Built in 1854 by the Deputy Commissioner of Chota Nagpur (1850–1856), Captain Hannyington, Audrey House was an extension of the Governor's Secretariat under the British. The sprawling 30,000 sq. feet property also housed offices of several government departments when Ranchi was the summer capital of undivided Bihar.
A consistent effort to revamp the colonial building led to Audrey House taking the shape that it has today. Attempts are now being made to convert this space into a cultural hub. Under the patronage of the Tourism, Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Department of the Jharkhand Government, the building currently houses four galleries, an amphitheatre, and a conference room.
When it first opened, the first two galleries—adjacent to each other—housed many artefacts that were borrowed from the State Museum. However, at present, several diverse artworks have also found a space in these galleries—forming an interesting amalgamation of the old and the new, which plays into the narrative of the reconstruction of the building itself.
The other two galleries display paintings of many Jharkhand based artists—many of whom are an integral part of the art world/industry of the state. Every Saturday, starting at 6 pm, an event called Shani Parab is organised on the premises of the museum. Artists from across the state perform and present different art forms that represent the many indigenous tribes of Jharkhand.
Audrey House is also very often the venue for painting workshops and competitions—the result of which are the beautifully decorated corridors displaying the paintings of artists from all walks of life.
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An artefact carved out of granite, located in the garden next to the main entrance.
'Cactus City', made by Madi Linda is one of the oldest artefacts that has been on display since the opening of the art gallery.
Pictured here is an artefact loaned by the State Museum, Ranchi.
Pictured here is an artefact from the first gallery.
Pictured here is an artefact from the first gallery.
Pictured here is an artefact from the second gallery.
Pictured here is an artefact from the second gallery.
Pictured here is an artefact from the third gallery.
Pictured here is an artefact from the fourth gallery.
From Birsa Munda Airport (Ranchi Airport)—
The shortest route from the airport to the museum is 11.5 km. One can choose to get a:
1. Prepaid taxi from inside the Airport.
2. Call an Ola Cab.
3. Walk towards the road leading to the Airport to find local autos (which can be reserved for only for you) or shared autos that will drop you till Hinoo Chowk.
From Ranchi Junction Railway Station —
The shortest route is 5.6 km.
From Khadgarha Bus Stop—
The shortest route is 4.9 kms.
The closest chowk to the museum is Justice L.P.N Shahdeo Chowk. (Since relatively closer, one can visit Audrey House, and then proceed towards Tribal Museum or vice versa).