Government Museum Mathura (Timings, History, Location & Entry ticket cost price)
The Government Museum Mathura is home to an impressive collection of terracotta wares, paintings, gold, silver, and copper coins, among other items. It is particularly well-known for its collection of sculptures, which show the influence of the Mathura school of art, which flourished from the third to the twelfth century BC to the 12th century AD.
This museum has a stunning collection of 1300 pieces of art, including 6000 stone sculptures, 25,000 coins, 3000 terracotta figures, 350 metal figurines, and more. The appeal of this lovely museum is further enhanced by the statue of Victoria, the former Empress of India; a 4000-year-old human-like copper figure found in Shahabad, Uttar Pradesh; a Jain tablet from the first century; and several other treasures.
Notable discoveries were also made by well-known colonial archaeologists like Fuhrer, FS Growse, and Alexander Cunningham. You can enter a moment of greatness and leave with a bag full of memories that will last a lifetime if you visit the museum.
History of Government Museum Mathura
The museum was established in 1874 by Sir FS Growse, who was Mathura’s collector at the time. The Government Museum was first called the Curzon Museum of Archaeology before changing its name to the Archaeology Museum, Mathura.
On October 9, 1974, the Government of India produced a postage stamp to mark the 100th anniversary and its illustrious heritage. It is an octagonal structure made of red sandstone, and its expansive lawns are dotted with hand-chiseled sculptures and rare Bodhi statues.
Collections at Government Museum Mathura
The headless figure of Kanishka, wearing a central Asian clothing, huge boots, and a sword and sheath in both hands, is the most remarkable artefact at the Government Museum in Mathura. The clay objects on exhibit include several motifs from the Kushana and Gupta periods, Sunga period plaques, and archaic mother deities.
This is a great place to learn about ancient Indian life and relics. Among the items on show in this museum are hairdressing tools, antique apparel, varied decorations, and other unusual home items.
The collection of impressionist paintings and the unique exhibit spanning the gardens are both neatly arranged. Additionally, there are clearly laid-out site maps to assist you in comprehending the museum’s layout and the locations of various artefact categories.
Location of Government Museum Mathura
It is located on Museum Road, Dampier Nagar, Mathura and is surrounded by the Dwarkadhish temple, Dhruv Tila, Vishram Ghat, etc.
Importance of Government Museum Mathura
Exploring the local sculpture styles and galleries featuring Buddha and Jain Tirthankara sculptures would be a delightful experience for art enthusiasts.
#Fun Fact: According to local mythology, this is where the first Buddha image was seen.
The Buddha is also portrayed by “yakshas” and “yakshis” at the museum. The Buddhist images in this Mathura government museum have changed from being earthy to being sculpted. The Gupta dynasty saw the most notable change, with far more appropriate and instructive depictions.
Entry Fee and Visit timings of the Government Museum Mathura
Indian adults must pay INR 5 to enter, while minors must pay INR 2. For foreign visitors, the cost is INR 25. If you wish to bring a camera, you will need to pay an extra INR 20. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. On Mondays, the museum is closed.
