The Tamil Nadu museums and galleries lay scattered in various parts of the state. These galleries are rich treasure houses that store prized possessions of the region. The museums and galleries of Tamil Nadu preserve the cultural heritage of the state. They are repositories which are home to the rich artistry of the land of Tamil Nadu.
The state of Tamil Nadu has witnessed the rise and fall of several dynasties. The rulers of Tamil Nadu had been great patrons of art and literature. The immemorial antiques and impressions of these dynasties are preserved in these museums and galleries. Civilization in the land of Tamil Nadu had developed as early as the neolithic and paleolithic age. Excavations in the state have revealed several coins that belong to the Roman empire. These remains are preserved in the museums of Tamil Nadu.
The museums and galleries in Tamil Nadu are spread over the state. Some of them lie in the capital city of Chennai. The Government State Museum and Fort St. George Museum are situated in Chennai. The Government State Museum houses the rare collection of bronze antiques. The museum also has a section for the children filled with informative and entertaining collections of articles. The Government Museum is situated in Madurai. The Thanjauver Art Gallery is placed in the premises of the palace of the Nayaks of Thanjauver and is renowned for its collection of stone and bronze sculptures.
The Tamil Nadu museums and galleries are noted for the assimilation of articles that reflect the rich cultural inheritance of the state of Tamil Nadu.