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Being witness to the establishment and rise of the Maratha empire, the Indian struggle for independence and a lot of historical events, Maharashtra is filled with a lot of unique historical significance. The museums in Maharashtra tell those tales at length, allowing visitors to keep a lookout on unique collections that range from artefacts of the Maratha empire to cutting-edge modern art. So, as you are planning your travel experience around Maharashtra, be sure to spend a few days exploring these museums.
10 Museums In Maharashtra
These 10 museums in Maharashtra provide an enriching experience, opening windows to the cultural mosaic of the region:
1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Photo: Yamini vijay lawhate / Wikimedia Commons
The first and probably the most iconic museum in Maharashtra is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya in Mumbai. It was formerly named as Prince of Wales Museum during the British reign and is named one of India’s premier museums. The museum was established in 1922 and houses over 50,000 artefacts, covering Indian art, history, and culture. The museum’s architecture is a stunning blend of Indian, Mughal, and British styles.
Location: 159-161, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai,
Timings: 10:15 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: ₹30 per person
2. Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum
Photo: PJeganathan / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the popular Maharashtra museums worth adding to your travel plans is the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, which is also in Mumbai. It is the oldest museum in the region and offers visitors a glimpse into the cultural and historical development of the city. The museum was established in 1855 and is located inside a restored building, which retains its Victorian charm. Inside the museum, there are galleries dedicated to showcasing collections of decorative arts, miniature models, clay sculptures, and historical photographs.
Location: 91 A, Rani Baug, Veer Mata Jijbai Bhonsle Udyan, 91 A, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Rd, Byculla East, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Timings: 10 AM – 05:30 PM (Wednesday closed)
Entry Fees: ₹100 for adults and ₹50 for children
3. National War Museum
Photo: Muk.khan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you are fascinated by the concepts of war and history, the National War Museum in Pune is also a must-visit spot. It is also known as the National War Memorial Southern Command and was established to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of India’s armed forces. The museum was opened in 1997 and houses various weapons, uniforms, and memorabilia from wars that India has fought. The central attraction is the MIG 23BN, a fighter aircraft used during the Kargil War.
Location: Prince of Wales Dr, Ghorpuri Lines, Dobarwadi, Ghorpadi, Pune, Maharashtra
Timings: 09:30 AM – 12:30 PM; 4 PM – 7 PM (Tuesday closed)
Entry Fees: None
4. Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
Photo: Miteshbhodia / Wikimedia Commons
To continue your journey in Pune, a visit to the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is a must as well. The museum was established by Dr. Dinkar G. Kelkar, in memory of his deceased son, Raja. The museum offers an immersive experience of Indian culture, showcasing everyday objects from the 18th and 19th centuries, including pottery, textiles, toys, and household items. The main attraction of this museum is the Mastani Mahal, a reconstruction of the palace of Bajirao’s beloved, Mastani.
Location: No. 1377/78, Kamal Kunj, Bajirao Rd, Natu Baag, Shukrawar Peth, Pune
Timings: 10 AM – 05:30 PM
Entry Fees: ₹100 for adults and ₹30 for children
5. Tribal Museum
Photo: Sumit Surai / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tribal Cultural Museum is one of the most famous museums in Maharashtra, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Maratha tribal community. The museum’s exhibits focus on the art, culture, and lifestyle of indigenous tribes like the Bhil, Warli, and Gond. Inside the museum, there are designated galleries and exhibits that display a variety of unique tribal jewellery, tools, weapons, musical instruments and various daily use items as well.
Location: Tribal Research & Training Institute, Koregaon Rd, Camp, Pune, Maharashtra
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Weekend closed)
Entry Fees: ₹10 for adults and ₹5 for children
6. Shivaji Maharaj Museum Of Indian History
Photo: Sailko / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Among the most unique and top museums in Maharashtra, a visit down to the Shivaji Maharaj Museum of Indian History in Pune is a must. The museum showcases the details surrounding the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Getting to know about the life, courage and reign of Shivaji Maharaj is truly a fascinating experience. Inside the galleries, you get to witness documents, artefacts and manuscripts, which offer a glimpse into the past.
Location: Wadgaon Shinde Road, Gulabhari Vasti, Pune, Wadgaon Shinde, Maharashtra
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: None
7. Mahatma Gandhi Museum
Photo: SumanthaPhotography/ Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Situated in Sevagram, a village near Wardha, the Mahatma Gandhi Museum is dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi. The museum is part of the Sevagram Ashram, where Gandhi spent several years. It houses photographs, letters, and personal belongings of the Father of the Nation, offering a profound insight into his simple yet impactful life. The museum also includes the Bapu Kuti, where Gandhi lived, and other structures where the leaders used to host meetings.
Location: Sevagram, Maharashtra
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: None
8. Aga Khan Palace Museum
Photo: Gppande~commonswiki / Wikimedia Commons
The Aga Khan Palace in itself is an iconic historical landmark in Maharashtra. Beyond exploring the palace itself. The palace was constructed in 1892 and has now been transformed into a museum that is now dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. It served as a prison for Gandhi and his wife, Kasturba Gandhi, during the freedom struggle. The museum showcases photographs, paintings, and personal items of Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders of the freedom movement.
Location: Palace View Society, Kalyani Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra
Timings: 9 AM – 05:30 PM
Entry Fees: ₹5 per person
9. National Gallery Of Modern Art (NGMA)
Photo: Balajijagadesh / Wikimedia Commons
To immerse yourself in some modern art and exhibitions, NGMA is one of the best museums in Maharashtra to add to your itinerary. This is a lot different than your traditional museums, provided that the focus is solely on modern and contemporary art. Inside the museum and gallery, you get to witness works by renowned artists such as Rabindranath Tagore, Amrita Sher-Gil, and M.F. Husain.
Location: Sir Cowasji Jahangir Public Hall, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Timings: 11 AM – 8 PM (Monday closed)
10. Coin Museum
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons/ Image For Representation Only
Located in Nashik, Coin Museum is yet another one of the famous museums in Maharashtra worth adding to your travel plans. As the name suggests, the museum hosts a diverse collection of coins divided into different exhibits. You get to witness punch-marked and Indo-Greek to Kushan, mediaeval, and modern coins inside the museum. Getting to witness the evolution of coins and monetary valuation over the decades is truly fascinating.
Location: INHCRF Campus, Opposite Grape County Resort, Near Vadholi, Trimbakeshwar Rd, Phata, Nashik
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: None
As you are planning your visit to Maharashtra, take your time to make an itinerary that includes some of the best museums in Maharashtra, offering a glimpse into the rich culture, history and traditions of the state. Every museum has unique traits that make them stand out from the crowd. You can plan your next trip with TripXL to get a glimpse into the unique perspective on India’s diverse history.
Cover Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
