Albert Hall Museum: Rare Antiques You Must See When In Jaipur, India

Albert Hall Museum: Rare Antiques You Must See When In Jaipur, India
Kaylin
Kaylin 
Published
| 4 min read

Maharaja (great king) Sawai Ram Singh originally wanted this incredible structure to be used as a town hall. However, his successor Madho Singh II decided instead, that having a building that would house all of Jaipur’s major artwork would be more beneficial. Now, the Albert Hall Museum is the oldest museum that also functions as the State museum, in Rajasthan, India.

Designed by Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob (a British Army officer and Director of the Jaipur Public Work Department), with the help of architect Mir Tujumool Hoosein, its construction began for the sole purpose of greeting King Edward, the Prince of Wales, when he decided to make a trip to India.

Ten years later in 1876, the Albert Hall Museum was opened to the public, displaying many paintings, carpets, metal and wood crafts, arms, weapons, and much more. You will enjoy exploring some of the same artifacts that those from over 100 years ago also fell in love with. In fact, let’s take a look at some of them now.

Ticket information

albert hall museum: rare antiques you must see when in jaipur, india | ticket information

Almost standing in the middle of the street, this architectural masterpiece was designed and built in the Indo-Saracenic style. There are many archways, floors, and it’s all incredibly symmetric. You’ll need to purchase your ticket right outside the entrance gate: 300 INR (4.52 USD) for foreign visitors, 150 INR (2.25 USD) for foreign students, and 40 INR (0.60 USD) for Indian citizens, and 20 INR (0.30 USD) for Indian students.

You’ll often see a group of young adults, or teenagers, who are visiting with their school, but they tend to move in and out of the complex pretty quickly, allowing you the time you need to really study and appreciate the artifacts presented.

Interesting weaponry

albert hall museum: rare antiques you must see when in jaipur, india | interesting weaponry

On the ground floor, there are many weapons showcased that you may or may not be familiar with. You’ll see many different swords and knives that have been attractively decorated with jewels or have a hilt made of jade. Some of the blades even have inscriptions in Arabic, Sanskrit, and elegant calligraphy.

You’ll also see many antique revolvers, gun powder holders, along with bows and arrows. There is a display card next to the glass holding these precious items from the past, and you’ll see Hindi as well as English descriptions to let you know exactly what each piece is.

The female mummy Tutu

albert hall museum: rare antiques you must see when in jaipur, india | the female mummy tutu

One of the highlights at the Albert Hall Museum is the female mummy Tutu. She was one of the members from the priest’s family of God Chem (Ptolemaic Era – 322 to 30 BC), and she was discovered at Akhmim. Tutu is 4000 years old, and if you look closely at her lid you will see a winged scarab beetle which is thought to be the symbol of resurrection.

Inscribed on the lower half of the lid you can see a wide collar of beads, towards the waist, and if you look closely you’ll notice the winged goddess Isis that is known for protecting the dead. Anubis (Egyptian god of the afterlife) is displayed along the legs of the mummy Tutu and is supposedly aiding in the mummification process.

Osiris (the god of the dead) is depicted on the very last panel of the lid with two cobras. He is thought to be the one who judges the soul once it has passed from this life to the next.

Intriguing jewelry and clothing

albert hall museum: rare antiques you must see when in jaipur, india | intriguing jewelry and clothing

On the first floor there is a hall full of jewelry that was worn by peasant men and women who lived in eastern Rajasthan in the 19th century. Even though these pieces were worn by so called ‘peasants’, they are very ornate and would be highly sought after today. Adorned with many gemstones and crystals, especially garnet, these silver and brass period pieces are designed with many realistic elements, such as birds, butterflies, and floral patterns.

Many used to be worn as forehead or foot ornaments, which are really interesting to look at, and you’ll also see the more common rings, earrings, necklaces, and even waist-belts. You’ll even come across several costumes that were worn by both the elite and the masses. These costumes are quite intriguing and were blended with a multitude of colors.

The Hindi word “bandhani” refers to a popular type of tie dying that is not at all what we envision when we think of tie dye today. There are different styles of bandhani in Rajasthan: laharia, pomacha, and chunari. Laharia is when diagonal stripes are colored in five, six, or seven colors, pomacha is commonly given as a gift to a new mother and is usually yellow with a red border, and chunari is considered to be the most popular pattern, usually dotted and dyed in red and green. It’s really neat to look at these clothes, as most of these styles are still worn by many in Rajasthan today.

