Fort Museum Chennai - Tamilnadu

Fort St. George is a historic fortress located in the coastal city of Chennai, on the banks of the Bay of Bengal. Established by the British East India Company in 1644, it stands as a symbol of the British Raj in India. It was initially built as a trading port and defensive structure to secure the interests of the British in the region. Over time, the fort evolved into a centre of political, administrative, and military activities for the British in India.

The fort was named after Saint George, in honour of Britain's patron saint. Historically renowned as ‘White Town’, it is the first fortress built by the British in India and a fine example of colonial-era military architecture. This fortress played a pivotal role in the transformation of an uninhabited coastal area into the bustling city of Madras, now known as Chennai. With its construction, Chennai became a hub for migration, trade, and industries.

The architecture of Fort St. George reflects the colonial influences of its time. The fort's design is characterized by a mixture of British and Indian architectural elements. It features sturdy walls, bastions, and military structures, as well as administrative buildings, churches, and residential quarters.

Fort St. George is a designated heritage site and a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. Within the confines of this historic fort, one finds the Fort Museum, a treasure trove of antiques and artefacts harking back to British rule. The Museum also houses St. Mary's Church, one of the oldest Anglican churches in Asia and several government buildings, including the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and the Secretariat of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

How to Reach Fort Museum Chennai

By Air: Chennai International Airport, about 20.6 Km away from the museum.
By Rail: Chennai Central Railway Station, 2.4 Km away. From the railway station, you can avail of public transport or get a cab/ taxi to reach the museum.
By Road: Chennai is well-connected by road to nearby cities and states. You can use private vehicles, public transport, hire taxis or an auto-rickshaw to reach the museum.

Visiting time Fort Museum Chennai

9 AM to 5 PM . Closed on Fridays.

Entrance Fee Fort Museum Chennai

For Indians - INR 15 per adult. For Foreigners - INR 200 per adult. For Children (up to 15 years) - Free.

Camera Fee Fort Museum Chennai

Video camera - not allowed. Still camera can be used without flash.

Holidays Fort Museum Chennai

Friday, Government Holidays