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The Odisha State Museum, established in 1932, is a historical archive sporting ten significant galleries that exhibit items on archaeology, contemporary art, natural history, and manuscripts. The museum has 27 sections where you can watch items on themes such as North Indian art, Odisha art, and Gandhara art. The museum has a huge collection of around 37000 manuscripts made on palm leaves describing ancient Indian history. Moreover, you can see stone sculptures, terracotta artefacts and coins, weapons and armouries such as swords, shields, and canons and learn about the tribal lifestyle and traditions.
Quick Details About Odisha State Museum
Odisha State Museum Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Where To Stay: Hotel Kalinga Ashok, Hotel Pushpak, and Swosti Premium
Where To Eat: Golden Bird, Greenchillyz, Biryani Box, and Burger King
Location
Photo: SUDEEP PRAMANIK / Wikimedia Commons
The Odisha museum is in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha. Located near Kalpana Square, the Odisha State Museum address is easily accessible by rail, road, and air throughout the year. There are some historic and beautiful temples near the museum like Lingaraj Temple, Shree Mukteswara Temple, etc. The museum is managed by the Cultural Affairs Department, the Government of Odisha.
How To Reach
Photo: Jake Heinemann / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
By Air: You can reach this museum by air, the nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, which is a ten-minute ride from the museum. Once you reach there, you can hire a taxi or get a bus to reach the destination.
By Road: You can drive to this place from your car, through various national highways/expressways connecting from different states. The connectivity to this museum by road is nice and convenient. Moreover, you can also hire a taxi or get on a local bus to reach the museum from a central location.
By Rail: You can take a train to reach the museum. The nearest railway station is Bhubaneswar Railway Station which is just a ten-minute ride away from there.
Things To Do In Odisha State Museum
From light and sound shows to exploring different galleries, here are the best things to do at this museum.
1. Enjoy Paika Rebellion Light And Sound Show
Photo: Prateek Pattanaik / Wikimedia Commons
The Paika Gallery at Odisha State Museum hosts a light and sound show depicting the Paika Revolution, and how its uprising proved significant against British Rulers. The Paikas were a warrior clan of Odisha, prominently active during the early years of the 19th century. The show takes the visitors through different stages of rebellion, explaining its origin and movements. The Paika Rebellion/Revolution lasted from 1817 to 1825 and emerged as one of the significant initial uprisings against British rule in India.
Timings: 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM and 3 PM – 3:45 PM
2. Take A Tour Of The Galleries
Photo: Steve Browne & John Verkleir / Wikimedia Commons
The museum has multiple galleries, including a manuscript gallery, an armoury gallery, an epigraphy and numismatics gallery, an art & craft gallery, a natural history gallery, a painting gallery, an anthropology gallery, and more. It also has a library containing around 21,000 items, including books, maps, and journals, covering all the museum activities. You can also visit the bronze gallery, which has around 100 items on display from the period dating from the 8th century A.D. to the 19th century A.D.
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Places To Visit Around Odisha State Museum
Here are some of the best places to visit around the museum having rich culture and historical significance.
1. Brahmeswara Temple
Photo: Udayakuni / Wikimedia Commons
The Brahmeswara Temple in Bhubaneswar is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva dating back to the 9th century C.E. However, historians have a different view, dating it back to the late 11th century. The temple at Bhubaneswar is just a 3 km ride from the state museum. While you walk through the temple and its premises, look out for some amazing stone carvings, inside and outside the temple.
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
2. Shri Ram Temple
Photo: ଜଗଦୀଶ ଉତ୍ତରକବାଟ / Wikimedia Commons
Lord Ram, Lakshman, and Sita. The temple also houses a complex where you will find ochre-painted marble idols of lords Hanuman and Shiva. It is a 10-minute ride from the state museum. Don’t miss the evening and morning Aartis, which witness a huge number of devotees coming to the temple every day. You can also visit the Ram temple during popular Hindu festivals like Dussehra, Shivratri, and Janmashtami.
Timings: 5:30 AM – 12 PM and 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
3. Lingaraj Temple
Photo: G41rn8 / Wikimedia Commons
Approximately 3.5 km from here is another popular landmark of Bhubaneswar, Lingaraj Temple, a unique example of Kalinga architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this old and large temple was built in the 11th century. The imposing structure, intricate carvings and the pious ambience make it a place to visit for anyone who is interested in history, architecture and religion.
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
4. Mukteshwar Temple
Photo: Phadke09 / Wikimedia Commons
The Mukteshwar Temple, which is considered a prominent example of ancient Kalinga architecture, is situated near Lingaraj Temple. Also called the ‘Gem of Odisha’, this temple is distinct for its detailed Torana (arched gateway) and carved images. Dating back to the 10th century, this temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva and is famous for its sculptures depicting scenes from mythology.
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
5. Rajarani Temple
Photo: Chowbeypiali / Wikimedia Commons
Rajarani Temple with its red and gold sandstone structure is a beautiful example of architecture and artistry. This 11th-century temple is one of the very few in Bhubaneswar that does not have any presiding deity. The beautiful and erotic sculptures of the dancing women and couples, and its ornamental spires make it one of the most graceful temples in the city. Rajarani Temple is the most photogenic at the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
Timings: 6:30 AM – 7 PM
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Steve Browne & John Verkleir / Wikimedia Commons
Here are a few things that you must keep in mind as you get to explore this museum in Bhubaneswar.
Tips For Travellers
- Choose to visit the museum when the weather is pleasant, i.e. after monsoon.
- If you are visiting during the summer months, drink water at regular intervals.
- Do carry a hat and a pair of sunglasses for a comfortable experience.
- Follow all the instructions and guidelines mentioned by the authorities of the museum.
A visit to the Odisha State Museum will be completely worthwhile, for it gives you a recap of the state’s historical profile. Besides that, there are some other marvellous attractions to explore, like Brahmeswara Temple that make the journey even more memorable. So, if you are a history buff planning your next trip to Odisha, then connect with TripXL now.
Cover Photo: Hemant_sahu_Raj / Wikimedia Commons
