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Salar Jung Museum
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · India

Salar Jung Museum

Getting around: On the banks of the Musi River in old Hyderabad, reachable by auto-rickshaw or taxi from Charminar, a short distance away.
Hours: Open Saturday to Thursday, roughly 10am to 5pm; closed on Fridays.

The Salar Jung Museum houses one of India's largest one-man collections of art and antiques, assembled by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan (Salar Jung III), a former prime minister of Hyderabad state, spanning European, Middle Eastern, Far Eastern, and Indian art and artifacts. It's known for eclectic highlights including a famous mechanical musical clock that chimes on the hour, an intricately carved veiled rebecca statue, and an extensive collection of swords, sculptures, and paintings.

The sheer breadth of the collection, one individual's personal acquisitions rather than a curated national museum, gives it an unusually wide-ranging, sometimes eccentric character. It's one of the most-visited museums in India and generally considered a highlight of any Hyderabad itinerary.

Salar Jung Museum FAQs

Which day is the Salar Jung Museum closed?

Fridays.

What's the museum's most famous exhibit?

A large mechanical musical clock that performs a chiming display on the hour is one of the most popular attractions, along with the veiled rebecca marble statue.

How long does a visit take?

2-3 hours given the scale and breadth of the collection.

Is there an entry fee?

Yes, a standard ticket fee applies, with an additional camera fee for photography.

Who assembled this collection?

Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, known as Salar Jung III, a former prime minister of the Hyderabad princely state, who spent decades acquiring art and artifacts from around the world.

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