancient bird fossil stands as a testament to the deep evolutionary history of avian life. Preserved with remarkable detail, it offers visitors a rare view into the prehistoric skies of South India, long before human civilization began.
View DetailThese centuries-old swords, dating back to the Chola and Vijayanagara periods (9th–16th century CE), reflect the martial strength and craftsmanship of South India. Forged in iron and steel, each blade tells stories of valor, honor, and royal warfare.
View DetailDating back over 10,000 years, this ancient bull fossil reveals the powerful presence of wild cattle in Tamil Nadu’s prehistoric plains. Preserved with remarkable clarity, it offers insights into the evolution of domestic animals and their early connection with human civilization in South India.
View DetailDating back over 2,000 years, these exquisite jewels reflect the craftsmanship and opulence of ancient Tamil kingdoms. Made from gold, semi-precious stones, and intricate metalwork, each piece tells a story of royal elegance, trade, and tradition that once flourished in the Sangam era and beyond.
View DetailTake a virtual journey through the museum's grand halls — from ancient sculptures to medieval weaponry. A quick glimpse into 170+ years of history.
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