Satara Museum was established in 1970 by Yashwantrao Chavan, the first Chief minister of
Maharashtra. Located in Satara, the museum is subdivided into many sections that includes arms and weaponry, records, paintings and costumes.
The arms and weaponry section at Satara Museum exhibits weapons used by Maratha warriors including swords, spears, axes, guns, daggers and short knives. Three bladed Katyar or dagger and a sword with an ivory-handle shows the artistry in this field. From the records section offer vast invaluable data on rock inscriptions and ancient texts found in various parts of Maharashtra. Landscapes drawn by noted artist Nene can also found here. The paintings section houses 15th century glass paintings and miniatures, paintings from the Maratha school, portraits of Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj. There are murals and paintings brought from Jairam Swami Ashram at Wadgaon. The costume section gives a rare glimpse of the costumes during the ancient Maratha period. The royal umbrella of Chhatrapati Pratapsingh Maharaj and the grand decorations that graced the jacket of Shahu Maharaj and embroidered sarees with Zari, Kashida and brocade work are among the rich exhibits.
The 17th century hermitage at Vadgaon, the Jairamswami Math, and the fort of Ajinkyatara lie quite close to the museum. The closest airport is in Pune, 106 km away and the nearest railway station is 10 km from here on Satara Road.
