Watson Museum

Located in the Jubilee Gardens, the Museum commemorating Colonel John Watson is a good introduction to Saurashtra's cultural heritage. Important exhibits are copies of artifacts from Mohenjodaro, 13th century carvings, silverware, natural history exhibits and textiles. A huge 19th century marble statue of queen Victoria is fascinating. There are many splendid portraits and photographs of royal princes of Saurashtra and European dignitaries, handicrafts, pottery and princely relics.

History of Watson Museum

The Watson Museum in Rajkot, is one of the oldest and the largest museums of Gujarat and is considered one of the best amongst similar museum in the Saurashtra region.

The Watson Museum was set up in the Queen Victoria Memorial institute building in Jubilee Garden, Rajkot, in the year 1888 and building was completed and opened to the public in the year 1893. It got its name from the British Political Agent of Kathiwad, Colonel John Watson, who initiated the citations and documentation of the history of Rajkot and artifacts in respect to the royal families in that region. The museum is run by the State Government of Gujarat because of its invaluable contents and artifacts.

The museum contains a library paintings and artifacts donated by the several royal families, a wide-ranging memorabilia of Colonial rule. It also depicts the influence of textiles and jewelry in Bharwads, Ahirs, Darbars and other native people of the region. There is also an interesting collection of Indus Valley Civilization artifacts collected from various sites around the Saurashtra region.

The Watson museum is divided into various sections namely; paintings and manuscripts, textile, inscription, sculptures, coins, anthropology, folk embroidery and handicraft, musical instruments, wood work, natural history and rocks and minerals.

Timing

Mondays to Saturdays - 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
The Watson Museum is closed on public holidays, Sundays and every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.