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Chandigarh, translating to “City Beautiful,” is one of the first planned and designed cities in India. Given how monumental the construction and development of the city was, every part of the process has thus been engraved and preserved inside the Chandigarh Architecture Museum. Like a lot of the other structures across Chandigarh, Korea and even Japan, the city’s planning was executed by renowned Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier and his team. If you are interested in architecture and unfolding more details about the design and development of Chandigarh, a visit down to this museum is a must.
Quick Details
Chandigarh Architecture Museum Address: Government Museum And Art Gallery, Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10, Chandigarh, 160011
Chandigarh Architecture Museum Timings: 9:45 AM – 4:30 PM
Chandigarh Architecture Museum Ticket price: ₹10 per person
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Famous For: Architectural history, exhibits on Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret
About The Chandigarh Architecture Museum
Photo: Roland zh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Chandigarh Architecture Museum, also known as the Le Corbusier Centre, is dedicated to chronicling the creation and evolution of Chandigarh. It was established and set up in 1997 and showcases all the architectural and planning processes undertaken by Le Corbusier and his team, including Pierre Jeanneret, Maxwell Fry, and Jane Drew. If you step inside and explore the museum, you will realise that the primary objective behind the museum’s construction is to document the story behind Chandigarh’s creation, illustrating how the principles of modern architecture were applied in an Indian context.
How To Reach Chandigarh Architecture Museum
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
The Chandigarh Architecture Museum is located centrally in Sector 10, making it accessible via multiple means of transportation.
By Air
If you are flying to Chandigarh, Chandigarh International Airport is your nearest destination. There are autos and taxis available outside the airport that will take you to the museum.
By Rail
For tourists taking the train from nearby cities, Chandigarh Railway Station is your nearest railhead. From the station, you can hire a taxi, take an auto-rickshaw or public buses are available too.
By Road
The museum is located in Sector 10 C, easily accessible by private car, taxis, or public buses. The city is known for its orderly roads, making the drive pleasant.
Things To Do In Chandigarh Architecture Museum
Since the museum is quite extensive with four distinct levels showcasing all the collections, you need to have a well-planned approach so you can explore every part of the museum without fail.
1. Explore The Comprehensive Urban Planning Gallery
Photo: 猫猫的日记本 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
At this museum you can see how Chandigarh was designed and executed. For instance, the Urban Planning gallery. This gallery houses the original blueprints, sketches, and models created by Le Corbusier and his team during the 1950s. Every little corner of the gallery is curated to offer the visitors a look into the grid layout of Chandigarh and how it has transformed today. One can walk through a scaled-down model of the city, which showcases important features like the Capitol Complex, Sukhna Lake, Sector 17 Plaza and all the other urban design elements.
2. View Rare Personal Artefacts Of Le Corbusier
Photo: Nicholas.iyadurai / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another important part of exploring the Chandigarh Architecture Museum is to get a glimpse into Le Corbusier’s personal life. There are personal letters and belongings on display. Inside this section, you also get a glimpse into Le Corbusier’s personal sketches, diaries, design tools, and even letters exchanged with Indian officials. Getting a look into his thought process and his architectural prowess in real-time through these personal artefacts is a gem, especially for architects.
3. Interactive Urban Design Stations
Photo: Jordiferrer / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you are into interactive learning stations inside the museum, you will surely enjoy the various design stations available inside the museum. These offer you more hands-on experience in understanding urban planning. Given how fascinating the technology is, it is quite an appealing section of the museum for the younger people visiting. You also get to learn about the balance of aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability in urban environments.
4. Take A Guided Tour Of The Museum
Photo: Damnedarchitct / Wikimedia Commons
The museum is quite elaborate, especially with its multi-level design. So, if you wish to explore it in its entirety, the best way to do that is by taking a guided tour. There are quite a few of them available inside the museum or you can hire local guides too. You can learn about the architectural features of the museum building itself, which was designed to be in harmony with Le Corbusier’s vision for Chandigarh. Furthermore, these tours also highlight the sustainability aspect when it comes to architectural design, especially with the planning of Chandigarh.
Places To Visit Near Chandigarh Architecture Museum
Exploring the museum usually takes 3-4 hours, depending on the number of exhibits you are visiting and the kind of experiences you are exploring. After that, you can head to some of the nearby sightseeing spots.
1. Rock Garden
Photo: Ijon / Wikimedia Commons
The most iconic tourist attraction in Chandigarh is Rock Garden, conceptualised and built in secrecy by Nek Chand. It’s an extraordinary testament to creativity, constructed from industrial and domestic waste materials. The entire garden is spread across 40 acres with interconnected courtyards. There is a Rag Doll Museum inside the garden as well. Pathways, waterfalls, and man-made lakes add to its charm, making it a serene spot for visitors too.
Distance From Chandigarh Architecture Museum: 3.1 kms
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
2. Sukhna Lake
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
Another natural wonder in Chandigarh that’s a must-visit is the Sukhna Lake. You can indulge in various activities on the lake including boating, paddle boating, and yachting. If those aren’t your thing, the promenade around the lake is quite attractive too, making it a great destination for individuals to take a leisurely walk around. The lake is a sanctuary for birdwatchers, especially during the winter months, when it attracts various migratory birds such as Siberian cranes and storks.
Distance From Chandigarh Architecture Museum: 4.5 kms
Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM
3. Capitol Complex
Photo: Lillottama / Wikimedia Commons
Roughly 2 km from the museum, the Capitol Complex is another masterpiece designed by Le Corbusier. The complex is home to the city’s most iconic government buildings—the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Secretariat, and the Legislative Assembly. One of the most important elements of this complex is the Open Hand Monument, which is located at the centre of the building complex. If you are interested in knowing about the ideological foundation of the city’s design, this is the ideal spot to visit.
Distance From Chandigarh Architecture Museum: 2.2 kms
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Where To Stay
Photo: Anonymous / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Being in the centre of the city, you can find numerous accommodation options around Chandigarh Architecture Museum. Affordable options include Hotel Emerald Chandigarh and Hotel Pride while luxury properties include Anchorage 42 and Hotel Icon.
Where To Eat
Photo: Aashita Kawatra / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Since Chandigarh Architecture Museum is located in Sector 10, it is quite centrally located in the city and surrounded by local markets and restaurants. Some of the popular restaurants where you can indulge in some good food are Sector 7 Social, Karim’s, Dhabha Est. 1986, and Dastaan and Cottage.
Best Time To Visit Chandigarh Architecture Museum
Photo: Adrian1111 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Like the rest of Chandigarh, the museum is best explored during the winter months, between October and March. The weather is fairly pleasant during these months, with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25°C. This ensures that you can comfortably explore the museum on foot without feeling tired or drained.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Prabhat1729 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Exploring the Chandigarh Architecture Museum requires proper planning and the following tips should come in handy.
- If you are visiting during the summer months, carry a water bottle with you.
- You’d need to walk a lot inside the museum, so wear comfortable shoes.
- If you’re planning to visit the Capitol Complex, be sure to book a guided tour in advance as entry is restricted.
- You can take Chandigarh Architecture Museum photos however, there are some restrictions that you need to be aware of.
- Plan your visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
The Chandigarh Architecture Museum offers an insightful look into one of India’s most well-planned cities. If you are intrigued by the design and the thought process and want a first-hand look into the same, a visit to this museum is an absolute must. You can plan your entire trip ahead of time with TripXL and make the most of your trip to this iconic destination.
Cover Photo: UnpetitproleX / Wikimedia Commons
