MGR Memorial

M. G. Ramachandran,fondly remembered as MGR, was first a towering star of Tamil cinema and later one of Tamil Nadu’s most influential political leaders. Even though he passed away in 1987, his image and legacy still surface regularly in the state’s political landscape, often invoked to tap into the affection people continue to hold for him.

During his tenure as Chief Minister, MGR functioned from an office on Arcot Street in T. Nagar, Chennai. After his death, this office building was converted into a memorial and opened to the public in 1990.

The MGR Memorial (T. Nagar) is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, on all days except Tuesdays. There was a time, especially until about a decade ago, when the memorial would be packed with visitors. The crowd today is thinner, but the place still draws people, particularly visitors from smaller towns and villages, who make it a point to stop here when they come to Chennai.

Inside, the memorial preserves a slice of MGR’s public and personal world. You can see the car he used, along with medals, shields, and honours from his film and political life. Equally engaging are the everyday items associated with him - his signature cap, dark glasses, pen, table, and other objects that feel almost like quiet props from a life the public watched closely.

Among the more unusual exhibits is the preserved body of a lion, said to have once been kept at his residence, an arresting display that most visitors don’t expect. The memorial also features a large collection of photographs, including some rare images from his cinema years and political journey.

If you admire MGR—or if you’re curious about how cinema and politics intertwine so seamlessly in Tamil Nadu, this memorial is worth a visit.

Happy travelling.