Hussainabad Picture Gallery
| Place | Lucknow |
|---|---|
| State | Uttar Pradesh |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 1838 |
| Museum Type | Art / Portrait / Heritage Gallery |
| National Importance Museum | Yes |
| Address | Husainabad, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003 |
| Visiting Time | 10:00 AM – 06:30 PM (Saturday–Thursday) Closed on Fridays. |
| Entry Fee | ₹20 (Indians) ₹200 (Foreigners) |
Museum Introduction
Built in 1838 by Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah, the third Nawab of Awadh, the Picture Gallery is one of the oldest galleries in Lucknow. It is situated within the Hussainabad complex, overlooking a beautiful tank and the Rumi Darwaza. Originally constructed as a Baradari (summer house), it was later converted into a gallery to display life-sized portraits of the Nawabs of Awadh, preserving the visual history of the region's royal lineage.
General Collections
The primary attraction is a series of 12 life-sized oil paintings depicting the Nawabs of Awadh. These portraits were painted by various European and Indian artists between 1882 and 1885. The collection is housed in an impressive terracotta-colored building that showcases a unique blend of Indo-Islamic and European architectural influences, featuring high ceilings and thick walls designed for natural cooling.
Unique Historical Collections
Optical Illusion Portraits: The most famous aspect of the collection is the "optical illusion" paintings. The eyes and shoes of the Nawabs in the portraits appear to follow the viewer as they move across the room. Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah Portrait: A central figure in the gallery, reflecting the opulence of the era. Architectural Layout: The gallery’s position in front of a massive water tank (Talab) provided a cooling effect and served as a scenic backdrop for royal gatherings.
Additional Information
| Archaeological Survey of India | No |
|---|---|
| Notes | Photography is strictly prohibited inside the gallery to protect the delicate oil paintings. The building is constructed using small "Lakhauri" bricks and lime mortar. It is located in close proximity to the Chhota Imambara and the Husainabad Clock Tower, making it part of a major heritage circuit in Old Lucknow. |
| Artifacts | 12 Life-sized oil portraits of the Nawabs; Historical photographs of Old Lucknow; Decorative iron railings and pillars; Ancient terracotta structural elements; Intricate stucco work on the ceilings. |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes |
| Contact Details | +91 522 225 6131 |
| Email ID | hussainabadtrust@gmail.com |