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Chandigarh is a bustling city in Punjab, which has a lot of history and cultural significance to its existence. One of the best places to learn about that is at the museums in Chandigarh. The next time you are in Chandigarh, looking to explore the rich history and learn about the local heritage and culture, ensure to include at least a few museum tours in your travel plans because nothing else will give you a better look into the past. Be it for the history, science or the art, every museum in Chandigarh has something unique to showcase.
10 Museums In Chandigarh
Each museum offers a unique glimpse into different facets of Indian culture, heritage, and progress. So, be sure to stop by and explore a few of them.
1. Government Museum and Art Gallery
Photo: UnpetitproleX / Wikimedia Commons
You can start your museum tour with one of the most iconic destinations – the Government Museum and Art Gallery. Beyond the exhibits, the museum also stands as a reminder of the history of India, especially the impact of the partition that happened in 1947. The museum is located in Sector 10 in Chandigarh and is renowned for its extensive collection of art, sculpture, and artefacts. The museum’s exhibits include a diverse range of artworks, from ancient sculptures and manuscripts to contemporary paintings. One of the main highlights of this museum is the Gandhara sculptures, which reflect the artistic heritage of ancient India.
Location: Sector, 10C, Sector 10, Chandigarh, 160011
Timings: 10 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fees: ₹10
2. Punjab University Campus Museum
Photo: Lime.adeel / Wikimedia Commons
Another unusual yet must-visit destination that you can’t miss out on is the Punjab University Campus Museum. The museum is located within the sprawling campus of Punjab University and offers a glimpse into the history and development of the university. Inside the museum, there are artefacts and exhibits including old photographs, manuscripts, and artefacts related to the university’s various departments and achievements. It also showcases models and replicas that illustrate the university’s architectural evolution and educational advancements.
Location: Punjab University Campus, Sector 14, Chandigarh
Timings: Monday to Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM; Closed on Sundays
Entry Fees: Free
3. Chandigarh Architecture Museum
Photo: Rhythm kataria / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Among the popular Chandigarh museums to visit and explore is the Chandigarh Architecture Museum. The museum’s significance is to offer a glimpse into the architectural marvels that exist in the city. It showcases the vision of Le Corbusier, the renowned architect who designed Chandigarh. The museum houses a collection of models, photographs, and documents that illustrate the city’s development. You also get a glimpse into the kind of evolution that Chandigarh has undergone, especially in terms of the development of the urban landscape. The city’s unique architectural style and planning are well depicted in the museum.
Location: GOVERNMENT MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY, Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10, Chandigarh, 160011
Timings: 9:45 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fees: ₹10
4. Natural History Museum
Photo: UnpetitproleX / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
In Matka Chowk in Chandigarh, the Natural History Museum is yet another one of the top museums in Chandigarh. The museum, as the name suggests, is dedicated to the natural world and the environment. Inside the museum, you get a glimpse into the variety of flora, fauna and geological formations that make up the museum’s existence. Not just for students, the museum is quite a popular destination among nature enthusiasts. You also get a glimpse into the region’s biodiversity, interactive exhibits on ecosystems, and models of prehistoric creatures, adding to the intrigue of the museum.
Location: Sector 10C Madhya Marg, Matka Chowk, Chandigarh, 160011
Timings: 10 AM – 4:30 PM (Monday closed)
Entry Fees: ₹10
5. Le Corbusier Centre
Photo: Kamalpassi2102 / Wikimedia Commons
Given the kind of contributions that Le Corbusier has made to Chandigarh’s architecture and development, a visit down to the Le Corbusier Centre is a must. The museum stands as a tribute to the extensive contributions he has made in Chandigarh’s development. Inside the museum, you get a glimpse into all his life’s works, especially the blueprints, designs and architecture that he has coined and executed. Not just in Chandigarh, there are numerous designs of Corbusier in America, Japan and other countries, which are elaborated inside the museum for the visitors to see.
Location: Sector 19B Old Architect Building, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh, 160019
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: ₹20
6. National Gallery Of Portraits
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If you are a fan of art, especially portraits, the National Gallery of Portraits is one of the best museums in Chandigarh to add to your itinerary. Since Punjab serves as an epicentre for freedom struggles in India, the museum houses the portraits of all the significant freedom fighters who struggled and sacrificed their lives for the country’s upliftment. There are numerous photos and art inside the museum offering a glimpse into the lives of the freedom fighters, their ongoing struggles and their resilience in getting India freedom. There are audio exhibits inside, one that narrates the real voices of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru in conversation.
Location: Bridge Market, 17C, Sector 17, Chandigarh, 160017
Timings: 10 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fees: Free
7. International Doll Museum
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Another unique yet must-visit museum in Chandigarh is the International Doll Museum. It is one of those places that sound very daunting, especially after horror movies like Conjuring. But, stepping inside the museum offers a glimpse into the various types of dolls across the world, sporting unique traditional attires and the intricate craftsmanship that is bound to render you speechless. The museum dates back to 1985 and inside there are 5000+ dolls, adding to the mysticism of the place. Not just of Indian background, there are dolls from other international countries like Korea, America, etc.
Location: Bal Bhawan, Udyog Path, 23B, Sector 23B, Chandigarh, 160023
Timings: 10 AM – 4:30 PM (Monday closed)
Entry Fees: ₹20
8. Rag Dolls Museum
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While on the subject of dolls, another doll museum in Chandigarh is the Rag Dolls Museum, which is inside Rock Gardens. The object behind this museum was to pay tribute to Sh. Nek Chand, the brain and the hand behind the Rock Gardens. He was the creative mind who built the entire rock garden and the sculptures inside it using scraps. The museum was a dream that Nek Chand often talked about to the people who worked for him. Keeping his word, the doll museum was later completed during the third phase of construction of the Rock Gardens. It is one of the most popular museums in Chandigarh.
Location: Rock Garden of Chandigarh, Sector 1, Chandigarh, 160001
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fees: ₹10
9. Fine Arts Museum
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Another one of the famous museums in Chandigarh to add to your itinerary is the Fine Arts Museum. It is a haven for art enthusiasts and houses some of the most unique precious art. The museum is within the campus of the Punjab University and has the artwork of some of the top artists in India. One of the main attractions inside this museum is the artwork showcased by B.N Goswami. There are numerous different types of his artwork, which you have to stop and admire while you are there. Not just among the youth, the museum is equally revered by the older adults.
Location: Panjab University, Sector 14, Chandigarh, 160014
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Weekends closed)
Entry Fees: Free
10. Gandhi Museum
Photo: UnpetitproleX / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Among the historical museums in Chandigarh, the Gandhi Museum is one you wouldn’t want to miss out on. As the name suggests, the museum houses all things related to Mahatma Gandhi. From his personal life and belongings to the work and the sacrifices made on his part to contribute to the country’s freedom, everything is depicted in detail inside the museum. It is also named Gandhi Bhawan and is located in Sector 16 A in Chandigarh. There are metal statues, photographs and a lot of artefacts depicting the work that Mahatma Gandhi did that led to the country’s freedom.
Location: Sector 16 A, Sector 16, Chandigarh, 160015
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Weekend closed)
Entry Fees: ₹10
There are numerous museums in Chandigarh, each offering a glimpse into the regional art, tradition, history and culture of the city. Be it a history buff, an art lover, or simply curious about the city’s heritage, there is something for everyone to explore in Chandigarh’s museums. Book your next vacation to Chandigarh with TripXL for the ultimate travel experience with the best deals.
Cover Photo: Rhythm Katraia / Wikimedia Commons
