The Allahabad Museum

The Allahabad Museum was originally set up in Allahabad in 1863 by North-West Province Governor General Sir William Muir, before being shut down for unspecified reasons in 1881. After the initiative to reopen the museum was taken by Jawaharlal Nehru, the then President of the Allahabad Municipal Board, stalwarts like Madan Mohan Malviya and the then leading newspaper The Pioneer, the museum was eventually opened in the Municipal Board building in 1931. 

It is a national-level museum in Prayagraj. Allahabad museum national importance is that it is known for its rich collection and unique objects of art, and is funded by Ministry of Culture. Moreover, it is a premier research center for archaeologists, historians and academicians and carries out extensive research activities and publications in archaeology, art and literature. Its rock art gallery has the largest collection of prehistoric paintings displayed in India dating from 14,000 B.C to 2000 B.C. The museum, using solar power system, has become the first museum in the country to become self-reliant in power generation.

Location:

The Allahabad Museum located in the picturesque Chandrashekhar Azad Park (company bagh) is among the National level museums of India. It is about 3 kms from Allahabad railway junction and almost equidistant from Prayag and Rambagh Railway Stations and about 12 km from Bamrauli Airport. The beautiful location, large sprawling green lawn and nicely laid out garden has given it a special attraction.

It was originally established under the aegis of Allahabad Municipality in 1931 with a small collection of model of birds and animals.

Allahabad Museum Timing:

On entering museum you will be greeted with beautifully carved sculptures all around.

You will also find a statue of Amar Shahid Chandrashekhar Azad just outside the building.

The museum houses galleries each devoted to Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. The Gandhi Gallery displays rare pictures of Gandhi from his childhood till death, while the Nehru Gallery features Nehru’s original manuscripts called ‘In and Out of Prison’ which were later published as his autobiography The Discovery of India. 

In this article you’ll find actual images of all the galleries. List of galleries is mentioned below:

The pistol of Chandrashekhar Azad, a Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless semi-auto .32 bore, is displayed and preserved in the entrance hall of the museum. Azad used it to shoot himself after a long firefight with British policemen at the Alfred Park. (Sources are from allahabad museum wikipedia)

 Its rock art gallery has the largest collection of prehistoric paintings displayed in India dating from 14,000 B.C to 2000 B.C.

The museum boasts 19 exclusive canvasses painted by the Russian painter, Nicholas Roerich. There are 10 Roerich Halls all over the world, including the one at Allahabad Museum.

The Nehru Gallery features Nehru’s original manuscripts called ‘In and Out of Prison’ which were later published as his autobiography The Discovery of India.