Sir Syed Academy Museum is a popular art gallery and museum housing the personalia of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. The Sir Syed Academy has the historical importance of being the residential place of the late founder of the Aligarh Muslim University, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. The building - located within the Aligarh Muslim Univeristy campus - was bought by Syed Mahmood, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's son, in 1876, for the residence of his father , who lived here for 22 years. Syed Mahmood was himself the first judge of independent India and the co-founder of Sir Syed Academy.
The art gallery came into existence in October 1974 with an aim to spread awareness about Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's contribution to educational and social reforms. The museum also showcases personal belongings of the founder and chronological account of the Aligarh Muslim University in form of pictures and literal records.
The museum is segregated into three main galleries. The first gallery illustrates introductory life events of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and his companions. The second gallery features description of various stages of the Aligarh Muslim Univeristy, earlier called the M.A.O. College, prior to 1920.The last gallery has pictures of university's campus building. Besides, an art gallery also maintains archives displaying the university's activities and achievements over the years.
Different types of exhibitions and workshops take place at the museum. A 3-day exhibition - showing paintings and writings of and about Sir Syed Ahmad Khan - is organized annually on the occasion of the birthday of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, which draws anywhere between 7000-8000 people.
