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Craft museums in the world help preserve handmade traditions and showcase skills passed down through generations. These museums display textiles, pottery, woodwork, metal crafts, and more, giving visitors a close look at how artisans create everyday objects and decorative pieces. Some museums focus on local craftsmanship, while others bring together crafts from different cultures. Many museums organise workshops where visitors can try techniques like weaving, pottery, or embroidery. Each museum tells a unique story about history, culture, and creativity. Exploring these places is a great way to learn about traditional skills and the effort behind handmade art.
10 Famous Craft Museums In The World
Discover some of the most famous craft museums in the world, showcasing unique handmade artistry.
1. National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, New Delhi, India
Photo: Anilbhardwajnoida / Wikimedia Commons
The National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy in New Delhi is one of the top museums for handmade crafts in India. It showcases textiles, pottery, woodwork, and metal crafts from different regions. The museum has live demonstrations where artisans display traditional skills like weaving and embroidery. Visitors can see rare collections of Kashmiri shawls, Madhubani paintings, and tribal jewellery. The best time to visit is between October and March. The museum also has workshops where visitors can learn block printing and pottery. Interestingly, it houses over 33,000 artefacts, preserving India’s rich artistic traditions.
How To Reach: Metro to Pragati Maidan Station
Timings: 9.30 AM – 6 PM
2. Museum Of Arts And Crafts, Zagreb, Croatia
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
The Museum of Arts and Crafts in Zagreb is one of the most famous art and craft museums in Europe. It highlights Croatian folk art and handmade crafts passed down through generations. Must-see exhibits include Baroque furniture and traditional lacework. The best time to visit is during special exhibitions, usually held in spring and autumn. Visitors can join workshops on painting techniques and ceramic restoration. An interesting fact is that the museum was founded in 1880 to preserve craftsmanship in the face of industrialisation, making it an important centre for craft heritage in Croatia.
How To Reach: Tram to Marshal Tito Square
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
3. Village Complex, New Delhi, India
Photo: Peggy_Marco / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
The Village Complex recreates a traditional Indian village with mud houses, hand-painted walls, and artisan workshops. It showcases rural crafts like handloom weaving, pottery, and wooden carvings. The best time to visit is from October to February when the weather is cooler. Must-see exhibits include life-size models of rural homes from different states. Visitors can watch artisans at work and even try making their pottery. Interestingly, the complex was designed to give visitors a glimpse into India’s disappearing rural lifestyle and traditional craftsmanship. It is one of the must-visit craft museums globally for those interested in traditional Indian crafts.
How To Reach: Metro to Pragati Maidan
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
4. Museum Of The American Arts And Crafts Movement
Photo: Adog / Wikimedia Commons
This museum focuses on the American Arts and Crafts Movement, which promoted handcrafted designs over mass production in the late 19th century. It features furniture, stained glass, and pottery from well-known artisans of that period. The best time to visit is during special exhibitions held throughout the year. Must-see exhibits include hand-carved wooden furniture and decorative metalwork. Visitors can take part in workshops on stained glass making and calligraphy. An interesting fact is that this is the only museum in the world dedicated entirely to the American Arts and Crafts Movement.
How To Reach: Bus or taxi from downtown St. Petersburg
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
5. The Museum Of English Rural Life, Reading, UK
Photo: tunaolger / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
This museum showcases traditional English crafts linked to farming and village life. Exhibits include handmade tools, textiles, and wood carvings that tell the story of rural communities. The best time to visit is during autumn when special events and craft fairs take place. Must-see exhibits include a rare collection of old farm wagons and blacksmith tools. Visitors can join workshops on traditional weaving and woodworking. Interestingly, the museum’s collection includes over a million items, making it one of the top museums for handmade crafts in the UK.
How To Reach: Train to Reading, then a 15-minute walk
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
6. Hida No Sato Open Air Museum, Takayama, Japan
Photo: Balou46 / Wikimedia Commons
This open-air museum in Japan preserves traditional wooden houses, many over 200 years old, and showcases local crafts such as straw weaving, woodworking, and paper-making. The best time to visit is spring or autumn when the outdoor setting is most enjoyable. Must-see exhibits include the thatched-roof farmhouses and displays of handcrafted household items. Visitors can join workshops to try indigo dyeing and straw crafting. An interesting fact is that many of the houses in the museum were relocated from surrounding villages to prevent them from being lost over time.
How To Reach: Bus from Takayama Station
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
7. Museum Of Fine Arts, Boston, USA
Photo: Aschulkins / Wikimedia Commons
The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston has an extensive collection of craft-related exhibits, including ceramics, glass art, and textile designs from various cultures. It features Native American beadwork, European tapestries, and Asian porcelain. The best time to visit is in the early mornings or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Must-see exhibits include ancient Egyptian jewellery and modern glass sculptures. The museum often hosts craft workshops where visitors can learn printmaking and embroidery. An interesting fact is that the museum houses over 450,000 artworks, making it one of the best craft museums worldwide.
How To Reach: Subway to Museum of Fine Arts Station.
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
8. Museum Of Arts And Design, New York, USA
Photo: Alex Proimos / Wikimedia Commons
This museum focuses on modern craftsmanship, featuring contemporary glass art, ceramics, and textiles. It highlights the intersection of craft and design, showcasing innovative handmade works. The best time to visit is during special exhibitions held throughout the year. Must-see exhibits include experimental jewellery and sculptural ceramics. Visitors can attend workshops on weaving and 3D printing. Interestingly, the museum was originally called the Museum of Contemporary Crafts before being renamed in 2002 to reflect its broader focus on art and design. Interactive workshops and artist talks make it one of the world’s most famous art and craft museums.
How To Reach: Subway to Columbus Circle
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
9. National Crafts Museum, Kanazawa, Japan
Photo: ROMAN ODINTSOV / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Located in Kanazawa, the National Crafts Museum is dedicated to Japanese craftsmanship, displaying traditional ceramics, lacquerware, and textile art. It features works by master artisans designated as “Living National Treasures.” The best time to visit is in spring or autumn. Must-see exhibits include delicate gold leaf crafts and intricate kimono fabrics. Visitors can participate in hands-on workshops like paper marbling and ceramic painting. An interesting fact is that Kanazawa produces nearly 99% of Japan’s gold leaf, a technique displayed in several exhibits at the museum.
How To Reach: Bus from Kanazawa Station.
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
10. Victoria And Albert Museum, London, UK
Photo: Diliff / Wikimedia Commons
The Victoria and Albert Museum is one of the best craft museums worldwide. It showcases textiles, ceramics, glassware, and jewellery from around the world. The best time to visit is early in the day to explore comfortably. Must-see exhibits include the Raphael Cartoons and the Cast Courts. The museum hosts craft workshops, including embroidery and ceramics. An interesting fact is that the museum was founded in 1852 with the aim of inspiring British designers and manufacturers through examples of exceptional craftsmanship.
How To Reach: Tube to South Kensington Station
Timings: 10 AM – 5:45 PM
Craft museums highlight the importance of handmade art and the skills required to create it. They preserve traditions, showcase regional craftsmanship, and help artisans continue their work. Visiting these museums is a great way to understand different cultures and techniques. From textiles to ceramics, every craft has a story. These museums ensure that handmade art remains valued and appreciated. Plan your visit with TripXL and explore these amazing destinations.
Cover Photo: Merriweather / Wikimedia Commons
