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India is a land soaked in rich history and diverse cultures. Beyond the forts, palaces and historical spots, the government museums in India have preserved the country’s rich history. There are around 14,201 museums in India, each standing out with its unique collection. These museums are home to murals, captivating artefacts and artworks where you can explore India’s artistic heritage, scientific advancements, and socio-cultural evolution. If you are a history buff looking to explore India’s rich past and heritage, including these museums in your itinerary is a must.
Top 10 Government Museums In India
Several government museums in India depict the history of the bygone era. Here is a list of some of the worth exploring museums:
1. National Museum, New Delhi
Photo: Nomu420 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The National Museum in New Delhi was established in 1949. It is the largest museum in India, housing over 2,00,000 artefacts spanning 5,000 years of history. Get a closer look into the Indus Valley Civilization here and explore the miniature paintings that narrate the tales of the Mughal era. From archaeological findings to sculptures & manuscripts, the museum offers a glimpse into India’s rich cultural heritage. There are exciting museum activities hosted inside along with spectacular exhibitions, adding to your experience.
Location: Janpath Rd, Rajpath Area, Central Secretariat, New Delhi, Delhi 110011
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM (closed on Mondays)
Entry Fees: ₹20 (Indians), ₹650 (foreigners)
Suggested Read: Best State Museums In India To Plan Your Next Cultural Visit
2. Indian Museum, Kolkata
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
The Indian Museum in Kolkata is amongst the best government museums in India. It dates back to 1814 and is one of the oldest & largest museums in Asia. There are Egyptian mummies, Mughal miniatures, and archaeological finds from the Indus Valley Civilization. You can also witness unique anthropological exhibits. It is also home to a variety of armour and antiques depicting the beauty and rich history of the bygone era.
Location: 27, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Fire Brigade Headquarter, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
Entry Fees: ₹75 (adults), ₹20 (below 18 years), ₹500 (foreign nationals)
3. Allahabad Museum, Prayagraj
Photo: Krishna Kant Sharma / Wikimedia Commons
Built in 1887, Allahabad Museum currently houses a rich collection of archaeological artefacts, sculptures, and paintings. If you want to get a closer glimpse into the Indian Freedom Struggle, this is the perfect place for you. It is renowned for the antiquities from the Mauryan and Gupta empires, Egyptian mummies and Mughal miniature paintings. You can also attend the interactive museum events here hosted occasionally.
Location: Chandrashekhar Azad Park, Kamla Nehru Rd, George Town, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211002.
Timings: 10:30 AM – 5 PM (closed on Mondays)
Entry Fees: ₹20 for Indians
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Monsoon In India
4. Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad
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Established in 1951, the Salar Jung Museum is located in Hyderabad. It stands out for its beautiful collection of Indian art, amongst all the popular government museums in India. Here, you get a glimpse into the royal paintings and exhibits showcasing the ancient Indian art. Additionally, it boasts the finest collections of Indian weaponry, Mughal jade, and Indian textiles. There’s a stunning range of European art including furniture, sculptures and paintings as well.
Location: Darulshifa, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500002
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (closed on Fridays)
Entry Fees: ₹50 (Indian citizens), ₹500 (foreign individuals)
5. National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi & Mumbai
Photo: Aleksandr Zykov / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The National Gallery of Modern Art, aka NGMA, located in Delhi and Mumbai, is another popular museum to visit. As the name suggests, the place is a haven for art enthusiasts. Stepping inside takes you through different art exhibits ranging from the 1850s to the present time. Also, it is home to 14,000+ art pieces and unique paintings by the royal artists like Raja Ravi Varma, Amrita Sher-Gil, and M.F. Hussain.
