Vivid depictions of India’s distant and recent past await visitors at the Allahabad Museum. Around 72,000 artefacts are on display here, ranging from the times of antiquity to modern history. The 16 galleries here are an attempt to weave for visitors a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, anthropological and contemporary knowledge, which they can easily and eagerly understand and pass on to others. The galleries lead to different directions in the main building, each dedicated to a specific theme. As one enters the building, one is greeted with the star attraction: the pistol used by the late freedom fighter, Chandrashekhar Tiwari “Azad”, whose last stand against British oppression needs no mention. Other galleries focus on themes such as the Natural History gallery, Gandhi gallery, etc. Artefacts of natural history dating back from 40,000 to 1.5 lakh years ago form some of the oldest items on display. Paintings, sketches, ancient sculptures and weaponry from different eras adorn this museum. Much more than being a house of wonders, however, the museum also regularly conducts workshops on such topics as artefact conservation, documentaries, etc. Seminars, panel discussions and other activities are also conducted in the notable Pandit Brijmohan Vyas Auditorium.