What to expect
National Art Gallery
Housed in a striking red Indo-Saracenic building opened in 1909 within the Pantheon Complex at Egmore, designed by Henry Irwin and built of Satyavedu sandstone. It holds Rajput and Mughal miniatures, Tanjore paintings, ivory and metalware. Its ornate arched facade is among the most photographed heritage structures in Chennai.
Practical guide
Plan National Art Gallery
Typeheritage
Nearest baseEgmore
Best timeOctober to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta
Time neededAbout an hour
EntryAround ₹15 for Indians (part of Government Museum ticket)
Nearest town/baseEgmore
DistrictChennai
Place typeheritage
Time neededAbout an hour.
Housed in a striking red Indo-Saracenic building opened in 1909 within the Pantheon Complex at Egmore, designed by Henry Irwin and built of Satyavedu sandstone. It holds Rajput and Mughal miniatures, Tanjore paintings, ivory and metalware. Its ornate arched facade is among the most photographed heritage structures in Chennai.
National Art Gallery is planned from Egmore, one of the travel bases in Chennai district. Use Egmore for stays, food and local transport, then plan this place as a focused stop.
Visiting
National Art Gallery — at a glance
Timings9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (closed Fridays and national holidays)
Best timeYear-round
Entry: Around ₹15 for Indians (part of Government Museum ticket)
Getting there: In the Pantheon Complex, Egmore, near Egmore railway and metro station.
Entry is via the Government Museum campus ticket; the gallery itself may sometimes be under restoration.
Getting there
How to visit
- Base yourself in Egmore or nearby in Chennai, then confirm the last-mile route locally before travel.
- If access depends on temple, museum or seasonal rules, check on the day before you go.
Distance by road
- Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)55 km
- Kanchipuram72 km
- Puducherry150 km
- Vellore135 km
- Tirupati135 km
Road km to Chennai; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
Timing
Best time
October to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta.
Weather in National Art GallerySeasonal guide
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Visitor notes
Safety
Good to know
On the map
Where National Art Gallery is
Good to know
National Art Gallery — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit National Art Gallery?
October to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta.
What are the entry fee and timings at National Art Gallery?
Entry: Around ₹15 for Indians (part of Government Museum ticket). Timings: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (closed Fridays and national holidays). Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach National Art Gallery?
Base yourself in Egmore or nearby in Chennai, then confirm the last-mile route locally before travel. If access depends on temple, museum or seasonal rules, check on the day before you go.
How much time do I need for National Art Gallery?
About an hour.
What else is near National Art Gallery?
Nearby you can pair Government Museum, Chennai (180 m), Connemara Public Library (240 m), Egmore Railway Station (300 m), St. Andrew's Kirk (850 m).
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Tanjore paintings, bronzes, crafts, souvenirs, books and local products.
Requires source, owner claim, or admin approval before publishing.Image credits
- National Art Gallery:$nowPearl, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0