Maharajah Fateh Singh Museum of Baroda (Vadodara), Gujarat - housed in a part of Lakshmi Vilas heritage palace

Maharajah Fateh Singh Museum Baroda, gujarattourism.com

Maharajah Fateh Singh Museum Baroda, dynamic.tourtravelworld.com

Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum: An Overview
Located within the sprawling Lakshmi Vilas Palace Estate, the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum showcases an array of exquisite art pieces that belong to the illustrious Maratha family. The museum occupies some portion of the esteemed Laxmi Vilas Palace, which was once the official residence of the Gaekwad family of Gujarat. Previously the building of this museum was used  as a school for the children of the Maharajah. This beautiful building of the palace is a reflection of the Indo-Saracenic architecture style that still houses personal belongings of the Gaekwad family. In the museum, one can see the incredible collection of the Gaekwad dynasty and visual arts of the famous artists like Raja Ravi Varma, Raphael, Titian, and Murillo.

Lakshmi Nivas Palace in Baroda im.rediff.com

Above image: Lakshmi Nivas Palace in Baroda. It took 12 years to build at the cost of £180,000, at that time, and was made from Agra sandstone, Pune blue trap rock and Rajasthani marble. Architect - Popular British architect Robert Chisholm. Design style- Indo-Saracenic. Chisholm designed many buildings in Madras many of which carry his legacy..........

On display in the museum are exclusive marble collection from the countries like Europe, Japan, and China. Paintings made by Raja Ravi Varma depicting the royal family of Gaekwad are the highlights of the museum. Raja Ravi Verma was also famous for his paintings based on Hindu mythology. Along with the family portraits, there is a collection of European paintings made by eminent artists like Raphael, Titian and Murillo. Other than the paintings, there is a rich collection of marble and bronze sculptures.'

Maharajah Fateh Singh Museum Baroda lifeberrys.com

Maharaja Fateh Singh a.1stdibscdn.com

Maharajah Fateh Singh Museum houses a rich visual art collection of the celebrated Italian artist, Fellicci. One can see the Fellicci's work adorned not only in the interiors but also in the manicured Sayaji Garden or Kamati Baug. The Oriental Gallery is a part of the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, where one can see artifacts from Japan and China. One can also see prized possessions of the royals that were gifted during the visit to these countries. The museum reflects the grandeur and lavish lifestyle of the Gaekwad family.

Maharajah Fateh Singh Museum Baroda gujarattourism.com

The museum's collection is vast and varied, featuring:

  • European Renaissance and Rococo Paintings: These classic European styles are well-represented in the museum, with pieces that capture the essence of these influential art movements.
  • Portraits and Marble Busts: The museum boasts an impressive array of portraits and marble busts, depicting various figures of historical and artistic significance.
  • Raja Ravi Varma Collection: A highlight of the museum is its collection of more than 30 original paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, one of India's most renowned artists. These works were commissioned by the Maharaja himself, adding a personal touch to the collection.
  • International Artefacts: Spanning two floors, the museum's artefacts hail from different countries, reflecting the global connections and tastes of the royal family.  The Oriental Gallery is a part of the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, where one can see artifacts from Japan and China. One can also see prized possessions of the royals that were gifted during the visit to these countries.
  • Toy Train: Outside in the garden, a fully functional toy train, known as the world’s smallest locomotive engine, was created for the prince and remains a charming attraction.
  •  Topis: The museum has lots of headgears of various Indian communities and tribes, besides foreign ones.
  • Brief History
  • Establishment: The Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum was established in 1961.
  • Previous Use: Before becoming a museum, the building served as a school for the children of the royal family.
  • Transformation: The school was later refurbished and converted into the museum, preserving and showcasing the rich heritage and artistic legacy of the Maratha family.

The Maharajah Fateh Singh Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle and refined tastes of the Maratha royalty, set against the backdrop of the magnificent Lakshmi Vilas Palace Estate.

https://www.gujarattourism.com/central-zone/vadodara/maharaja-fatehsingh-museum.html

https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/gujarat/maharaja-fateh-singh-museum.html

https://www.lifeberrys.com/holidays/5-must-visit-unique-museum-in-gujarat-147391.html