The Indian Institute of Advanced Study was built during 1884-1888 during the British rule in India. Housed in Viceregal Lodge atop Observatory Hill, the premise is encircled by pine trees and gardens.Visitors can explore the entrance hall and gardens of the institution, as the rest of the monument is closed for public. The British mansion was constructed by Lord Dufferin in the European style and was designed by Henry Irvine.One of the highlights of the institute is the teak-panelled interiors. Along with this, the entrance portico, the reception hall, grand staircase and fireplace are the other highlights.The state drawing room, ballroom and the wood-panelled dining room and an indoor tennis court draw a lot of visitors. The highlighting feature of the ancient Viceregal Lodge is the Burma teak interiors along with gracious grey sandstones.The Indian Institute of Advanced Study has been a historic centre that hosted events like Simla Conference and Simla Agreement in the years 1945 and 1947. Post independence, the Viceregal Lodge became the summer retreat of the President of India. Thereafter, the decision to transform the residential seat into a museum known as Indian Institute of Advanced Studies was taken.