About Bapu Museum
The Bapu Museum (Victoria Jubilee Museum) is an archaeological museum located on M. G. Road, Vijayawada. It was renamed in memory of the renowned film director, illustrator, cartoonist, and author Bapu. The building is in the Indo-European style of architecture and is more than a hundred years old. It is run by the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Andhra Pradesh.
The museum was created as part of the celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887. The foundation stone was laid by Robert Sewell, District Collector of Krishna district, on 27 June 1887. Sri Pingali Venkayya presented a tri-color flag to Mahatma Gandhi at this location in 1921. The building initially housed industrial exhibitions. It was converted to an archaeological museum under the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Andhra Pradesh, in 1962.
Freedom Movement Connection
The New Indian Express reported in May 2026 that the museum is linked to an important chapter of the freedom movement. During an Indian National Congress meeting held on the museum premises in the 1920s, Pingali Venkayya presented the design of the tricolour flag to Mahatma Gandhi. A mural sculpture inside the museum shows this event.
Collections
The galleries trace civilisation from prehistoric times to the medieval period, with stone tools, terracotta artefacts, Buddhist sculptures and medieval temple idols, according to the same report. The museum also has historical galleries, stone-cut writings, coins, swords, body armor, shields, arms and ornaments used by kings. Sculptures include a standing Buddha of white limestone from Alluru, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Durga slaying the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
Timings to visit
10:00 AM – 06:00 PM | Friday Holiday
Timings are not confirmed on an official website; check with the temple before travelling.
Entry Fee/Duration to visit Bapu Museum
3 – 4 Hours
Adults – 50 INR
Children – 30 INR
The museum has been reported to open free of charge on special days such as International Museum Day (18 May). Fees and opening days have been reported differently by different directories, and a national museum portal lists the museum as closed for repairs at the time it was compiled, so confirm that it is open and what the fee is before travelling.
How to Reach
By Air: Vijayawada International Airport – 23.1 km
By train: Vijayawada Railway Station – 1.8 km
By Bus: Vijayawada Bus Station – 1.3 km
Address
Bapu Museum(Victoria Jubilee Museum), MG Rd, Buckinghampeta, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, 520002, India.
Dept. of Archaeology official website of Bapu Museum
Also Read Place To Visit In And Around Krishna District
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