Madras Museum 1851

       The  story of Madras Museum :

      The idea of opening a Museum in Madras was suggested to the Government in 1843 by the Madras Literary Society and the Auxiliary of the Royal  Asiatic Society.  Proposals were also submitted by General  Cullen for establishment of small museums in various collectorates to be placed under the care of Collector,  Medical Officer and Engineer. The  proposals were accepted by the Court of Directors in 1846 and the Literary  Society presented a small collection  of geological specimens to form the nucleus of proposed Central Museum.

        The  Central Museum was not established until 1851 when a small general collection was brought together in the  College of Fort St . George  and the Government invited the cooperation of the public in the  development.  It was described as a Museum of practical or economic Geology and natural History and  Dr . Edward Balfour a Surgeon of Madras Army was put in  charge of it. In 1854 the  Central Museum was moved from Fort  St . George to  Pantheon Road. The  Pantheon or old Assembly Rooms of Madras  the scene of balls, concerts and theatre of bygone days was adapted for  its new functions and in course of time added to.