Salar Jung Museum of Hyderabad: History, Collection, Activities, Entry Fee, Timings (2024)
Well known for being one of the largest one – man collection of the world, Salar Jung is considered as one of the most popular tourist places in Hyderabad that you must not miss visiting. The museum has gained a lot of appearance in the print as well as electronic media not only because of its huge collection but also because of the museum’s efforts to preserve the history through the means of digitalisation and various latest methods. Moreover, what makes Salar Jung Museum so special is that plenty of tourist places in Hyderabad are located in close proximity from the museum. The magnificent building of this museum paves way into a rich history from all over the world. Salar Jung Museum is nothing short of a treasure house that houses several valuable and precious secrets. The best part is that the museum values as well as respects the unparalleled feats that the Asians, Europeans and other eastern countries have achieved in various fields ranging from art to science to literature, over the span of so many years. Are you also planning a vacation to Hyderabad and want to know more about this exciting museum? If yes, then you have arrived at just the right place because in this article we will provide with you all that you need. Continue reading!
History of Salar Jang Museum:
Declared open on December 16, 1951 by the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, Salar Jang Museum of Hyderabad is considered as the third largest museum in the entire country. Spread over an area of 10 acres and built in two floors, the Salar Jang Museum houses a wide range of unique artefacts which have been majorly collected by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan who is also known by the name Salar Jung III along with Nawab Turab Ali Khan and his descendants. It is believed that Mir Yousuf Ali Khan dedicated his entire life as well as his entire wealth in collecting antiques as well as artefacts from all over the world. He even left his then esteemed position of the then Prime Minister to pursue his passion of collecting art pieces and manuscripts from all around the globe. It was after the demise of Salar Jung III, that Sri M.K. Velod, the then Chief Civil Administrator of the Hyderabad state got the idea of creating the museum. Till the year 1996 the museum was under the direct purview of the Government of India but later it was recognised as an Institution of National Importance and its administration went under an independent board of trustees.
Collections at Salar Jung Museum:
With a huge collection comprising of over 43000 art objects, 47000 printed books and 9000 manuscripts, Salar Jung Museum promises a rich and rare experience to all of its visitors. Spread over two floors, the museum has 38 galleries and each of this gallery display an impressive number of approximately 13,654 objects. The collection in the museum is diverse and consists of Indian art, European art, middle eastern art, far eastern art, children art as well as the founder’s gallery and rare manuscript section. One of the main highlights of the museum is its 19th century British musical clock which was sold by Cooke and Kelvey of England. Another major attraction of the museum is Veiled Rebecca that is a stunning marble statue created by an Italian sculptor G B Benzoni in 1876. A set of ivory chairs which was presented to Tippu Sultan of Mysore by Louis XVI of France is also a popular attraction that the museum houses. Some other valuables which are part of this extensive collection include Rehal- the jade book stand, a dagger of Jehangir and a fruit knife of Noorjehan decorated with precious stones, Lilawati- a rare manuscript on mathematic, rare paintings, valuable medical encyclopaedia belonging to ancient India and so on. The best part is that the collection at Salar Jung Museum is from all over the world.
Activities at Salar Jung Museum:
Other than housing an enviable collection of valuable artefacts, Salar Jung Museum is also known to play a prominent role in organising plenty of diverse workshops as well as exhibition in collaboration with many international museums and organisations. The museum even organises some special seminars and workshops on specific occasions such as birth anniversary of Salar Jung I, Children’s week, Museum week and so on.
Another thing that museum boasts of doing is publishing books in English, Hindi and Urdu languages as well as guide books, brochures and research journals that offer a complete understanding of the museum and the detailed history behind it.
Entry fee for Salar Jung Museum:
The entry fee for this famous tourist place in Hyderabad is pretty reasonable. While students as well as children below the age of 18 years are free to enter the museum, others need to pay an entry fee of Rs. 20 per person. To avail the free entry the students, need to produce an entry card. Moreover, the museum even offers a 50% concession in the entry fee for defence personnel in uniform and kisan parties. On special occasions like the Museum week which is celebrated from 8th to 14th January every year, even the general public is given concession on entry ticket. However, if you are a foreign tourist, then the entry ticket price for you is Rs. 500 per person. You must also know that for clicking photos at Salarjung Museum, you need to pay a minimal camera fee. For mobile and still camera, the cost is Rs. 50. An audio tour is also offered at the museum. This tour lasts for approximately 90 minutes and the cost is Rs. 60 per person.
Opening Hours of Salar Jung Musuem:
The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM every day except Friday.
If you are an art lover or even a history enthusiast, then you can just not miss visiting this tourist place in Hyderabad.
