Hyderabad is a history-rich city steeped in culture, heritage and traditions.Among the many historic sites across the city, Salar Jung Museum, aka the popular art museum in Hyderabad, is a must-visit place. One of the three National Museums of India, it houses an extensive collection of artefacts from various parts of the world. Reports suggest that the museum hosts 43,000+ artefacts and other similar collections, which make it one of the must-visit spots across the city. Showcasing the evolution of art and culture over centuries, a visit to the Salar Jung Museum Hyderabad further enriches your travel experience to Hyderabad.
About Salar Jung Museum In Hyderabad
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The Salar Jung Museum is one of the biggest museums in the country. It is renowned for its eclectic collection spanning different civilizations and epochs. It is regarded as a private collection/museum with 43,000+ artefacts and collections from artists and renowned personalities from across the globe. The Salar Jung Museum, dating back to 1951, is located on the southern banks of the Musi River, which adds to its revered popularity and fame.
According to past details, Mir Yousuf Ali Khan acquired a major portion of this museum.
Being one of the finest museums in the country, the museum’s collections are diverse and include elements like Indian Mughal miniatures, European artefacts, Japanese lacquerware, and Egyptian mummies. A visit to this museum provides a glimpse into the culture and artistic traditions of the city and its history quite deeply.
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History Of Salar Jung Museum Hyderabad
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The museum’s story is intrinsically linked to the life of Salar Jung III, a Prime Minister of the erstwhile Hyderabad State under the Nizams. His passion lies in acquiring unique artefacts and rare items worldwide. However, following his death in 1949, Salar Jung III’s family made his possessions and acquired items accessible to the public. Following comprehensive planning and construction, the Salar Jung Museum was finally opened to the public in 1951 by the late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
The Salar Jung Museum’s former location was in Diwan Devdi during its initial days. It was finally transferred to its current location in 1968. The main objectives behind the relocation were to utilize space better and display the collections more openly. What started with Salar Jung III’s personal collection of artefacts has now expanded to 43,000+ artefacts.
Things To Do At The Salar Jung Museum
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Thematic Exploration: With 1.1 million items on display inside the museum, there’s much to do and explore. Reports suggest that there are 38 different exhibits and galleries that are curated with different kinds of artefacts. So, even before you step inside, the key is to familiarise yourself with the different galleries and their locations.
Opt For Guided Tours: If you are confused about how and where to start with the museum exploration, it’s always ideal to opt for guided tours. Having a knowledgeable guide accompany you makes exploring a lot easier. It also helps you to understand the historical context associated with each gallery that you’d otherwise not be aware of. Also, another benefit of guided tours is that they are usually available in different languages, making it fairly easy for you to explore the exhibits better.
Attend Special Exhibitions: These are sporadically organized, but if you are visiting when the museum hosts special exhibitions, exploring them without any discussion is always ideal. These temporary exhibitions often feature loaned pieces from other museums or private collections, providing a unique opportunity to see rare and unusual artefacts. The best way to learn about special exhibitions is by following the museum’s official website.
Visit the Library: While most tourists focus on exploring individual exhibits, many don’t explore the library, which is home to a wide range of unique artefacts. It is a haven for researchers and scholars interested in delving into the museum’s historical context and the artefacts it houses.
Attend Cultural Events: On special occasions, different cultural programs and events are hosted at Salar Jung Museum Hyderabad, which you can also attend. Some of them include classical music concerts, dance performances, and art exhibitions, which showcase the rich cultural traditions of India and provide a platform for artists to perform and exhibit their work. The only way to keep yourself updated about these events is by checking the museum’s official website.
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Best Time To Visit
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Salar Jung Museum is spread across a huge area, which you must explore on foot. From one exhibit to the other, exploring the entire museum usually takes 4-5 hours to finish exploring. So, while you can visit the museum any time throughout the year, the key is to plan the visit during the cooler winter months.
How To Reach
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Getting to Salar Jung Museum is a breeze. It is quite centrally located and is well-connected by road. You can either drive down to the museum, hire a taxi or opt for public transportation mediums like auto rickshaws, public buses and metros. If you are taking the metro, the nearest metro station to the museum is the Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS), about 2 km away. So, once you get down, you’d need to get a taxi or an auto to the museum from there.
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Salar Jung Museum Hyderabad is one of the leading historical sightseeing spots to visit the next time you are in the city. From delving deeper into Hyderabad’s history to unveiling unique artefacts and spanning different cultures and historical periods, a museum is a popular place among art and history enthusiasts. As you plan your trip to Hyderabad or if you are looking for an engaging way to spend your weekend, visiting the museum is the perfect opportunity.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Salar Jung Museum Hyderabad
What is the significance of the Veiled Rebecca statue in the Salar Jung Museum?
The Veiled Rebecca is a famous marble sculpture by Giovanni Maria Benzoni, known for its intricate detailing and representation of a veiled woman.
How much time should one ideally spend at the Salar Jung Museum?
To fully appreciate the museum’s extensive collection, it is recommended to spend at least 3-4 hours.
Can we take photographs inside the museum?
Photography is generally not allowed inside the museum galleries to protect the artefacts, but you can take photos in designated areas.
Are there any souvenir shops in the Salar Jung Museum?
Yes, the museum has a souvenir shop where you can purchase replicas, books, and other memorabilia.
When does the Salar Jung Museum open?
Salar Jung Museum Hyderabad timings are from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM.
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