The National Art Gallery, built in 1907, houses 11th and 12th century Indian handicrafts, 17th century Deccan paintings, 16th to 18th century Mughal and Rajasthan paintings and 10th and 13th century bronze and is part of the Government Museum.
The Raja Ravi Varma paintings, which are considered as National Treasures, have been placed in a gallery with Fibre Optic lighting. This system of lighting gives a dramatic lighting effect. It also removes Ultra-Violet and Infra- Red rays which are harmful to the paintings.
The Contemporary Art Gallery has been lit using Dichroic Halogen lamps. These lamps reflect back the heat. Therefore, the paintings are prone to the least possible damage. They also have a pleasing visual effect. These lighting methods are technology demonstrators and a first for museums in India at the time of their installation in 2001.
The new Rock and Cave Art Gallery of the Government Museum, Chennai makes the Rock and Cave Art found usually in the remote areas easily accessible to the visitor. This gallery has been set up after field study to the sites and academic research by a team from the Department of Museum led by the commissioner Dr. R. Kannan, Ph.D., I.A.S. By using the latest techniques of display, the Museum has simulated the natural atmosphere of the caves. It has used interactive Son-et-lumiere, Touch Screen and Tran slides to stimulate visitor interest.
Visiting hours: 10 am to 1 p.m. & 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Every Friday and 2nd Saturday of each month are Holidays
