Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Historical museums in India are not just a place showcasing artefacts but a window into the past. These museums exhibit the story of India’s ancient civilisations, royal dynasties, and important historical events. They preserve rare manuscripts, sculptures, paintings, and artefacts that help us understand how people lived in different periods. The following museums listed below are among the best historical museums in India, showcasing the country’s rich heritage. Whether interested in ancient empires or colonial history, these popular historical museums in India offer a fascinating learning experience.
Top 10 Historical Museums Of India
Explore India’s top historical museums and uncover the country’s rich past.
1. National Museum, New Delhi
Photo: Miya.m / Wikimedia Commons
The National Museum in New Delhi is one of the most popular historical museums in India, known for its vast collection of historical objects. The museum holds over 200,000 items covering more than 5,000 years of Indian history. Visitors can see exhibits from the Indus Valley Civilisation, ancient Buddhist artefacts, Mughal paintings, and medieval weapons. It also has a collection of old coins, manuscripts, and sculptures from different regions of India. The museum provides an audio guide, helping visitors understand the significance of each exhibit. It is a must-visit for anyone wanting to explore India’s past.
Location: Janpath, New Delhi
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹20 for Indians, ₹650 for Foreigners
2. Indian Museum, Kolkata
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
The Indian Museum in Kolkata, established in 1814, is the oldest in the country and one of the most famous historical museums in India. It houses rare artefacts, including an Egyptian mummy, ancient coins, fossils, and sculptures from different periods of Indian history. The museum is divided into six sections, covering archaeology, anthropology, geology, and more. Visitors can also see Ashoka’s pillar, old manuscripts, and paintings from various dynasties. The museum deeply understands India’s rich heritage and how it evolved over the centuries.
Location: Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: ₹50 for Indians, ₹500 for foreigners
3. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai
Photo: Anoop Ravi / Wikimedia Commons
Earlier known as the Prince of Wales Museum, this museum is among the top historical museums in India. It showcases artefacts from India’s ancient, medieval, and colonial periods. The collection includes old sculptures, decorative arts, and miniature paintings. The museum’s Indo-Saracenic architecture is an attraction itself. There are sections on natural history, Indian textiles, and ancient weaponry. One of the highlights is the collection of European and Chinese art. The museum also conducts workshops and educational programs, making it an informative place for visitors of all ages. It is an important place to learn about India’s artistic traditions.
Location: Kala Ghoda, Mumbai
Timings: 10:15 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: ₹85 for Indians, ₹500 for foreigners
4. Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad
Photo: Omer123hussain / Wikimedia Commons
The Salar Jung Museum is one of the most popular historical museums in India, known for its diverse collection. It was founded by Nawab Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, who collected rare items from different countries. The museum has over 40 galleries displaying old manuscripts, rare paintings, and antique furniture. The veiled Rebecca statue, a masterpiece of marble carving, is a major attraction. Another highlight is the musical clock, which features a tiny figure striking a gong. The museum gives a fascinating look into art, history, and culture worldwide, making it a must-visit for history lovers.
Location: Darul Shifa, Hyderabad
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Fridays)
Entry Fee: ₹20 for Indians, ₹500 for foreigners
5. Government Museum, Chennai
The Government Museum in Chennai is one of the best historical museums in India, showcasing artefacts from South India’s rich past. Established in 1851, it has a vast collection of bronze sculptures, including the famous Nataraja statue. The museum has separate sections for archaeology, zoology, and numismatics. The Roman antiquities collection, discovered in Arikamedu, is one of its unique attractions. There is also a children’s museum and a natural history section. With its wide range of exhibits, the museum offers an insightful look into Tamil Nadu’s cultural and historical legacy, making it an interesting place to explore.
Location: Egmore, Chennai
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Fridays)
Entry Fee: ₹15 for Indians, ₹250 for foreigners
6. Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata
Photo: Samitkumarsinha / Wikimedia Commons
The Victoria Memorial Hall is an important colonial-era museum and one of the most famous historical museums in India. Featuring a built-in memory of Queen Victoria, it showcases paintings, documents, and artefacts from the British era. The museum also has rare manuscripts and books from colonial times. Its galleries display portraits of British officials, old maps, and exhibits on India’s freedom struggle. The beautifully designed building, inspired by the Taj Mahal, makes it a prominent landmark in Kolkata.
Location: Queen’s Way, Kolkata
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: ₹30 for Indians, ₹500 for foreigners
7. Shankar’s International Dolls Museum, New Delhi
Photo: Buete / Wikimedia Commons
The International Dolls Museum is one of the most unique historical museums in India. It features over 6,500 dolls from around the world, collected by K. Shankar Pillai. The museum has a special section dedicated to traditional Indian dolls, showcasing regional clothing and cultural themes. Some dolls depict historical events and famous personalities. The museum is especially popular among children, offering an educational and enjoyable experience. It provides a different way of understanding history through toys and artistic expressions from different countries.
Location: Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi
Timings: 10 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: ₹15 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners
8. Patna Museum, Patna
Photo: Bishwajeet Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Patna Museum, also known as Jadu Ghar, is one of the top historical museums in India. It holds rare relics from the Mauryan and Gupta periods, including ancient sculptures, coins, and manuscripts. The museum’s main highlight is the sacred casket containing Buddha’s ashes. There are also exhibits on Mughal and British rule in India. The museum has an interesting mix of archaeological finds and modern historical items, making it an important place for understanding Bihar’s history.
Location: Buddha Marg, Patna
Timings: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: ₹15 for Indians, ₹250 for foreigners
9. Albert Hall Museum, Jaipur
Photo: Rajesht9i / Wikimedia Commons
The Albert Hall Museum is the oldest museum in Rajasthan and one of India’s most famous historical museums. It has a vast collection of Rajasthani miniature paintings, old costumes, pottery, and musical instruments. The Egyptian mummy present in the museum is one of its rarest exhibits. The building itself is an attraction featuring Indo-Saracenic architecture. In the evening, it is beautifully lit, creating a mesmerising view. Visitors can learn much about Rajasthan’s history and traditions here, making it a key cultural landmark.
Location: Ram Niwas Garden, Jaipur
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM, 7 PM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indians, ₹300 for foreigners
10. Tibet Museum, Dharamshala
Photo: Hiroki Ogawa / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Tibet Museum in Dharamshala is one of India’s most important historical museums, preserving Tibet’s history and culture. The Central Tibetan Administration manages it and provides insights into Tibet’s struggle for freedom. The museum displays photographs, documents, and personal stories of Tibetan refugees. There are exhibits on Tibetan art, traditional clothing, and ancient manuscripts. Visitors can also watch documentaries on Tibet’s history and human rights issues. The museum helps people understand Tibet’s past and present challenges, making it an educational place for those interested in history and global affairs.
Location: Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Saturdays)
Entry Fee: ₹20
Visiting a historical museum in India is a great way to explore the country’s rich past. These Indian historical museums display artefacts, documents, and exhibits that provide valuable insights into different eras of Indian history. Whether it’s ancient sculptures, colonial relics, or stories of struggle, each museum offers a unique experience. Plan your visit with TripXL to discover the best historical museums in India and uncover fascinating historical treasures.
Cover Photo: Abhisek Paul / Unsplash
