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Being the cultural capital of Maharashtra, Pune is a city that marries the old to the new. You will find high-rise buildings and modern developments along with historical landmarks and museums. A glimpse inside the museums in Pune allows visitors to learn about the past. Be it the Maratha Empire or the impact of the British Raj, each of these museums, old and new, have a story to tell. You get to immerse yourself in the details of the cultural heritage, art and also the history that was once a crucial part of the city.
10 Best Museums In Pune
If you want to explore Pune beyond the bustling streets and modern attractions, visiting the best museums in Pune is the key:
1. Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
Photo: आर्या जोशी / Wikimedia Commons
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is one of the most popular Pune museums, housing an extraordinary collection of artefacts. The museum was established by Dr. Dinkar G. Kelkar, who spent over 60 years amassing the collections of objects displayed in the museum. It is said that the museum was established in the loving memory of his son, Raja. The museum’s three floors feature an impressive array of over 20,000 items. This includes musical instruments, ornaments, paintings, textiles, and weaponry. One of the highlights of the museum is the ‘Mastani Mahal,’ a replica of the palace of Mastani, the legendary lover of Peshwa Bajirao I.
Location: No. 1377/78, Kamal Kunj, Bajirao Rd, Natu Baag, Shukrawar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411002
Timings: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: ₹100 per adult and ₹30 per child
2. Aga Khan Palace
Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki / Wikimedia Commons
While the Aga Khan Palace itself is a historical landmark, it also has a museum that’s worth visiting. It is one of the historical museums in Pune with deep ties to India’s freedom struggle. The palace dates back to 1892 when it was built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III. Later during the British Raj, Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi, and other leaders during the Quit India Movement were held in captivity inside the palace. Today, the palace has a dedicated museum commemorating the struggle and sacrifice of the freedom fighters. The room where Gandhi and Kasturba were held captive has been well-preserved inside the museum.
Location: Palace View Society, Kalyani Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411006
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: ₹5 per person
3. National War Memorial Southern Command
Photo: Sanket Oswal / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The National War Museum, also known as the National War Memorial Southern Command, is proof of India’s military history and the valour of its soldiers. Surprisingly, the museum was reportedly built through the collective efforts of Pune’s citizens. Inside this open-air museum, you will get to witness an impressive collection of military memorabilia, including tanks, guns, and war aircraft. A central attraction is the Mig 23 BN Jet Fighter, which was used during the Kargil War. Beyond that, several standalone feature galleries inside the museum offer a glimpse into different military engagements in India.
Location: Prince of Wales Dr, Ghorpuri Lines, Dobarwadi, Ghorpadi, Pune, Maharashtra 411001
Timings: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 4 PM – 7 PM
Entry Fees: Free
4. Darshan Museum
Photo: Tehniyatshaikh / Wikimedia Commons
If you want to have a unique and immersive experience in one of the most famous museums in Pune, head to Darshan Museum. The museum offers a blend of technology with spirituality wherein you get to learn about the life and teachings of Sadhu Vaswani. He is a spiritual leader known for his message of love, compassion, and service to humanity. What sets Darshan Museum apart is its state-of-the-art audio-visual presentation. There, you get to experience a virtual walkthrough through the key events in Sadhu Vaswani’s life. The museum uses holographic imagery, sound effects, and light shows to create an engaging, almost theatrical experience.
Location: 10, Sadhu Vaswani Rd, near G.P.O, Agarkar Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411001
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Thursday closed)
Entry Fees: Free
5. Blades Of Glory Cricket Museum
Photo: DesiBoy101 / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the one-of-a-kind museums in Pune is the Blades of Glory Cricket Museum. It is a paradise for cricket lovers and is India’s first museum dedicated entirely to the sport of cricket. The museum was established by Rohan Pate, a former cricketer. Inside the museum, you get to explore an incredible collection of cricket memorabilia, including bats, jerseys, balls, and autographs from some of the greatest players in the world. One of the highlights is the bat used by MS Dhoni during India’s 2011 World Cup victory. You will also get to witness personal items from legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, and Sir Don Bradman.
