Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Vivekananda House, also known as Vivekanandar Illam, is a historic landmark and museum in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Originally constructed in 1842 by American ice trader Frederic Tudor as an ice storage facility, it was later acquired by advocate Biligiri Iyengar, who renamed it Castle Kernan. In 1897, Swami Vivekananda stayed here for nine days upon his return from the West, delivering several significant lectures during his stay. The building was renamed Vivekananda House in 1963 to honor his legacy. Today, it serves as a museum dedicated to Swami Vivekananda's life and teachings, utilizing modern technologies to provide an immersive experience for visitors.
Experience Vivekananda Exhibition: Modern exhibition utilizing virtual and augmented reality, 3D and 4D effects, and advanced sound and light elements to provide an immersive experience
3D Reproduction of Chicago Speech: A 3D reproduction of Vivekananda's famous 1893 Chicago World's Parliament of Religions speech, one of his most significant addresses
Arise Awake Exhibition: Exhibition showcasing Swami Vivekananda's life, philosophy, and contributions to Indian spirituality and culture
3D Movie "9/11 – The Awakening": A 3D movie presentation focusing on Vivekananda's awakening and spiritual journey
4D VR Movie "Tears of Vivekananda": A 4D virtual reality movie experience providing deeper insights into Vivekananda's life and emotions
Meditation Room: A dedicated meditation room for visitors to reflect and meditate
Historical Artifacts: Exhibits related to Swami Vivekananda's stay at the house in 1897 and his teachings
Interactive Displays: Various interactive displays and exhibits showcasing Vivekananda's philosophy and impact
Exploring the Experience Vivekananda exhibition with modern technology
Watching the 3D reproduction of Vivekananda's Chicago speech
Viewing the 3D movie "9/11 – The Awakening"
Experiencing the 4D VR movie "Tears of Vivekananda"
Visiting the Arise Awake exhibition
Meditating in the dedicated meditation room
Learning about Swami Vivekananda's life, teachings, and historical significance
Understanding the building's history from ice storage facility to Vivekananda's residence
Location: Kamarajar Salai (Marina Beach Road), Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005, India
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport, Chennai – approx. 15-20 km
Major Railway Stations:
Chennai Central Railway Station – approx. 5 km
Chennai Egmore Railway Station – approx. 4 km
Railway Station: Light House/Triplicane Railway Station – nearby
Bus Stop: Vivekananda House Bus Stop – directly accessible
The museum is strategically located on Kamarajar Salai (Marina Beach Road) in Triplicane, making it easily accessible from various parts of Chennai and well-connected to major transportation hubs.
Vivekananda House is well connected by road and public transport. The museum is located on Kamarajar Salai (Marina Beach Road) in Triplicane, which provides excellent connectivity to Chennai city center and surrounding areas. The Vivekananda House Bus Stop is directly accessible, and the Light House/Triplicane Railway Station is nearby, offering convenient rail access. Public bus services operated by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) provide regular connectivity to the area. Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cab services operate regularly, offering convenient access for visitors. The museum is easily accessible from major railway stations and the international airport, making it convenient for both local visitors and tourists. The museum is open from 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM – 7:15 PM (extended to 7:30 PM on Sundays), and is closed on Mondays. Entry fees are ₹50 for adults and ₹40 for children (3-12 years), which includes the Arise Awake exhibition, 3D movie, and 4D VR movie. The museum has elevator access for the disabled and elderly, restrooms, and parking facilities available.