Government Museum / Mathura Museum, Mathura - Timings, Entry Fee, History & Artifacts

At a distance of 2.5 km from Mathura Junction Railway Station, Government Museum, popularly known as Mathura Museum, is an archeological museum located near the Dampier Park in Mathura city. It is one of the best museums in India and also one of the popular Mathura tourist places.

The museum was founded by then collector of the Mathura district, Sir F. S. Growse in 1874. Initially it was known as Curzon Museum of Archaeology, then Archaeology Museum, and finally changed to the Government Museum, Mathura. Mathura Museum is considered one of the leading centers for research, study and the preservation of the heritage left by the Mathura School of Sculpture.

The building of the museum itself is worth visiting. This beautiful building is octagonal in shape and is made out of the red-sandstone. The museum is famous for ancient sculptures of the Mathura school dating from 3rd century BC to 12th century AD, all found from archaeological excavations around the region. These artifacts offer some brilliant insights into the Gupta and Kushan kingdoms, most prominent in this region.

The statues of headless figure of Kanishka, standing Buddha and mother goddess along with the memorials of Sunga period are worth watching. Furthermore, tourists visiting the museum can also see a collection of stone sculptures, terracotta, gold, silver and copper coins. The museum also houses ancient paintings, bronze sculptures, pottery and clay seals. The Government of India issued a postage stamp on October 9, 1974 on the centenary of the museum.

Entry Fee: Rs.5 for Adults, Rs.2 for children and Rs.25 per foreigners.

Timings: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Closed on Mondays, Second Saturdays and on National Holidays.