Albert Hall Museum, also known as Government Central Museum is situated in Ram Niwas Garden, Jaipur. In this beautiful garden, there is also a zoo which adds to its attractiveness. Oldest among all the museums in the state, about 131 years, it comprises an unsurpassed and unique collection Rajasthan Miniature Paintings, Traditional Royal Costumes, Woodwork, And Sculptures. Some say that it was intended as a town hall, but converted to the oldest museum of Jaipur. Being a gateway from where a series of heritage walks in this city, now it becomes a venue for most of the cultural Albert Hall Museum foundation started from the construction of Albert Hall. It was based on Victoria and founded by Albert in 1876. Its attractive designed is done by Colonel Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob. It was opened in 1887 as a public museum.
Also called as Royal Albert Museum, it has very precious articles from all over the world. It comprises of decorative art objects, pottery objects, paintings, sculptures, woodwork, natural history specimens, an Egyptian Mummy and the well known Persian Golden Carpet. Mehndi, body art and great Rajasthani motifs and designs are also on display in a separate section.
History of Albert Hall Museum
The building of Albert Hall Museum was built in 1876 as a concert hall. The museum gets its name from the Victoria and Albert Museum of London, because of the similarity of architecture. The foundation for the building started in 1876, when Prince of Wales visited Jaipur. When the building was constructed, the royals and government did not have any idea about usage of the building. It was initially used as Town Hall in 1880. Later, the King of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II suggested to use it as a museum for Industrial Arts. Later, the hall was used for displaying masterpieces of local artisans.
In 1881, the museum was at its prime beauty and people from across the country visited this museum to buy or enjoy handicrafts, artwork and other masterpieces. However, the building was under construction until 1887. Later, the museum started to showcase artifacts and ancient artworks along with budding artist’s masterpieces.
Architecture of Albert Hall Museum
The building holds Indo-Saracenic architecture and exclusive stone ornamentation. The museum was famous for its architectural beauty since its inauguration. The corridors of the museum hold numerous mural paintings, Persian painting and others. The murals on display expresses ancient civilization and reigns like Green, Babylonian, Chinese and others.
Best Time To Visit Albert Hall Museum
Winters are best to explore Jaipur. November to February give you an ideal opportunity to visit the city. The days are balmy with soothing sun rays. Avoid visiting during summers which start from March and lasts until August. The temperature reaches 45 degrees Celsius, and it is extremely hot.
When it comes to the best time of the day, night time could be preferred as the building looks stunning when it is lighted up with yellow lights.
How To Reach Albert Hall Museum
The Albert Hall is located near Ajmeri Gate, in Ramniwas Bagh, Jaipur. The easiest way to reach the hall is to grab an autorickshaw or a taxi. Be careful with the auto drivers as they tend to charge higher from foreigners. Cabs can also be easily booked in Jaipur.
The Museums of Rajasthan fascinate people cutting across all cross sections of society. These marvellous museums depicting 1000 years old history are worth a visit once in a lifetime. From coins to arms to tanks to garments, the galleries of Rajasthan houses everything. Museums are the store-houses of information and depict the art and culture of a Nation.. The glimpses of the past golden era of the Rajas and the Maharajas can be seen through the museums of Rajasthan which are filled with all the articles and evidences of the historical figures and happenings in the state. The museums of Rajasthan are the store of the very interesting articles of the Kings and the Queens and it holds their objects that were related to their lifestyle, clothing, and their stories that made a mark in the history. The museums in Rajasthan also hold many articles related to the wars and the warriorship of the Rajput Kings who fought for their motherland and made the land pious colored in the hues of bravery and patriotism. These museums are managed by the ‘Department of Archeology and Museum, Government of Rajasthan’ and also some of them are jointly preserved by the ‘Archeological Survey of India’ too and the tourists who visit to this state never miss to visit them to reminisce the golden eras.