The ThanjavurArtGallery is housed in the former palace of the Nayaks of Thanjavur, once viceroys of the Vijayanagara rulers. Thanjavur is an important art and cultural centre of Tamil Nadu and the various exhibits in the gallery are a testimonial to that effect. The gallery has a fine collection of splendid Indian sculptures and paintings from the golden age in Tamil history. Most of the pieces belong to Chola period between the 9th and the 13th centuries AD and the Nayak period, from the 17th to the 18th century AD. The gallery also houses a few sculptures from the Pallava period.
The walls of the Durbar Hall are adorned with frescoes painted in the Tanjore style of glass painting. Pooja Mahal and the hall forming the base of the 'Indira Mandir' have on display a large collection of stone sculptures of Gods in different forms. The 'Rama Chowdam' hall displays the bronze sculptures.
A 12th century Nataraja from Tiruviddaimandin, Sundaramurthi Narayan (10th - llth century), Parvati (14th century), a Somaskundar from Pattiswaram and the static but calm Mahavishnu (llth century) are a few of the finest sculptures on display.
Timings: 9.00 am to 1.00 pm 3.00 pm to 6.00 pm Closed on festivals and government holidays.
