The Gandhi Memorial Museum in Madurai was established in 1959. The main building, the Tamukkam Palace, has its own rich history, having served as the summer palace of the Nayak rulers in the 17th century. After India's independence, the palace was chosen as the ideal location to house a museum dedicated to Gandhi's memory. The museum was inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India. The establishment of the museum was part of a broader effort to preserve Gandhi's legacy and promote his principles of non-violence and self-reliance. Over the years, the museum has become an important center for Gandhian studies and a place of pilgrimage for those inspired by his life and work.