Museums
List of Top Museums in Delhi
National Museum, Delhi | Rajpath |
National Science Centre, Delhi | Pragati Maidan |
Shankar’s International Doll’s Museum, Delhi | Bahadurshah Zafar Marg |
National Gallery of Modern Art, Delhi | Jaipur House |
Rail Museum, Delhi | Chanakyapuri |
Archaeological Museum, Delhi | Purana Qila |
1. National Museum, Delhi
It makes sense to start a blog on the National Museum in Delhi, which houses the largest, most famous, and most comprehensive collection. Keep in mind that it houses almost 2 lakh objects, so plan to devote a full day to visiting it. The vast temporal scope of the museum collection stretches from the Indus Valley Civilization in the third millennium BC to the contemporary era in the nineteenth century AD. Its archaeological collection is noteworthy as it sheds light on Indian history during the Mauryan, Shunga, Satavahana, Gupta, and Medieval periods. Another part of it covers the customs and day-to-day activities of individuals from different regions of India. Additionally, the museum exhibits firearms, jewelry, coins, manuscripts, and artifacts.
- Location: Rajpath, Delhi
- Timings: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Not to miss: Western and Pre-Columbian arts, Buddhist art, Central Asian antiques
- Entry Fee: ₹ 20
2. National Science Centre, Delhi
Museums show how far civilization has progressed in terms of science, which defines and directs every action we take, as well as in terms of culture. This is where the National Science Centre, or the Science Museum in Delhi, enters the picture. It’s similar to perusing a graphic book of science’s progress in four dimensions via virtual reality. This location will pique your attention, whether you are a science nerd or a history buff. Furthermore, the engaging method by which science is presented here will enthral you, even if you tend to shy away from science. On January 9, 1992, P. V. Narasimha Rao, the Indian prime minister at the time, officially opened the museum.
The museum is divided into eight floors and seven galleries, each of which has a separate area designated for a certain age range of visitors. The site also has a planetarium, restaurant, conference room, auditorium with a capacity of 320 people, library, and cyber school. Both teachers and students can enroll in short-term courses at the cyber school. The museum is fully air-conditioned, making it comfortable to visit all year.
- Location: Bhairon Road, near Pragati Maidan, Delhi
- Timing: 10 a.m.–5.30 p.m., Open on all seven days except on Holi and Diwali
- Not to miss: 3D shows with flying snakes and carpets, Maze of Mirrors, Giant Kaleidoscope, and awesome science stuff at the souvenir shop
- Entry Fee: 3D Film Ticket: Rs. 25 for adults and Rs. 20 for children. SDL/Taramandal Entry Ticket: Rs. 10 per head
3. Shankar’s International Doll’s Museum, Delhi
All girls fantasize about visiting a kingdom full of dolls, where all their favourite fairy tales come alive. The huge collection of over 6,000 dolls from around the world at the Dolls Museum in Delhi is a girl’s dream come true. The walls of the museum’s narrow but winding staircase are covered with LED-lit images of dolls from around the world. Since taking pictures inside the museum is prohibited, parents bring their little ones along for a stroll and take selfies. On entering, one sees huge glass cabinets filled with dolls from different countries. Although some of the dolls in this collection are 400 years old, their excellent preservation is still visible inside the boxes.
The museum has divided its space into two main areas, which are specifically designated for doll exhibitions. One part houses dolls from Asia, including India, while the other part houses dolls from Europe, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. There are over 500 dolls from India alone, while another space houses Japanese dolls. The museum also has a “clinic” for dolls in need of restoration. From dolls depicting the imperial court of Japan to samurai dolls, you can also see small Eskimo dolls from the Arctic regions. The dolls from the Indian region are arranged according to the state, and there is a glass exhibition with a doll of an Indian couple dressed in local costumes.
- Location: Nehru House, 4, Bahadurshah Zafar Marg, Delhi
- Timing: 10 am to 5:30 p.m.; Closed on Mondays
- Not to miss: The Latino ballerinas have almost life-like features and an excellent step-by-step demonstration through a doll of how to wear a saree.
- Entry Fee: Adult: Rs. 15; Child: Rs. 5
4. National Gallery of Modern Art, Delhi
Delhi’s Art Museum is a kaleidoscope of beautiful masterpieces that showcase culture and heritage as well as contemporary art. Located inside Jaipur House, this museum was once the royal residence of the Jaipur Maharajas. This art museum has beautifully displayed Indian modern art, some of which is 150 years old. The paintings by British artist Thomas Daniell and his nephew William date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This museum is a notable site due to its collection of works by modernists like Rabindranath Tagore and Amrita Shergil and old masters like Abanindranath Tagore and Raja Ravi Varma. The museum organises special exhibitions not only within itself but also abroad.
It has its own facilities, but at different locations across the country. The museum organises lectures, seminars, and conferences as part of its efforts to promote postgraduate studies and research in the fields of museology, art history, art criticism, art appreciation, and the visual and performing arts. History and art enthusiasts are delighted to find paintings, sculptures, graphics, and photographs collected under one roof.
- Location: Jaipur House, India Gate, Near Delhi High Court, Delhi
- Timing: 10 am to 5 pm, Closed on Mondays
- Not to miss: The regalia,, which comprises of silver salvers, ceremonial chairs, richly embroidered velvet drapes, and and various other silver objects. All of these were made for the Delhi Durbar (1911) and other vice-regal Durbars and given to the museum by the Government Toshkhana (Treasury)
- Entry Fee: Free
5. Rail Museum, Delhi
The Rail Museum is a great explanation of Delhi and its relationship with museums. The museum pays tribute to the little train that used to provide long-distance transport on its own. Apart from several static and operational models of a wide range of Indian trains, the museum houses a collection of locomotives, historic photographs, and railway artifacts that were gifted to the city in 1977. It is a visual delight to see over 100 full-size exhibits of the Indian Railways in front of you. There are no restrictions on touching or boarding the static train models, so the experience is authentic.So you can board those trains and enjoy them to the fullest while reminiscing about all your wonderful rail experiences of the past. At a time when air travel rules the transportation landscape, the museum’s train exhibit stands tall and proudly represents the great past of trains.
An educational tablet is placed next to each exhibit, combining history with modern technology. A separate structure adjoining the museum houses old photographs and small-scale train artifacts. Taking photographs is not allowed in this area of the museum. Adults take more seats on the toy train than children, as it is a very fun ride.
- Location: Chanakyapuri, Delhi
- Timings: 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Closed on Mondays and National Holidays
- Not to miss: Toy train ride, boating facility available on campus, and and buying a train model from the souvenir shop
- Entry Fee: Rs. 20; Toy Train Ride: Rs. 20; Toy Train Ride: Rs. 20
6. Archaeological Museum, Delhi
Theapt home to Delhi’s archaeological museum is the Purana Qila. It is one of India’s most famous museums and art galleries, housing a vast array of historical artifacts found during excavations. The Archaeological Survey of India conducted several excavations at the Purana Qila in 1955 and again in 1969–1973. The museum’s exhibits are arranged chronologically, starting with the Mauryas and moving through the Shunga, Kushan, Gupta, Rajput, and Sultanate eras to the Mughals. Relics from the First War of Independence are on display, bridging the gap between the past and the present. The museum’s collection includes calligraphic manuscripts, pottery, textiles, clothing, maps, weapons, and other objects reminiscent of that bygone era.
- Location: Purana Qila, Delhi
- Timings: 9 am to 5 pm, Closed on Fridays and National Holidays
- Entry Fee: Free
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