As the iconic Government Museum in Chennai prepares to celebrate its 175th anniversary in April 2026, the Tamil Nadu government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to upgrade and modernise the facility.

Speaking in the Assembly, Minister for Arts and Culture M.P. Saminathan announced that ₹4 crore will be allocated for the renovation of the geology, botany, zoology, and anthropology galleries at the Egmore museum campus. An additional ₹1 crore will be spent on improving overall campus infrastructure.

To enhance the visitor experience, infrastructure for light and sound shows will be created at a cost of ₹30 lakh, while ₹50 lakh will be used to strengthen the museum’s chemical conservation section. The minister also announced the introduction of buggies to help senior citizens and children navigate the large campus comfortably.

The development plan extends beyond Chennai. The Government Museums in Madurai and Theni will be upgraded at a cost of ₹2 crore. New museums are also set to be established in Tiruppur and Thoothukudi districts. Additionally, the Connemara Cottage in Udhagamandalam, which houses a government museum, will be repaired at a cost of ₹50 lakh.

These initiatives aim to preserve Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural and scientific heritage while making its museums more accessible and engaging for the public.