Location: Govind Gaurav Apartments., Swanand Society Lane 1, Sahakar Nagar 2, Swanand Society, Tulshibagwale Colony, Parvati Paytha, Pune, Maharashtra 411009
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fees: ₹200 per person
6. Tribal Museum
Photo: Sbzp / Wikimedia Commons
Also known as Tribal Cultural Museum, this is another one of the top museums in Pune to add to your travel plans. Visiting this museum offers a glimpse into the lives of Maharashtra’s indigenous tribes. The museum is managed by the Tribal Research and Training Institute. It offers a glimpse into the customs and traditions of the tribal communities, including the Bhils, Gonds, and Warlis. There are dedicated galleries that showcase tribal jewellery, pottery, textiles, weapons and musical instruments in the museum. Also, you get to learn about the different rituals and festivals among the tribal community.
Location: Tribal Research & Training Institute, Koregaon Rd, Camp, Pune, Maharashtra 411001
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Weekend closed)
Entry Fees: ₹10 for adults and ₹5 for children
7. Mahatma Phule Museum
Photo: Samreenshaikh / Wikimedia Commons
Mahatma Phule Museum is another one of the best museums in Pune to add to your travel plans. It is one of the oldest museums in the city, founded in 1890. It is named after the famous social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule. The museum houses a diverse collection that includes industrial and agricultural equipment, models of Indian fauna, and exhibits related to geology, anthropology, and industry. There is a specific gallery in the museum that is dedicated to the freedom struggle, showcasing weapons and artefacts used by Indian freedom fighters.
Location: 1204/10, Ghole Rd, Shivajinagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411004
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: ₹10 for adults and ₹5 for children
8. Joshi’s Museum Of Miniature Railways
Photo: Nilfanion / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you are a fan of miniature things and are interested in learning more about the history of Indian railways, Joshi’s Museum of Miniature Railways is a must-visit. The museum was founded by Bhau Joshi and houses a variety of intricate working models of trains, complete with miniature landscapes, tunnels, and stations. One of the main attractions of this museum is the immersive 26-minute light and sound show where the trains operate through different scenic settings. Getting to walk around and witness the passion of Bhau Joshi reflected through these individual exhibits is truly quite fascinating.
Location: 17/1 B/2, Late GA Kulkarni Path, near Karishma Society, Kothrud, Pune, Maharashtra 411038
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Monday to Friday), 9 AM – 4 PM and 5 PM – 8 PM (Saturday), 5 PM – 8 PM (Sunday)
Entry Fees: ₹120 per person
9. Shivaji Maharaj Museum
Photo: P. Jeganathan / Wikimedia Commons
Given the role that Shivaji Maharaj played in the establishment of the Maratha Empire and its impact on Maharashtra, visiting the Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Pune is non-negotiable. The museum was founded by François Gautier in 2012 under the banner of his not-for-profit organisation. Visiting and exploring the museum offers a glimpse into the history of the Maratha empire and its impacts. There are numerous artefacts, letters, historical facts and relics that you can explore inside the museum. You can also explore the details regarding the reign of the Mughals, Rajputs and other dynasties in the museum.
Location: Wadgaon Shinde Road, Gulabhari Vasti, Pune, Wadgaon Shinde, Maharashtra 411047
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: Free
10. Sunil’s Celebrity Wax Museum
Photo: Rameshng / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Among the many unique museums in Pune, Sunil’s Celebrity Wax Museum is also a must-visit. It offers visitors a glimpse into the precise wax caricature of their favourite celebrities. It is inspired by Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum and numerous different wax figures will leave you speechless and mesmerised at the same time. You can get up close beside the statues to take pictures with the statues as well. Some of the most popular figures in the museum that you can’t miss out on are that of A.R Rahman, Subhash Chandra Bose and Anna Hazare.
Location: Lonavala Junction, Lonavala Square Mall, Takve Kurth, Pune, Maharashtra 410401
Timings: 9 AM – 9:30 PM
Entry Fees: ₹200 per person
There are several museums in Pune, each standing out with its unique features, exhibits and artefacts. Not just the history, visiting these museums also offers a glimpse into the culture and heritage that is prominently visible in the state of Maharashtra. You can plan your trip to Pune with TripXL and then curate an itinerary that includes all of these popular museums.
Cover Photo: Charlie Heng / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
