The Government Museum Kota is housed in a three-storied east-facing palace called Brij Vilas. Built in 1793, the palace is named after Maharani Brijkanwar, wife of Maharao Durjansal Kotah. It is situated in Chatra Vilas Garden in the most tranquil and verdant part of town and is very accessible with ample parking.

The Museum displays a collection of old coins, manuscripts and Hadoti sculpture. The collection was brought together in 1946 by the state historian Dr M.K. Sharma at the instruction of Maharao Bhim Singh and housed in the Brij Vilas Palace. In 1952 it moved to Hawa Mahal over the main entrance in the Garh Palace as Brij Vilas was used by the Tax Office. In 1994, the museum collection which had outgrown its home was moved back to the Palace which is a perfect place for it. The Palace was declared a protected monument by the state government in 1997. After being closed for two years for restoration, the Government Museum reopened in 2019 and is now well worth a visit. It houses Shaiva, Vaishnava and Jain sculpture as well as folk sculptures, prehistoric local finds discovered and donated by O.P. Sharma (Kukki) in 2012, weapons, miniature art and state memorabilia such as wax seals. In the central courtyard are four third century Yupa pillars. A large statue of Sheshashayi Vishnu, brought from the Baroli kingdom, is also a museum attraction.

Things to note:1) There are four Vedic columns displayed behind glass in the central courtyard. They come from Badwa in Baran district. Details of donations of 1000 cows each for Vedic rituals are narrated in Brahmi script on each one.

2) The most famous sculpture is of Sheshashayi Vishnu. Vishnu is being shaded by Shesh Nag’s head as he lies on its coils, while Brahma is shown as emerging on a lotus from his navel. This sculpture has been exhibited abroad.

3) The Museum is next to the Rajasthan Oriental Research Institute which houses many ancient and important manuscripts and palm-leaf books but which currently has no managerial staff. The superintendent of the Museum has additional charge both for the Research Institute and for the recently restored Contemporary Art Gallery nearby, which also has no staff.The museum displays a DH9 De Havilland warplane. The plane was presented to Maharaja Ganga Singh by the British government to recognize the contribution of the Bikaner State Forces during the First World War.

4) Some other historically relevant pieces displayed at the museum include the ancient throne of the Rathores which was the original seat of the Rathore dynasty and the heavy sword of Maharaja Padam Singh believed to weigh about 27 kg.