The first international seminar in the history of the museum was held in 2001. The theme was “Conservation of Stone Objects with Special Reference to Limestone Objects” in collaboration with the Nehru Trust for Indian Collections at the Victoria Albert Museum, London at New Delhi and the Indian Association of Conservation of Cultural Property, New Delhi. It was held on 18^th December 2001. This event is the first International Seminar in the history of this Museum.Hon’ble Minister for Education, Dr. M. Thambidurai inaugurated the International Seminar, released the Museum’s Journal, the Abstract book of the Seminar and a Special Exhibition on Conservation of Stone Objects. The Valedictory Address was given by Dr. M. Baldev Raj, Director, Materials Management Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam.Dr.R.Kannan, the Commissioner of Museums presided. It was attended by Dr. D.A.Swallow, Director of the Indian Collections, Victoria Albert Museum, London. Dr. Robert Knox, Keeper of the Indian Collections at British Museum, London(U.K) and late Dr. Stephen Fowles, Conservation Scientist, Conservation Centre, National Museums and Galleries of Merseyside Whitechapet, Liverpool, U.K. There was a big response from national and international conservators and museologists.

The Tanjore Art Gallery was brought under the control of the Department of Museums vide G.O. No. Ms.224, Tamil Development, Culture, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department dated 09.10.2001. The Department of Archaeology and Museums whose work is inter-related have been brought under the control of the Commissioner of Museums, Dr. R. Kannan, I.A.S., for the first time vide G.O. No. Ms. 238 Tamil Development, Culture, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department dated 01.10.2001.