Albert Hall Museum Jaipur

Prominent Among The Art Galleries And Museum In Rajasthan Is Albert Hall In Jaipur Also Called The Government Central Museum, 131 Years Old Has An Excellent Collection Of Rajasthan Miniature Paintings, Traditional Royal Costumes, Woodwork And Sculptures.

Constructed in 1876, Albert Hall Museum, also called the Government Central Museum is the oldest in the state of Rajasthan. Built by Maharaja Ram Singh under the supervision of a British army officer Lt. Swinton Jacob, for his personal use, it is situated in Ramniwas Gardens. Its foundation was laid by Prince of Wales (later Edward VII).

Indo- Sarcenic Architecture

A veritable treasure trove, the Albert Hall (Central) Museum is built in the Indo-Sarcenic style of architecture, with pillars, courtyards and arches and has an elegant and traditional look to it. The complex also houses a zoo, a greenhouse, an aviary and a sports ground, besides the museum.

Collection

An exquisite collection of metal ware, decorative wares, miniature portraits in various Rajasthan schools of painting, sculptures, specimens of natural history specimen and an Egyptian Mummy are on view here. The museum truly depicts the Rajasthan way of living through a Rajasthan village scene complete with costumes, furniture, pottery and brassware.

One of the main attractions at the Albert Hall (Central) Museum is an outstanding Persian Garden Carpet, among India's finest art treasures. Made in Kerman, Persia in 1632, it represents the garden of paradise on a quadrangular design.

The museum has various sculptures that bear research, including a tiny turbaned lady from the second century BC, 18th century wooden figures from a chariot of the former Banswara state and a stone Shiva head of the 8th century.

Near the museum is Rabindra Manch, that has an auditorium, a modern art gallery and an open air theatre that stages various cultural events.