Set up by the erstwhile ruler of Gwalior, Maharaja Madhavrao Scindia it was formally inaugurated in 1922. It is one of the finest museums in India, known in particular for its collection of sculptures. In all it houses around 6000 artifacts which are displayed in its 28 galleries. The collection includes images, coins, pottery and terracotta, paintings, inscriptions and weapons. Dating from 2nd Cent. B.C. to 17th Cent. A.D. These have been collected from Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, Guna, Kota, Vidisha, Shivpuri, Ujjain, TrimurtyPawaya, Mandsaur and other nearby areas.

The collection of images includes the world famous Shal-Bhanjika, Natraj Ardhanarishwar, Trimurti and Yamraj (10th cent. A.D.).

The excavations at Pawaya have yielded terracotta images of Rama Sita, Brahma Ashwarohi etc. dating from 2nd Cent. A.D. to 5th Cent. A.D.

The facsimiles of the Bagh paintings dating back to 5th cent. A.D. are important representatives of wall paintings. Besides, the museum also has miniatures from
Palm Capitalthe Rajput, Malwa, Kangra and Gwalior Kalam.

The inscription of Kumargupta (5th cent. A.D.) is important exhibit. The weapons collection of the museum boasts of double barrel guns and camel guns.

The museum is also known for its collection of photographs of Central India. The important ones are - photos of Bagh Cave paintings, the important monuments of India and 75 yr. old photos of Mandu and Dhar.

The Gujari Mahal museum is also famous for its collection of official documents of the erstwhile Madhya Bharat. Govt.

The Dhubela Museum is situated 2 km. to the South of Village Mau Sahania on the Chhatarpur-Nowgaon highway, 16 km. off Chhatarpur. This 8 Galleried museum was set up in 1955 in a palace built by Chhatrasal. The first 2 Galleries house inscriptions, copper plates, Sati Pillars, Shivalinga and inscribed idols belonging to the Gupta and Kalchuri kings.

Chakreshwari The Jain Gallery has a collection of art objects from various Jain centres of the Vindhya region. Notable among the images are - Rishabhnath, Sarvatobhadrika and Gomedh Ambika. The Shaiva and Shakta Gallery houses corresponding artifacts. The prominent ones are Ekmukhlinga, Gajasurvadh, Nandikeshwar and various forms of Devi (Goddess) with Tantrik overtones. These are representatives of the Kalchuri and Chandela art. The highlight of the gallery is the image of Suryaputra Revanta (Kalchuri Period). The Painting Gallery exhibits works with themes pertaining to the rulers of Rewa, Charkhari and Panna ; Shrikrishna Leela and scenes from Ramakatha.

VamanThe Amusement Gallery contains eight giant concave-convex mirrors which distort the images and lend them comical dimensions. The Arms Gallery is home to weapons gifted by the erstwhile states of Chhatarpur, Rewa, Panna and Charkhari. Dating from 16th Cent. A.D. to 18th cent. A.D., the exhibits include swords & shields, bows & arrows, maces, cannons & grenades etc. The pride of place is occupied by the sword of the commander-in-chief of Chhatrasal - Raiman Daua and the canon of Adil Shershah (1702. A.D.)

An archaeological museum has been set up in the Jahangir Mahal. Its highlight is the unique collection of Sati pillars. Erected in the memory of the brave widows who chose death over dishonour by consigning themselves to flames - an act called Sati - some of these bear inscriptions. Besides, some inscriptions of 17th - 18th cent. A.D. too are displayed.

Another gallery has been added to commemorate the golden jubilee of India's independence. It exhibits original photographs of documents relating to the independence movement.

Set up in 1990 in the Hindupata Palace- belonging to the descendants of Chhatrasal- now a state protected monument, this museum has four main galleries. These are the Jain Gallery, the Shaiva- Vaishnav Gallery, the Gallery of Goddesses and the Gallery pertaining to the Golden Jubilee celebrations of India's independence. Besides, image are also displayed in its premises in the open.

These sculptures have been gathered from the neighbouring villages. including Nachna, Nanchand and others. Dating between 5th and 6th cent. A.D. some of the Jain sculptures and those of the Goddesses are authoritative representatives of the Gupta period.