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The Government Museum is an important
building designed by Le Corbusier. The building itself, is a work of great
art. Historical and modern paintings and sculptures of vast range are
housed in the museum. Dr. M.S. Randhawa, Chandigarh's first Chief
Commissioner who was himself an art scholar was the moving force behind
the setting up of the museum.
Ratna Mathur Fabri, an outstanding Indian designer made the museum
furniture, display screens, showcases and frames. Earlier housed in
temporary quarters, the present museum opened on May 6,1968. In 1949, the
collection of the Central Museum, Lahore, was divided between India and
Pakistan. India's share, the core collection of this museum, included 619
Gandhara sculptures and 92 ancient sculptures from other periods, as well
as 447 miniature paintings.
The Object D' Art on Display
There is a small collection of objects in stucco and terra cotta, metal,
ivory, lacquer, ceramic, enamel and fabric. Over the past 40 years, more
than 9,000 objects have been acquired, the total number of works now
exceeds 10,000. A guide to the museum, a catalogue of contemporary art, a
catalogue of Brahmanical sculptures and series of picture postcards are on
sale in the museum lobby. All the manuscripts of Dr. M. S. Randhawa are
also preserved here. The museum's documentation section has an extensive
collection of photographs and slides and computerised Gandhara Collection.
The Museum of Evolution
In the complex is located the Museum of Evolution and the exhibition
gallery housing interesting features. The core collection of this museum,
included 619 Gandhara sculptures and 92 ancient sculptures from other
periods, as well as 447 miniature paintings (mainly from the Punjab Hills
but with some Persian, Mughal and Rajasthani works in addition). Over the
past 40 years more than 9,000 objects have been acquired, the total number
of works now exceeds 10,000.
Timings
Open from 10.00 hrs to 16.30 hrs. all days except Mondays and official
holidays.
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