The Oldest Picture Gallery of Lucknow

If you have planned for a relaxing vacation at Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, India, one thing is certain that you love history. The city if the melting pot of culture and heritage which has kept the distinct tradition alive for years. The upbeat vibe of the modern-day city does not come in between to spoil the charm of its historical side. Lucknow is a perfect tourist destination where you can get everything from heritage buildings to modern gardens and memorials.

From the popular tours to Bada and Chhota Imambara, there are some other historically important sightseeing places such as Residency, Jama Masjid or Vidhan Sabha. Can you imagine the eclectic mix in the city where you just get out from an 18th century construction and sit for a cappuccino in a trending cafe! While you make the list of where to travel to Lucknow and enjoy a smooth sail between the ancient world and todays urban heat, do not forget to enjoy a trip to the Picture Gallery, Lucknow.

About the Picture Gallery, Lucknow

The city of Lucknow has three designated heritage zones and this one is in the Hussainabad area (the region that extends from the great (Bara Imambara of Asaf-ud-Daulah to Jama Masjid via Chhota Imambara). The State Heritage Task-force is now looking after the development of the Picture Gallery, Lucknow along with the other heritage sites in the Hussainabad area.

The term 'Picture Gallery' is basically a misnomer. Basically, the house was built by the third King of Awadh, Mohammed Ali Shah (1837-1842) in 1838 which is a pink and terracotta coloured building. If you look at the contemporary accounts, the double storeyed building is referred to as a Baradari. In the front yard, there is a talaab (water tank) which was built a year after its completion (around 1839). At the two corners of the talaab, there is a small mosque and a matching hamam (bath) which adds to the entire look of the building. At that time, a Mina bazaar (market) and a serai (inn) were constructed in front of the Baradari. In fact, the grandeur did not end here because the Baradari also had an astabal (stables for horses) and a feelkhana (stables for elephants).

The Unique Feature of Picture Gallery, Lucknow

A unique aspect of the Hussainabad Baradari is that it is supported by iron pillars in the upper storey pavilion which is a first time thing for the Nawabi buildings.

A Gendghar (bowling alley) was also built by Mohammed Ali Shah which is situated close to the Baradari. It was ideally made for the amusement of his British friends, the officers of the East India Company and the Residents.

Mohammed Ali Shah is the person who can be credited for the inception of Hussainabad (which was initially known as Jamania Bagh given its enclosed garden) and was also responsible for the development of the place. Proper metalled roads were constructed and it connected the two Imambaras together, which is between Hussainbad gateway and the Rumi Gate.

Unfortunately, the British destroyed some of the buildings of Hussainabad soon after the annexation of Awadh. A much different condition was developed in and around the complex by the rulers and a high clock tower was built on the east towards the Rumi Gates. The construction was 67 metre and 220 ft. High.

This clock tower was considered as a symbol of superiority for the rulers. It was designed by the Roskell Bayne and sponsored by Hussainabad Endowment Trust. This tower dates back to 1881, and it was built in a Gothic style and is taken as the finest construction of its time.

The Picture Gallery, Lucknow of Today

The building was handed over to the Taluqdars of Awadh by the British, and in later years it was utilized as a picture gallery. The display of which represented the Nawabs of Awadh, and most of them were made between 1882-1885. The very famous European artists of that time like Gravet, Dawling, and Harrison were responsible to prepare the paintings. There has been some addition to this gallery recently and the charm of this place is still intact.

The Other Popular Museums for the History Buffs

•   State Museum
•   Motilal Nehru Children Museum
•   Indira Gandhi Planetarium
•   Lok Kala Sangrahalaya

Quick Facts

•   Timing: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday to Thursday (Friday closed)
•   Admission Fee: Rs.200 for foreigners
•   Facilities - Food stalls, washrooms
•   Recommended hours of visit – at least one hour
•   Best visited with - group, Solo, Couple, Family
•   Allowed - footwear, camera, and video