Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum — Attraction in Gujarat

Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum is a museum housed within the Maharaja’s palace (the Lukshmi Villas Palace) in Vadodara, India. The Fatehsinhrao museum, which was established in 1961, is located in the Palace grounds.

The building was constructed as a school for the Maharaja’s children. Today a large number of works of art belonging to the Royal family are displayed in the museum. The museum contains works of art collected by Maharaja Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad III during his numerous trips out of India. The major works of art in this museum are the paintings by European and Indian artists including a collection of the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, who was specially commissioned by the then Maharaja of Baroda. The collection includes portraits of the Royal family in addition to the paintings based on Hindu mythology for which Raja Ravi Varma was famous.

There is a collection of sculptures in marble and bronze. These include copies of great masters in bronze commissioned by the Maharaja and also originals by renowned artists. One of the artists commissioned by the Maharaja was an Italian artist Fellicci whose works adorn not only the Museum but also the Lukshmi Villas Palace. Some of Fellici’s works can be seen on the Public Park ( Sayaji Garden also known as Kamati Baug by the locals).

The museum has an oriental gallery which houses Japanese and Chinese sculptures and other works collected by the Maharaja on his visits to these countries.

The Museum is especially noted for works by European Renaissance artists like Raphael, Titian, Murillo and Rembrandt, and an outstandingCollection of the Portraiture of Raja Ravi Verma, a 19th century portraitist. Another interesting section houses Chinese and Japanese porcelain artefacts, while two rooms on the ground floor are treasure troves of the Roccoco period in art.

The fully functional Toy Train that the prince Ranjitsinh Gaekwad received on his fifth birthday from his father Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad, can now be found in the Fatehsinhrao Museum.

FOR MUSEUM VISITORS: Museum Timings:The Museum is open to visitors on all days except Mondays & public Holidays.Visitors timings are from 10 to 17:00 hrs Note: Photography is NOT allowed...

This Palace Historical & architectural grandeur The layout, design, and scale of the palace complex are spectacular( some areas r restricted). The courtyards, with lush green lawns sprawling the palace ground is awestriking. The ornate halls, display the preserved woodwork, and painting by the famous artist Ravi Sharma. The museum has Rich collections & exhibits There are themed exhibition halls: calligraphy, painting, ceramics, timepieces, furniture, bronze ware and weapons used to fight wars, etc.The artefacts are rare and could have been better well conserved. The museum has introduced several supportive measures to assist n guide visitors. Accessibility lanes for elderly, for stroller/wheelchair users; is available. It was Overcrowded as we visited during the weekend. Restricted access or closures Some indoor halls/ areas or rooms may be closed off, either for conservation or due to events unknown. Time needed The scale is big. Most people find an hour as minimum time to complete all zones, but to properly explore many parts you may need more time . If you rush, you’ll miss many details. Language / signage / navigation difficulties Is Cleary marked in sections or zones . Some signage is bilingual, others less so. Getting detailed context without a guide or audio guide is harder. So when u get in take an audio guide as per your language preference At the Palace Museum too tickets are available

Photography is prohibited . Go early in the day or later to avoid crowds and afternoon heat/sun. In some areas no ventilation. Also there isnt air conditioning so expect it to be hot in some areas.

Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll walk quite a bit. We even experienced heavy showers when we went on the grounds to click a few pics. Use a guide or audio guide. They help a lot with historical context.

If you like history, architecture, art or culture, The Palace Museum is a must-visit. Its grandeur and depth are hard to match. But go in prepared: plan ahead, allow enough time, expect crowds, and be ready for some areas to be inaccessible. Even with those challenges, many people feel the visit is...

The Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum is a hidden gem located within the Lakshmi Vilas Palace complex in Vadodara. It showcases the grandeur and artistic inclination of the Gaekwad royal family.

The museum is housed in a building that was originally meant for the education of royal children, giving it a regal yet academic ambiance.

The collection is impressive and includes original paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, European oil paintings, sculptures, marble works, and porcelain artefacts collected by the royals from trips abroad.

One of the most captivating parts of the museum is the sculpture gallery, which displays beautiful Greek and Roman-inspired statues, giving visitors a feeling of walking through a European art gallery.

There’s a section dedicated to Japanese and Chinese art, which adds a touch of global aesthetics to the museum experience.

Entry tickets are reasonably priced, usually bundled with Lakshmi Vilas Palace access, making it a great value for money.

The museum is air-conditioned and well-maintained, offering a comfortable environment to view artworks even during summer.

Audio guides are available, offering insights into each exhibit and enhancing the overall understanding of the displayed works.

Photography is not allowed inside the museum, which helps preserve the art but might be disappointing to some visitors.

The museum can be explored in about 1 to 1.5 hours, and it’s ideal for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and even students of culture.

Staff is courteous and security is well-managed, ensuring a peaceful visit.

Located just about 3–4 km from Vadodara Railway Station and Airport, the museum is easily accessible by cab or auto.

There are clean washrooms and some seating areas inside, though there is no in-house cafeteria.

It's recommended to pair the museum visit with a tour of the Lakshmi Vilas Palace to get a complete royal experience of Vadodara.

Overall, a deeply enriching and inspiring destination that reflects the vision, taste, and legacy of the Gaekwads—definitely worth visiting when...