CENTENARY
HERITAGE MUSEUM
The
Centenary Heritage Museum, located in the Gunfoundry area of Hyderabad,
is a premier institution dedicated to the preservation of India's
archaeological legacy. Serving as a vital center for scholars and the general
public, it is the first museum of its kind to display invaluable antiquities
representing centuries of civilization and culture under a single roof.
Historical Significance
- Salvage Operations:
The museum's core collection originated from large-scale salvage
operations in the Srisailam submergible area. This project covered 110
villages across Kurnool and Mahabubnagar districts prior to the
construction of the Srisailam Hydro Electric Project.
- Development:
The current building's foundation was laid on May 5, 1981, and it was
officially handed over to the Department of Archaeology & Museums on
May 11, 1988.
- Evolution of Identity:
Originally intended to house artifacts from Yeleswaram and Srisailam, it
was later designated as the A.P. Archaeological Museum. It was eventually
renamed the "Centenary Heritage Museum" to commemorate the
department's centenary celebrations.
Galleries and Exhibits
The
museum is organized across three floors, meticulously categorizing the
evolution of art and history:
- Ground Floor:
Features the 'Art through the Ages Gallery,' divided into sections
for terracotta, stucco, metal, wood, and miscellaneous art forms.
- Masterpiece Exhibit:
The center of the ground floor showcases a magnificent 16th-century temple
door jamb from the Sri Varadaraja Swamy Temple in Pragatur. It is
considered a masterpiece of late-phase Hindu architecture.
- First Floor:
Dedicated to chronological history, containing the Pre-historic, Temple
Module, Megalithic, and Early Historic galleries.
Visitor Information- Address:
Opposite Golkonda Emporium, Abids Road, Gunfoundry, Hyderabad - 500001.
- Operational Hours:
10:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Weekly Holiday:
Closed on Fridays and all Public Holidays.