The Nizam’s Museum: A little-known gem in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Located in the Purani Haveli, a Palace belonging to the former Nizam, the Nizam’s Museum showcases the gifts received by Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII, the last Nizam of Hyderabad on the Silver Anniversary of his reign.

While lakhs of tourists visit the better-known Salar Jung Museum, it is this little, almost unknown gem, the Nizam’s Museum, that holds the interest of many citizens of Hyderabad. It is small, quiet and not crowded. The large compound has an old cannon from 1861 on display.

Worth Visiting this little Gem

Nizam's Museum is a place worth visiting. It has a rich collection of memoirs, gifts, and souvenirs from all over the world and was created on the wish of the last and the seventh Nizam, Asaf Jah VII. The museum allows us a glimpse into a bygone era and the lives of Nizams, who ruled the city from the 19th to 20th century. It has the World’s largest walk-in wardrobe and a fully functional manually operated lift!

Silver Jubilee Celebrations

In 1936, to mark the completion of the 25-year reign of the seventh Nizam, various silver jubilee celebrations were organized. To celebrate this event, a special Jubilee Pavilion Hall was constructed at the Public Gardens. During this celebration, the Nizam received gifts, mementos, models, and presentations, which form a larger portion of the items displayed at the Nizam’s Museum. Along with these, many other gifts, which he had received from his well-wishers over the years, have also been kept for display.

The Nizam’s Jubilee Pavilion Trust takes care of the museum and the items on show. The museum was opened to the public in the year 2000.

Mementos

There is a wide range of rare souvenirs and exquisitely designed mementos. The major attraction here is the golden-colored wooden throne, which was used during the silver jubilee celebrations of the last Nizam. There is also a gold model of the pavilion. Diamond inlaid gold Tiffin-box, paintings of Mir Osman Ali Khan, wooden writing box covered with mother-of-pearl, daggers studded with diamond and gold, caskets and silver models of various buildings including the Silver 81-kilogram replica of the High Court, are a few of the popular items on display. Intricately designed silver perfume bottles, a gift from the Raja of Palvanchaare on display. There are some rare manuscripts too. For car lovers, there are vintage cars such as a 1930 Rolls Royce, Packard, and a Jaguar Mark V.

Rare items

200-year-old proclamation drums and a manually operated lift that is more than 150 years old are a few other features of the Nizam Museum that are sure attractions.

Walk-in Wardrobe

The wardrobe of the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Mahbub Ali Khan, is the largest in the world. The wooden wardrobe is 176 feet long and has two levels. It is made of the finest Burma teak. The sixth Nizam is said to have never repeated his clothes, which were given away after being worn once by him. Hence, a section has been recreated, based on his various photographs and account of his costumes. In another section of the wardrobe, costumes of other men, women, and children of Hyderabad have been highlighted.

The best time to visit

The winter months are best for the Nizam’s Museum as it is cooler now. It is open for visitors throughout the week, except on Fridays. The Nizam’s Museum timings are from 10 am to 5 pm. There is a charge for taking cameras inside this Museum. The rare collection here is worth taking your camera along. Also, hire a guide so you can hear the best stories about the Nizam Era and get the background of each exhibit.

Address

Purani Haveli Palace, Old City, Purani Haveli Darulshifa, Hyderabad.

Timings

Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on Fridays.

Rs 100 per adult

Rs 15 per Child

Rs 150 for Mobile / Still Camera

Rs 500 for Video Camera

Guides available.