If you are in Vijayawada and wish to explore something historic and archaeological, then Victoria Museum is the perfect choice for you. Victoria Museum is located on the M.G. road of Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. It is an archaeological museum with sculptures, artefacts, and paintings representing Buddhist and Hindu antiquity. Some of these are as old as the 2nd and 3rd centuries. Once known as the Victoria Jubilee Museum, it is now famous as the Bapu or Victoria Museum. The museum got its name ‘Bapu’ in memory of renowned film director, cartoonist, illustrator, and author Sattiraju Lakshminarayana (popularly known as Bapu). Going ahead, let us see what this Victoria Museum Vijayawada has for its visitors.
Victoria Museum Vijayawada History
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Victoria Museum Vijayawada’s history is something very diverse and well-known by locals and some of the visitors. From celebrating Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee to finalizing the congress’s flag, it has witnessed a lot. The foundation stone of this museum was laid on 27th July 1887 by Robert Sewell, the then-District collector. It is now taken care of by the Archeological Department. In 1921, the congress held its meeting here to finalize their flag where Mahatma Gandhi added a wheel to the tri-color flag. This flag was presented to Mahatma Gandhi by Sri Pingali Venkayya. It then became the official flag of the Indian National Congress Party.
This construction was used for industrial exhibitions in its initial phase. It was later converted into an archaeological museum and was handed over to the Department of Archeology and Museum, Government of Andhra Pradesh in 1962. The architecture of the building is based on the Indo-European theme and is more than a hundred years old now. Because of this, a few sculptures got damaged but can still be recognized with the help of pieces of information written near them. The museum was also used by Victoria Technical Institute since 1887.
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Inside Victoria Museum Vijayawada
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This archaeological museum is a famous monument in Vijayawada. Victoria Museum stores many artefacts, including paintings, statues, sculptures, prehistoric tools and weapons, coins, and historic galleries. It also has a huge collection of idols, cutlery, manuscripts, pottery, and more. Coins made out of gold and silver are also found here. There are two main figures of lord Buddha (believed to be from 3rd – 4th century). The first one is a granite statue while the other is a standing figure of lord buddha brought from Alluru made up of white limestone.
Many traces of Hindu culture are also found here, such as idols of Lord Shiva, and Goddess Durga slaying the buffalo demon (Mahishasura). Lord Shiva’s idol is believed to be from the 4th – 5th century, while the goddess’s idol dates back to the 2nd century!
The indoor collection primarily includes Indian and European paintings, armaments, and weapons. Some bronze items are also preserved in this museum. It is a must-visit place for all historians, archaeologists, and casual visitors too. Because nonetheless, you will learn something about history.
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Additional Information About Victoria Museum
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- This monument is located in the Krishna district, MG road, Vijayawada.
- Victoria Museum Vijayawada ticket price is a very minimum amount of Rs. 5 per person and Rs 3 per child.
- The museum is open throughout the year, except on Fridays. The museum stays closed on Fridays.
- Opening timings for the museum are 10:30 am to 5 pm every day, except on Fridays.
How To Reach
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By Road: Vijayawada Old RTC is the nearest bus stand to the Victoria Museum. It is 1.5 km away from the monument.
By train: Vijayawada Junction railway station is 2.7 km away from the museum. From here, rickshaws are easily accessible from the museum.
By Air: Vijayawada International Airport is the nearest airport, 19.1 km away from the museum. Cabs are easily available here to take you to the final destination, which is the Victoria Museum.
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Nearby Attractions
If you have explored the beauty and diversity of the archaeological exhibition, the Victoria Museum, and still have time and energy left to explore more, do give these nearby attractions a chance.
1. Prakasam Barrage
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It is a bridge stretching over 1223.5 meters across the Krishna River. It connects Vijayawada, NTR, Mangalagiri Tadepalle municipal corporation, and Guntur districts of Andhra Pradesh. Giving a majestic view to all the visitors, the idea was to construct a dam and not a bridge back in 1798. The beauty of this barrage increases in the evening when it is lightened up with colourful lights. Those lights are placed so that their reflection goes on the Krishna River making it a fairy tale view. This project facilitated the irrigation of several farmlands because of the river’s free water supply.
2. Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam
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Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanama, or Kanaka Durga Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Kanaka Durga. It is located on the hills beside the Prakasam Barrage and River Krishna. Though no photography is allowed in the temple premises, this place has a colourful and vibrant interior. The deity is beautifully decorated with jewellery and garlands. The temple is easily accessible through railway station and bus stand and is located at a distance of about 5 km from the Prakasam Barrage.
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3. Rajiv Gandhi Park
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It is nestled on the bank of River Krishna and is a reserve for a few exotic animals. It has some rides and swings to keep children entertained. Relaxing amidst the greenery, in the soothing sound of a musical fountain and birds is something you can experience here. This can help you refresh from your monotonous daily lives, or even if you are on a family vacation. It stays open from 2 pm to 9 pm on weekdays, and 2 pm to 10 pm on weekends. There is an entry fee of Rs. 3 per person and Rs. 2 per child. Timings for the musical fountain are 7:30 pm to 8:15 pm on all days except.
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Victoria Jubilee Museum or Victoria Museum or Bapu Museum is the best archaeological museum in Vijayawada. From preserved gold and silver coins to weapons, this gallery shows the history of colonial rule in India. The visitors are truly amazed here with all the beauty and greenery it holds. Letting you capture all the artefacts on your devices, allows photography too (which a few museums don’t). So what is stopping you from visiting this historic, archaeological exhibition? Plan a trip to Vijayawada to explore the Victoria Museum today!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Victoria Museum Vijayawada
Where is the Bapu Museum located?
Bapu Museum Victoria Museum or Victoria Jubilee Museum is located at M.G. Road, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
What is the best time to visit the Victoria Museum?
You can visit the museum at any time of the year. Since the museum is enclosed and has nothing to do with the weather, you may visit here at your convenience.
What are the entry fees for the Victoria Museum Vijayawada?
The Victoria Museum in Vijayawada charges an entry fee of Rs. 5 for adults and Rs. 3 for children.
Is the museum open throughout the year?
Yes, the museum stays open throughout the year except on Fridays. It witnesses a holiday on each Friday. While on other days, it is open from 10:30 am to 5 pm.
Is the Victoria Museum and Bapu Museum the same?
Victoria Museum, Victoria Jubilee Museum, and Bapu Museum are the same museums in Vijayawada.
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