Barton Library and Museum

Barton Library and Museum is a historic library-cum-museum located in central Bhavnagar, Gujarat, near Crescent Circle. Established in 1895 during the reign of Maharaja Takhtsinhji and named after Colonel Barton, a British Agent, it is among the oldest libraries in Gujarat. The institution houses a collection of rare books, manuscripts, coins, inscriptions and archaeological artifacts reflecting the history of Bhavnagar and Saurashtra.

Visitors can expect a colonial-era heritage building housing a public library and small museum galleries. Inside, there are reading halls with old book collections, display cases with coins, copper plates, inscriptions, sculptures, weapons and artifacts from the Bhavnagar princely state and surrounding region. The setting is quiet and educational, located on a busy central road, suitable for sightseeing and browsing historical collections.

Built in 1895 during the reign of Maharaja Takhtsinhji of Bhavnagar State and named after Colonel Barton, British Agent at the time. Established as a public library and later developed to include a museum to preserve archaeological finds, coins, inscriptions and artifacts from Bhavnagar and the Saurashtra region, representing princely state patronage of education and heritage preservation in the late 19th century.

Serves as an important cultural and educational institution for Bhavnagar, preserving literary and archaeological heritage of Saurashtra. The library has long functioned as a center for reading and research, while the museum displays artifacts that illustrate the region's history, art and numismatic heritage for visitors and researchers.