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Shimla is commonly known as an erstwhile British Summer Capital with its architectural wonders that date back to the colonial era, stunning hilly hotspots, and a toy train featured in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. These Museums in Shimla delight people by letting them delve deeper into the history and culture of the city. From history museums such as the Shimla Heritage Museum, Bhuri Singh Museum, and the Image Art Gallery, tourists can learn about the past, politics, and art of the city.
10 Museums In Shimla
Here is the list of best Museums in Shimla adding an educational and cultural experience to your journey through this popular hill station:
1. Himachal State Museum
Photo: Jazze7 / Wikimedia Commons
The Himachal State Museum in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, is a cultural museum set up in 1974 at Inverarm, a house that was built in the Victorian style and originally served as Lord William Beresford’s residence. The museum is home to a collection of wood carvings,archaeological artefacts, coins, jewellery, manuscripts, paintings, postage stamps, and weapons. The Himalayan picture gallery represents lifestyle, culture, Rajasthani, Mughal, contemporary, religious, Mahatma Gandhi’s room, library.
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: ₹20 per person (Indians),₹.100 per person (Foreigners)
2. Army Heritage Museum
Photo: Rishabh sharma007 / Wikimedia Commons
The Army Heritage Museum is located in Annandale, Shimla. It showcases weapons, ammunition, and life histories of Indian warriors. The other noted attractions here include the Pakistani letter box, a 5,000-year-old document featuring wars and martial forces, and the one showcasing the achievements of Indian warriors. Various weapons are showcased here, such as the AK-47, and army uniforms dating back to pre-independence times are displayed.
Timings: 10 AM – 2 PM and 3 PM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: None
3. Baba Bhalku Railway Museum
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
Baba Bhalku Rail Museum is situated in Shimla and presents the rich heritage of the Kalka-Shimla Railway line. The museum is one of the most famous museums in Shimla, named after a local saint, Baba Bhalku, who showed the path to the Britishers for laying down the track. It displays many rare artefacts and exhibits from the early 20th century, including vintage silver cutlery, fine glassware, and floral crockery. It contains wooden benches and chairs, and several wall clocks made in England.
Timings: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fees: None
4. Shimla Heritage Museum
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Shimla Heritage Museum is one of the top Shimla museums as it displays some of the rare paintings, artefacts, pictures, and sketches of pre-independence Shimla city in the early 1800s. The museum’s various attractions are the Barnes Court, Gaiety Theatre, the Ridge, and Town Hall. The Shimla historical site showcases the lives of Britishers in India and their architecture, featuring dinners, parties, and other events for members’ enjoyment.
Timings: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fees: ₹10 per person (Indians), ₹ 50 per person (Foreigners)
5. Town Hall
Photo: sushmab / Wikimedia Commons
The Town Hall of Shimla, built-in 1908 as a socio-cultural centre, has been converted into a restaurant. This hall, commonly recognised as the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex, now the Municipal Corporation of Shimla, has undergone a complete renovation of its old structure. A pure Tudor building with all-wooden frames and shingled roofs, the Hall attracts visitors from all over the country.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: ₹10 (Indians), ₹ 25 (Foreigners)
6. Image Art Gallery
Photo: Nomu420 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This is an umbrella destination for artistic, inexpensive, and quality artworks chosen from reliable and trusted artists; every piece comes with a certificate of authenticity. This gallery not only holds a place in the list of places to visit in Shimla but also showcases the beauty, culture, flora, and fauna of the state. It houses 20,000 photographs by Inder Pal showing heritage buildings and historical houses. Some of the main displays are the Bhimakali Temple, Christ Church, Viceregal Lodge, and Chandratal Lake in Shimla.
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: None
7. Johnnie’s Wax Museum
Photo: Rameshng / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
BM Brothers opened the Johnnie’s Wax Museum in Shimla, on 11th May 2016. The museum is one of the best museums in Shimla as it features 16 wax statues of famous people from various backgrounds, including Mahatma Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and former US President Barack Obama. Celebrities like Steve Jobs, Johnny Depp, and Michael Jackson are also going to be on show. The museum is also spreading its wings to other cities and comes with the tag of being the first wax museum in Himachal Pradesh.
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fees: ₹ 250 Per Person
8. Western Himalayan Temperate Arboretum
Photo: Deepaksharma.ds2 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Arboreta are scientifically organised collections of arboreal plant species, serving various purposes such as ex-situ conservation, horticultural studies, and germplasm collection. Van Vihar Arboretum is the first ex-situ plant conservation facility in this place and is among the few conservatory-type gardens in the North Western Himalayas. The arboretum shall increase awareness among policymakers of underutilised species and their role in the maintenance of cultural and artistic values.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: ₹10 – ₹20 (Indians), ₹100 (Foreigners)
9. Art Gallery
Photo: Nomu420 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Art lovers can explore various local art forms and concepts at the Art Gallery which is located at Sangti, Shimla. The gallery features a range of art, including traditional and contemporary pieces, often showcasing works by local and regional artists. It’s a great place to explore the artistic heritage of the area and appreciate various forms of visual art. The Sangti village nearby is known for its beautiful sceneries and traditional Himachali architecture.
Timings: Open 24 Hours
Entry Fees: None
10. Viceregal Lodge
Photo: Mathewjoseph007 / Wikimedia Commons
Located at the centre of Shimla, is the Rashtrapati Niwas, formerly known as Viceregal Lodge. It is a historic residence that houses ancient British articles and photographs dating back to British rule. With Jacobethan features, this building was completed in 1888. Having light blue-grey stone masonry, this lodge has elaborate woodwork inspired by castles from the English Renaissance and Scottish Highlands. This beautiful property is a grand main building with lively orchards and wide lawns.
Timings: 10:30 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: ₹20 (Indians), ₹ 500 (Foreigners)
Museums in Shimla provide a profound glimpse into the Himachalese cultural heritage and legacy. They give heartfelt tribute to the courageous Indian Commandos and reflect the city’s colonial era and display many popular wax statues. People can learn about the museum’s history and the history of Himachal while visiting this place. Plan your next trip to these Museums in Shimla with TripXL and dwell in Himachal’s past.
Cover Photo: 502hsuya / Wikimedia Commons
