Jai Vilas Palace was constructed by Maharaja Jayaji Rao Scindia in 1874 at a cost of Rs. 1 crore which rests as one of the finest examples of European architecture, designed and built by Sir Michael Filose. It is particularly famous for its large Durbar Hall. The first storey is of the Tuscan, the second of the Italian-Doric and the third is of the Corinthian order of architecture. Gilt and gold furnishings were used for decorating the Durbar Hall, which is adorned with a huge carpet and gigantic chandeliers. It is an architectural marvel combining Italian, Corinthian and Tuscan styles. A wing of the Jai Vilas Palace was converted to a museum in memory of Srimant Jiwajirao Scindia as the H.H.Maharaja Sir Jiwajirao Scindia Museum by Late Rajmata Shrimant Vijayaraje Scindia and H.E. Dr. Sarvapally Radhakrishnan, then President of India opened the museum to the public on December 12th, 1964.

The museum offers to the public a unique view of the palace created in the 19th and 20th Century and focuses on various arts and crafts that grew and reached their zenith under the patronage of the royal family.

About the collection: The collection caters to various sections which belong to the royal family of the Scindhias, such as Jaina sculptures, Vishnu and Bal Gopal bronzes, textiles, ceramics, paintings, arms and ammunitions, a huge Persian carpet, lithographs, Royal old photographs, the saloon of maharaja, silver toy train atop the dining table, Napolean table, Jacobean furniture, musical instruments of the royal family, Malabar furniture, silver carriage and the crystal furniture and railings of the staircases. Among other iconic treasures are, two huge chandeliers weighing 3.5 tonnes, fitted with 250 bulbs in the Durbar Hall.