The Ujjayanta Palace was designed by Sir Alexander Martin of the firm Martin and Burn, based in Kolkata.
The building was purchased by the Government of Tripura from the royal family to establish the state museum in 2013.
The palace name, 'Ujjayanta,' was given by Rabindranath Tagore, a close friend of the royal family.
The museum grounds cover approximately 250 acres including the surrounding lake and gardens.
The exhibits include a collection of ancient coins spanning various periods of Tripura's history.
Some museum galleries display rare stone carvings rescued from the 8th-century archaeological site of Unakoti.
The Tripura State Museum is housed within the Ujjayanta Palace, the former royal residence of the Manikya dynasty in Agartala. Built in 1901 by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya, the structure features neoclassical architecture characterized by white stucco moldings and prominent domes. The museum serves as the primary repository for the cultural history, ethnography, and art of Northeast India. Exhibits are spread across multiple galleries, showcasing traditional musical instruments, coins, sculptures, and royal artifacts. The collection includes significant archeological findings from Unakoti and Pilak. The palace building itself serves as a key cultural heritage site, reflecting the region's historical transition into the Indian union. Visitors can view dioramas detailing the lifestyle of indigenous tribes and the historical evolution of the kingdom. The grounds include formal gardens and water bodies typical of colonial-era princely architecture.
The front facade of the palace from the center of the main garden path.
Allocate time to explore the exterior palace architecture and garden features before entering the galleries.
Use the provided information placards, which offer significant historical context for the royal artifacts.
Bring a valid form of identification as it may be requested for entry.
Do not attempt to touch the artifacts or artifacts displays behind glass; avoid visiting during peak summer heat in mid-day.
Closed on Mondays and major public holidays.
Maintain a quiet volume; photography rules vary by gallery so check signage before using flash.
