Originally the palace of Rani Mangammal of the Naick dynasty, the building that houses the Gandhi Memorial Museum has witnessed various rulers and transitions throughout history. Known as Tamukkam Palace and built around 1670 A.D., it covers an area of 13 acres and showcases architectural excellence. Over the years, the palace was under the control of other dynasties and the East India Company, serving as the official residence for the British District Collector of Madurai.

In 1955, the palace was gifted to the All India Gandhi Smarak Nidhi by the Tamil Nadu State Government to create a Gandhi Memorial Museum. The museum was established and is maintained by Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, and it was inaugurated in 1959 by Jawaharlal Nehru.

The Gandhi Memorial Museum is not only a treasure trove of historical artifacts but also an architectural marvel. The main building, once the Tamukkam Palace, is accompanied by a hut named Gandhi Kutir, a replica of Gandhi's original hut in Sevagram. The ground floor features a section dedicated to Khadi and Village Industries, showcasing various industries revived by Gandhi. The northern side houses a library with over 20,000 volumes, including around 270,000 letters of Mahatma Gandhi and many reels of microfilms.

An open-air theatre with a capacity of 8,000 people is situated to the south of the main building, hosting cultural programs, public meetings, and shows regularly. The northern side of the building also features a newly created wing that includes an additional library.

Wheel Chair Availbility : Yes.
Wheel chair Access : The museum is equipped with ramps and elevators for wheelchair access.

Clothing

1. It is considered a place of religious importance and dressing modestly will be ideal.

2. Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor while exploring exhibits and interacting with staff.

3. Do not scribble, write graffitti on the wall. Keep the place clean and refrain from throwing garbage.

4. Follow the museum’s guidelines regarding photography; Typically, flash and video recording are prohibited.

The Museum houses the original blood-stained cloth, which was worn by Mahatma Gandhi on the day of his assassination. The museum also has 14 original artifacts used by Mahatma Gandhi.

The museum conducts a wide range of activities for visitors and residents, including self-employment
classes, Hindi and Sanskrit courses, yoga, pranayama, and meditation classes. Festivals are celebrated
with great enthusiasm, particularly Gandhi Jayanti on October 2nd, which includes a five-day
program featuring renowned speakers and artists from across the country.

1. Indians Adult :Free for Gandhi Museum and Rs.5 for Government Museum.

2. Indians Child : Free for Gandhi Museum and Rs.3 for Government Museum

3. Foreign National : Free for Gandhi Museum and Rs.100 for Government Museum.

Visitors to the Gandhi Museum in Madurai can expect a deep dive into Mahatma Gandhi’s life and principles, with exhibits showcasing his personal artifacts and historical memorabilia. The museum also offers insights into Gandhian philosophies and his impact on India’s freedom struggle. Additionally, the serene environment and educational programs provide a reflective experience.

The Gandhi Memorial Museum is open from Monday to Saturday, with timings from 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5:45 PM. The museum is closed on Sundays and government holidays.