Location: Jaipur House, Shershah Rd, near India Gate, Delhi High Court, India Gate, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
Timings: 11 AM – 6 PM (closed on Mondays)
Entry Fees: ₹20 (Indians) and ₹200 (foreign nationals)
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6. Government Museum, Chennai
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Founded in 1851, the Government Museum, Chennai, is the second-oldest in India. It is one of the top government museums in India, and it features a diverse collection encompassing archaeology, anthropology, bronzes, and natural history. Besides a glimpse into the artefacts from the Indus Valley Civilization, the government also features a collection of South Indian bronzes. You can get a closer look into the Amaravati sculptures, Thanjavur armoury and the Dowleswaram hoard of gold coins of Rajaraja I and Kulothunga I rule as well.
Location: Government Maternity Hospital, Pantheon Rd, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600008
Timings: 09:30 AM – 5:30 PM (closed on Mondays & National Holidays)
Entry Fees: ₹15 (adults) & ₹10 (children)
7. Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata
Photo: Tapas Biswas / Wikimedia Commons
Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata is one of the historical government museums in India and a popular sightseeing spot as well. Built in 1921, the Victoria Memorial Hall is not strictly a museum but houses a collection of paintings, sculptures, and artefacts related to the British Raj in India. It made of pristine white marble in the Indo-Saracenic style and stands as an architectural marvel in the city.
Location: Victoria Memorial Hall, 1, Queen’s Way, Maidan, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (closed on Mondays)
Entry Fees: ₹20 (Indians), ₹200 (foreign nationals)
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8. National Council of Science Museums, Kolkata
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Established in 1978, the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) is a network of science museums across India. It’s one of the famous government museums in India. Also, the Kolkata branch of NCSM is the largest and features interactive exhibits showcasing scientific principles, advancements in technology, and India’s contributions to various scientific fields. Additionally, it encompasses various science museums spread across India, including the Birla Science Museum in Kolkata. If you are a science geek and love to indulge in old and evolving information about science, this is a museum worth visiting.
Location: National Council Of Science Museums, 33, Street Number 27, Bidhan Nagar, GN Block, Sector V, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700091
Timings: 09:30 AM – 5:30 PM (closed on weekends & National Holidays)
Entry Fees: ₹120 (adults)
9. Rail Museum, New Delhi
Photo: Pulakit Singh / Wikimedia Commons
The National Rail Museum in India is home to every little trivia and artefact surrounding Indian railways that you need to know about. Established in 1977, the museum sprawls over 11 acres and boasts a captivating collection that chronicles the evolution of Indian Railways which is the lifeline of the nation. The outdoor gallery features a curated appearance of the railway yard with a fascinating array of steam locomotives, diesel engines, electric locomotives, royal saloons, railway carriages, and even armoured trains. Additionally, you can witness ‘Fairy Queen’ here, which is one of the most iconic and oldest working steam engines.
Location: Service Rd, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021
Timings: 10 AM – 4:30 PM (closed on Mondays & National Holidays)
Entry Fees: ₹10 (adults)
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10. Albert Hall Museum, Jaipur
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Concluding the list of best government museums in India is the Albert Hall Museum, Jaipur. It is located in the expanse of Ram Niwas Garden in Jaipur and is one of the oldest museums in the state. It was first built as a concert hall in 1887. After some time, the authorities converted it into a grand museum that is home to Rajasthan’s rich history and heritage. Also, the exhibits house an extensive collection of art across 16 galleries. You can even discover several unique and rare archaeological findings including coins, pottery, and terracotta figurines.
Location: Ram Niwas Garden, Ashok Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302007
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM & 7 PM – 09:30 PM
Entry Fees: ₹40 (Indians) & ₹300 (foreign tourists)
Government museums in India serve as invaluable repositories of the nation’s cultural and historical heritage. From ancient art to rare artefacts and archaeological findings, these elements provide a glimpse into the diverse facets of India’s past and present. For an enriching experience, plan a trip exploring different museums across the country. For a holistic travel experience, book your tickets with TripXL and plan a streamlined trip in no time!
Cover Photo: Bikashrd / Wikimedia Commons
