Albert Hall Museum

The Albert Hall Museum is the oldest museum in Rajasthan and one of Jaipur's architectural showpieces. Set in the leafy Ram Niwas Garden just south of the old city, its ornate silhouette — floodlit to a golden glow after dark — is a landmark in its own right, quite apart from the treasures it holds.

History

The foundation stone was laid in 1876 to mark the visit of the Prince of Wales, Albert Edward, after whom the building is named. Designed by the architect Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, it was completed and opened to the public as a museum in 1887. It was conceived from the outset as a "people's museum" to showcase the art and craftsmanship of the region.

Architecture

The building is a superb example of the Indo-Saracenic style, weaving together Rajput, Mughal, Gothic and European elements into a harmonious whole of domes, arches, colonnades and finely carved stone. The interior ceilings are painted with reproductions of designs drawn from around the world, from Egyptian to Persian motifs.

Collections

The galleries hold a rich and eclectic collection: Rajasthani miniature paintings, woven carpets, pottery, ivory and metalwork, woodcraft, musical instruments, arms and armour, and traditional costumes. Among its most talked-about exhibits are an Egyptian mummy and a famous collection depicting the different postures of yoga. Together they make the museum a fascinating window onto both local heritage and the wider world.

Visiting tips

Allow an hour or two to browse the galleries. The building is at its most magical after sunset, when it is dramatically illuminated and the surrounding garden fills with families and pigeons — a lovely time for photographs even if you have already toured the interior by day. It sits close to the zoo and central Jaipur, and is easily reached from anywhere in the city.