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When you think of Jammu and Kashmir, exploring museums is usually not what comes to your mind at first. However, the city of ancient history has a few popular and distinct museums that elaborate on the history, art and culture of the area. If you are a history nerd you will particularly enjoy exploring the museums in Jammu and Kashmir. Although there are a select few, each one of them has distinct artefacts and collections that explore details about Jammu and Kashmir’s culture and heritage in detail.
Top 7 Museums in Jammu and Kashmir
Each of the museums in Jammu and Kashmir offers a glimpse into the region’s glorious past, artistic achievements, and diverse traditions.
1. Sri Pratap Singh Museum Srinagar
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons / Image for representation only
More commonly known as the SPS Museum, Sri Pratap Singh Museum is one of out of all Jammu and Kashmir’s museums. The museum was constructed in 1898 by Maharaja Pratap Singh, hence the name. Not just Jammu and Kashmir, the museum houses over 80,000 artefacts that are collected and displayed from different parts of North India. During the construction, the museum’s construction was overseen by John Marshal, who was a renowned British archaeologist.The museum later received artefacts from excavations from the Panderenthan, Parihaspora and Avantipura.
Location: Lal Mandi, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190008
Timings: 10:00 AM – 04:30 PM (Monday closed)
Entry Fees: ₹ 10 for Indians and ₹ 50 for Foreigners.
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2. Amar Mahal Museum and Library Jammu
Photo: Pp Saha / Wikimedia Commons
Located on top of a hillock overlooking the Tawi River, Amar Mahal Museum and Library is one of the best museums in Jammu and Kashmir. It was initially a palace built by Maharaja Amar Singh, which was later transformed into a museum and library. The main attraction in the museum is the 120-kilogram golden throne. It is visible on the other side of a glass panel, so visitors can only see it. There are 25,000 antique books, paintings by renowned artists like M.F. Hussain, and captivating Pahadi-style paintings depicting scenes from the Mahabharata.
Location: PVXC+3WM, Palace Road, Karan Nagar, Jammu Tawi, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180001
Timings: 10:00 AM – 01:00 PM; 02:00 PM – 06:00 PM
Entry Fees: ₹ 10 for Indians and ₹ 50 for Foreigners.
3. Dogra Art Museum Jammu
Photo: Haren 79 / Wikimedia Commons / Image for representation only
Among the popular museums in Jammu and Kashmir, Dogra Art Museum in Jammu is a must-visit spot. It is located inside the Pink Hall of the Mubarak Mandi Complex. One of the highlights of this museum lies in its miniature paintings from the Basholi School and the Dogra School of Art. Each painting showcases the region’s unique artistic heritage, something that you need to witness up close to explore.Beyond the paintings, the museum also houses ancient manuscripts, terracotta heads from Akhnoor, traditional Dogra attire and jewellery, sculptures, and decorative art pieces.
Location: Panjtirthi, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180001
Timings: 10:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Entry Fees: ₹ 10 for Indians and ₹ 50 for Foreigners.
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4. Kanchenjunga Museum Gulmarg
Photo: Nomu420 / Wikimedia Commons / Image for representation only
The Kanchenjunga Museum in Gulmarg is one of the most unique museums in the area. The main attraction of the museum lies in its extensive galleries of modern warfare & mountaineering equipment. You can also witness up close the kind of equipment and gear that the Indian army used during their time shielding the country in the frigid temperatures in the mountains. The museum was initially established as the High-Altitude Warfare School. However, following the Indian Army’s summit to Kanchenjunga, the school was transformed into a museum.
Location: Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fees: None
5. Wadia Museum of Natural History Jammu
Photo: Nomu420 / Wikimedia Commons / Image for representation only
Interested in exploring the details of the ancient variety of animals, insects, birds and fossils? If yes, make your way to the Wadia Museum of Natural History in Jammu and Kashmir, one of the top museums in Jammu and Kashmir. The museum dates back to 1912 and was developed as part of the Prince of Wales College Jammu and its geology department. There are a variety of exhibits in the museum, including fossils, minerals, geological maps, photographic materials, zoological specimens, etc.The museum also houses an 11-foot-long tusk and a variety of fossils.
Location: University of Jammu, Gujarbasti, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180006
Timing: 09:30 AM – 05:00 PM (Sunday closed)
Entry Fees: ₹ 50
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6. Craft Museum – School of Designs Srinagar
Photo: Anil Hardaway Noida / Wikimedia Commons
Located inside the Kashmir University, Craft Museum – School of Designs is another one of the famous museums in Jammu and Kashmir. If you are interested in exploring more about art, crafts and similar subjects, visiting this particular museum is an absolute must. The museum exhibits exquisite handcrafted objects like shawls, carpets, paper-mâché items, wood carvings, and metalware. Depending on availability, the museum also hosts a variety of artists that showcase live demonstrations of their art, providing the guests a deeper look into their creative process behind creating individual designs, and arts and crafts.
Location: Central Market, Airport (IG) Rd, Sher Garhi, Srinagar, 190009
Timings: 11:00 AM – 03:00 PM
Entry Fees: None
7. Balti Heritage House and Museum Turtuk
Photo: Nomu420 / Wikimedia Commons / Image for representation only
Balti Heritage House and Museum one of the historical museums of Jammu and Kashmir. The main objective behind the museum’s existence is to preserve the Balti art and culture. There’s not much public information available but reports suggest that the museum is maintained by one of the past ruler’s next generations. It is a family-run heritage building. There are artefacts including old antiques, heirlooms, traditional attires, tools, etc., which add to the place’s significance. The building where the museum exists is around 150 years old.
Location: Near historic polo ground, Farol, Turtuk Leh Jammu and Kashmir, 194401
Timing: 08:00 AM – 08:00 PM
Entry Fees: ₹ 100
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The museums in Jammu and Kashmir unfold the tales of the past and provide a glimpse into the rich culture of the place as well. Not only do they unfold the traditions and the past, but the museums are also great sites for educational purposes. If you want to foster a deep sense of appreciation for the cultural wealth of Jammu and Kashmir, plan your next vacation with TripXL today!
Cover Photo: Nvvchar / Wikimedia Commons
