Museums In Amritsar: Unraveling Amritsar’s History And The Land Of Supreme Importance

Panoramic view of the Jallianwala Bagh museum in Amritsar showcasing the history of 1919

Amritsar, the city that is renowned for the stunning Golden Temple, is also home to numerous museums, each offering a glimpse into the history. Although there are a select few museums in Amritsar, every one of them captures the essence of its glorious past. So, as you are crafting the ideal itinerary for your next trip to Amritsar, consider adding all the museums into your plans so you have a well-rounded time exploring the beauty of the place. From the freedom struggles to Sikh history, there is a lot to learn in these museums.

Top 6 Museums In Amritsar

Amritsar has a rich heritage, reflected in its numerous museums that showcase the diverse facets of its past.

1. Partition Museum

Snap of the entrance of Partition museum in Amritsar having a statue of Valiant fighter

Photo: Vengolis / Wikimedia Commons

The Partition Museum is among the best Amritsar museums, enabling you to learn about the wretched past of India’s freedom struggle. The museum is located within the historic Town Hall of Amritsar and is the only museum in the world dedicated to the partition of British India in 1947. The existence of this museum tells you the stories of the people who were displaced, the families that were torn apart and the lives that were affected after the partition. There are personal belongings, letters, photographs, newspaper clippings, and oral histories from those who experienced the partition.

Location: Hall Rd, Town Hall, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: ₹10 per person

2. Central Sikh Museum

Snapshot of the beautiful Golden temple entrance which is also home to Sikh Museum in Amritsar

Photo: Gman124 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Another one of the famous museums in Amritsar is the Central Sikh Museum, which is located inside the Golden Temple complex. The museum houses an impressive collection of portraits, relics, and artefacts that chronicle Sikh history from its inception to modern times. You also get a glimpse into the paintings of Sikh Gurus, renowned warriors, and historical Sikh personalities, further providing you with details about the history of Sikh culture and heritage. Furthermore, the museum also houses the weapons used by Sikh fighters during various wars.

Location: Golden Temple Rd, Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar Cantt., Punjab
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM (Weekends closed)
Entry Fees: Free

3. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum

Beautiful views of the historic Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and home to museum dedicated to him

Photo: Juju24kushagra / Wikimedia Commons

Also known as the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama, it is one of the most popular museums in Amritsar. As you step inside, the main attraction inside the museum is the panoramic painting of the six major battles that the Maharaja fought in. The painting is 12 metres tall and 100 metres wide, which is where the name of the place “panorama” is derived. The museum itself is housed in the summer palace of the Maharaja, set amidst the beautiful Ram Bagh Gardens. Beyond the majestic and gigantic painting, you also get a glimpse into the life and reign of the king.

Location: Mall Rd, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Nagar, Green Avenue, Amritsar, Punjab
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Monday closed)
Entry Fees: ₹40 for adults, ₹20 for children

4. Jallianwala Bagh Museum

Snapshot of the entrance of the Jallianwala Bagh in the city of Amritsar in Punjab

Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons

Another one of the best museums in Amritsar that you must add to your itinerary is the Jallianwala Bagh Museum. It is located inside the Jallianwala Bagh memorial and offers a tribute to one of the most tragic events in the history of India’s freedom struggle. During the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919, thousands of innocent civilians were killed under British orders. The museum, located within the premises of Jallianwala Bagh, documents the events leading up to the massacre and its aftermath.

Location: 1418, Gali Number 7, Ramanand Bagh, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Amritsar Cantt., Punjab
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: Free

5. Punjab State War Heroes Memorial and Museum

 Punjab State War Heroes Memorial and Museum dedicated to the heroes of the Punjab state

Photo: Ajaykumarkatnauri / Wikimedia Commons

If you are looking to visit one of the historical museums in Amritsar, the Punjab State War Heroes Memorial and Museum is the best choice. The museum stands as a tribute to the soldiers of Punjab who have fought for India. It is located on the Amritsar-Attari border road. Inside the museum, you get to witness weapons, aircraft, and tanks used during India’s military operations. Not just that, there are dedicated galleries inside the museum that showcase the sacrifices of the soldiers during the Kargil War and the Indo-Pak conflicts.

Location: India Gate Attari-Wagah, Road, Chheharta, Amritsar, Punjab 143001
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Monday closed)
Entry Fees: ₹100 per person

6. Niwas Asthan Bhai Sahib Dr. Vir Singh Ji

Snapshot of the Amritsar bustling market area on a sunny Day in Punjab

Photo: Vengolis / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Niwas Asthan Bhai Sahib Dr Vir Singh Ji is a prominent place in Amritsar dedicated to the memory of Bhai Vir Singh, one of the most influential figures in modern Sikh literature and spirituality. What served as his residence has now been transformed into a museum cum library for the visitors to explore. Inside, you get a glimpse into Sikh spirituality, literature, and culture. One of the main attractions inside is the library that houses Bhai Sahib’s literary contributions and read his writings in their original form.

Location: Lawrence Road, Opp. State Bank of India, Hasanpura Chowk, Joshi Colony, Amritsar, Punjab
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: Free

Although there are a select few museums in Amritsar, each one of them is reminiscent of the history of the place. Not just freedom fights and wars, the museums also offer a glimpse into the rich local culture and heritage. As you are planning your next vacation to Amritsar, or the land of the Golden Temple, sort out your bookings with TripXL for the best deals.

Cover Photo: Bijay chaurasia / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The Central Sikh Museum and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum are both excellent for learning about Sikh history.
Yes, the Central Sikh Museum is located within the Golden Temple complex.
It would take at least 1-2 days to visit all the major museums in Amritsar, depending on how you are planning things.
Yes, several museums in Amritsar are free to enter, such as the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial, Niwas Asthan Bhai Sahib Dr. Vir Singh Ji and the Central Sikh Museum.
It is possible to visit some of the smaller museums in a single day, but it would be difficult to visit all the major museums in one day.

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