The Thanjavur Art Gallery displays a grand collection of bronze idols, stone sculptures and other artifacts belonging to the Chola Empire that existed in the eastern part of Tamil Nadu, the south Indian state. The Cholas were great admirers of arts and crafts, as is evident from the towering temples here with beautiful murals and intricate sculptures.

Thanjavur (Tanjore) was the capital of the Chola kingdom and hence the region has a rare tradition of arts, which continues even today. Besides the Chola collections (9th-13th centuries), the gallery also displays some specimens of the finest artistry during the post-Chola periods like the Nayak period (17th and 18th centuries) and the Pallava period. Established in 1951, the gallery is set in the background of the Nayak palace buildings.