Government Museum that was initially named as Egmore Museum was established in the year 1851. This is the second oldest museum in India, the first being the Indian Museum at Kolkata. Besides being one of the oldest museums, it is also one of the largest Museums in Asia. This museum premises comprises of six buildings and 46 galleries over an area of more than 16 acres. Apart from several types of exhibits ranging from numismatics to zoology, manuscripts and natural history, its archaeology sections is exemplary. Various bronze sculptures dating to several different periods are also worth watching. In the Madras Museum a Public Library was started in 1853 AD. It was opened to the public in June 1862 AD. The construction of the library and lecture hall began in December 1873 AD and completed in 1875 AD and formally opened by the Governor on March 16, 1876 AD. Captain Mitchell, Superintendent, was responsible for strengthening the library. He is regarded as the originator of the Connemara Public Library. This museum can be visited from Saturday to Thursday (9.30am to 5pm).