Museum Theatre is situated proximity to the main entrance to the Museum, very much visible from the Pantheon Road; the museum theatre is a rare example of the Indo-Saracenic mode of architecture. The theatre was built by the British in the late 19th century.

The crescent shaped structure has a high raised plinth and is reached through a magnificent flight of a pair of granite stairs. It is primarily a semicircular structure having rectangular wing at the rear side. A long corridor with porticos on either side stands centre of the structure. The latter wing now houses galleries of the museum. The main hall is accessed through a curved verandah with a row of columns connected by hemispherical arches.

Exposed brick architecture was followed in the Museum Theatre. The red-bricks are seen in the outer walls of the building while the inner walls plastered with lime mortar. The dome in the museum theatre has provided no supports of wooden rafters. This theatre has special acoustic systems like no echo heard and voice is audible even in the last row without any amplifiers. Tiered-seating arrangements are found in a half circle manner around the pit, pit has row of seats. Total 558 seats are available at the Museum Theatre.

During the British time, theatre was chiefly utilised for the performance of English plays, was most favorite of the then British elite society. Now, the museum theatre has been used for the museums own cultural and academic programs such as art workshops, lectures and conferences. This theatre is also available for rent to conduct cultural performances like dramas, music concerts, Bhartaha Natiyam etc.,

Details of Payment towards the Museum Theatre A/C 
Government Museum, Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai - 600 008.

CONDITIONS

• Any damage done by the hirer to the building and furniture of the Museum Theatre will be recovered from the Caution Deposit and the cost will be determined by the Museum authorities.
• The RENT should be remitted into the State Bank of India, Treasury Branch, Chennai 600 001 before ONE MONTH of the programme by means of challan which will be created and issued by the Museum staff, through ONLINE (if the hirer is having online banking) or OFF LINE.
• Total amount of Caution Deposit should be remitted through D.D, drawn in favour of Chief Accounts Officer, Government Museum, Chennai, in the State Bank of India, Egmore, Chennai - 8 while booking the theatre and handed over to the U.D. Accountant, Government Museum, Chennai - 8 on any working day between 11.00 Α.Μ το 4.00 P.M. or it may be paid through online to the following account and the screen shot may be sent.

• Arrangements for the provision of Public Address System and extra lighting except open halogen lamps may be made by you through a E.B. License holder.
• Stand by generator may be arranged by hirer for use during electricity failure if any.
• All steps will be taken by the Museum authorities for the up keep of the A/c Units. But the Museum Department is not responsible, if the A/c. equipment is not working due to electricity or any technical failures.
• During water scarcity the applicant may arrange for water at their own expenditure.
• Eatables will not be allowed inside the Museum theatre and Theatre Veranda and Premises.
• The Museum Theatre should be kept clean by the users during and after the programme and also hand over the Theatre as it is given to the hirer.
• Stickers. Posters should never be fixed in the walls or fixtures of the Museum theatre, wooden stage, screens, walls etc., should never be used for any other purposes. Being heritage building nailing strictly avoided.
• Safety of life is very important and all precautions should be taken by those who book the Museum, to ensure the safety of human life as well as the heritage.
• Regarding fire and safety precautions, the decision of Museum authorities is final. Any open fire shall not be allowed during the show.
• Sale of Coffee or Soft drinks will be allowed only near the main entrance (opp.to Museum Theatre with the prior permission from the authorities).
• The Museum rules should strictly be adhered to, if not the hirer will be fined Rs.10, 000/- this amount will be recovered from the caution Deposit.
• If any hirer wants to Exhibit (Sales Products) they should obtain prior permission from the authorities to do so. After due permission alone they will be allowed to display their exhibits.

Sd.............................
Commissioner (FAC)
Department of Museum

// by order //

Assistant Director
(Administration)