Maharaja Fatehsingh Museum
The building was constructed as a school for the Maharaja’s children. Today a large number of works of art belonging to the Maratha 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 Lakshmi Vilas 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.
If you are an art aficionado, you must include the Maharaja Fatehsingh Museum in your Vadodara itinerary. Located within the premises of the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, the museum is housed in a building that once served as the home-school for the Maharaja’s children. Today, you can find a treasure trove of art collections within the walls of this building. Major works of art by famous painters from Europe and India are displayed here, including a special collection of paintings of Raja Ravi Varma. The museum also has an impressive collection of flawless sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses in bronze and marble.
- Location: Laxmi Vilas Palace Estate
- Timings: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
How to get there
By Road: Vadodara, 112 km from Ahmedabad and 420 km from Mumbai, is located on National Highway 8. There are various state transport (ST) buses and private luxury coaches from all over Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Rajasthan. Ahmedabad-Vadodara intercity buses take 2 hours and run every 15 minutes. There are also several private bus companies on or near Station Road. Tickets vary according to the type of bus, but the average rate is Rs 100/- to Ahmedabad and Rs 200/- to Mumbai. You can also rent a car with a driver to explore the city and its surroundings at the Express Hotel. Rates range from Rs. 650/- without air-conditioning to Rs. 2200/- for luxury vehicles, for 8 hrs or 80 km per day.
By Rail: Vadodara, a major railway junction is located on the Western Railway, which connects Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad.
By Air: Vadodara is connected by various domestic airlines to Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Daman, and Pune.