Jaipur Tour Guide

neha agarwal

Neha Agarwal

Namaste, Passionate and Authorized Lady Tour Guide, Neha , dedicated to unveil the captivating stories, heritage and cultural treasures of JAIPUR, India. Committed to create joyful and memorable experiences for guests through personalized tours and warm hospitality. ​ I work as a cultural ambassador of India , since 2007 appointed by the Ministry of Tourism, India. I have mastered in Medieval History of India (Post Graduate) which has educated me and enhanced my knowledge to compliment my job as a tour guide as it helps me to explain different aspects of History, architecture, religion and secularism, colors, languages, dresses, culture and traditions. I have an instinct that I specialize in taking around my city Jaipur and various Heritage monuments, especially for lady guests. The list is long to name them, but proudly if I name them it starts with MS. OPRAH WINFREY, "Queen of All Media", Ms. Mary Lindmann- Community Builder, Darrah Joy. In Addition to this, many CEO's, artists, magicians (Zubin Mehta), travel writers, etc. with their families, friends and companions. I always wanted to do a job in which I talk about the world and compare it with city's heritage. This job truly blends with my passion of talking to the nationals of developed countries I just enjoy it. Through that I learn a lot and try to help the society in sustaining of restoration work. That nature of mine has fetched me many dignitaries, diplomats through their respective embassies, consulates, Dutchess and Dukes and many other private star hotels, namely Aman Group, Oberoi's, Taj Group and ITC. I have received many compliments for my tailor made itineraries by repeated guests as they are the best judges to differentiate their previous visits with mine. As I totally emphasize to show them the actual India differently by making Heritage Walks many other typical Indian ways. I want them to look India through my eye which is truly INCREDIBLE! Thank you for giving few minutes of your valuable search and time to read, understand my profile. Hope I'll receive the click button—Confirmed. I can pen down many other things about myself but leaving it for you to experience yourself by coming as a guest but going as a friend, from a stranger to family.

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Jaipur Tour Guide

Narender Kumar

Narender Kumar

I have been a tour guide/ escort for more than 10 years and have guided tourists pan India to historical and cultural heritage sites, national parks & bird sancturies, monuments places like- Delhi , Agra, Jaipur, Khajuraho Exotic Temples, Ranthambore National Park, Mumbai, Nashik , Aurangabad ( Ajanta Rockcut Caves & Ellora Rockcut Temples ), Goa etc. I am proficient in English, Russian, Hindi and Urdu. I became a tour guide due to my passion for travelling and I love meeting new people and share incredible experiences and learn more about a culture and place. I have a good sense of humor and love cracking jokes which will make your trip fun and lively. I love taking care of people and your safety is my top priority. You will have the best holiday memories with me as your tour guide/escort.

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Jaipur Tour Guide

farman guia turstico

Farman Guia Turstico

Hello Travellers people calle me Farman a experienced freelance tour guide. I work with several Free Tours company and we would love to show you around and give you the best tips and recomendations. If you travel in India you will discover a new aspect of this wonderful city. If it is your first visit i warn you one thing: you will fall in love in love with India and you will end up coming back.

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Jaipur Tour Guide

Zeeshan Ali

Zeeshan Ali

Namaste!! I Take privilege to share about myself. My name is Zeeshan. I was born and raised in the rich history of India, in the Beautiful City of Agra, I had no Doubts to become a Tour Guide because I couldn't stop myself been attracted towards the charm for History & Architecture of monuments located at Agra from my childhood. I Chose to become a Tour Guide to fulfill my Passion & to learn, share about the Customs, Tradition, Culture, History & Architecture of my Incredible Country which has a Unity in Diversity. I am 34 years old and 14 of them I Dedicated as a Tour Guide. I am Educated, Professional, Sociable, Punctual & friendly. I can interest you by presenting interesting facts about India. I always take into account the wishes of my Clients and create individual plans of Excursion. I help my Clients in choosing the Best Stops, Stores, Cafes & transfers. I did my Masters in Indian History (Medieval Period). I believe my Journey has just begun as I discovered an enormous amount of knowledge of History, Architecture & Culture of North India by reading & Travelling So I am very Well Versed to Deliver the Tour just like a local. I consider myself a Professional in this field, I am happy that my clients take their India Tour Memories as an Experience to Cherish it throughout their lives. In easy words, you can travel with me like an old family friend from India.

Additional information on Albert Hall Museum

The Albert Hall Museum is open daily from 9am until 5pm, then again from 7pm until 10pm, and the ticket booth is just outside the museum beside the main entrance. During the summer time it does get extremely hot in Jaipur, with temperatures rising as high as 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit). This museum is not air-conditioned, but there are fans running throughout the complex.

You want to be sure that you are dressed comfortably yet still conservatively as there are many school children who take field trips here, and also to respect the culture. This is a wonderful place to visit with your family and friends, especially for those who are interested in learning more about India’s beautiful culture.

Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Kaylin started traveling at the age of 2 by visiting family across the United States and embarking on her first solo flight at 11. Introduced to writing at 13 through Kiwibox, an online teen...Read more

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