Government Museum

Overview

The Government Museum of Bengaluru, established in 1865, is one of India's oldest museums. Located in Cubbon Park, it houses notable collections spanning archaeology, geology, art, and numismatics across a stately colonial building.

Highlights

• Archaeological Gallery: Artifacts from Mohenjodaro and Halebidu, including 12th-century Hoysala sculptures.
• Numismatic Collection: Coins spanning two millennia from Mauryan punch-marked coins to colonial-era currency.
• Geological Section: Rare minerals, fossils, and rock samples from across the Deccan Plateau.

History

Founded by the British government in 1865 to preserve and display local antiquities, the museum has grown from a small collection to one of South India's most important repositories of archaeological heritage.

Visitor Tips

• Quick Visit: The museum is compact and can be covered in under two hours.
• Closed Mondays: Plan accordingly.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.