Museums & Art Galleries

Delhi, the national capital of the country, has some magnificent museums which are unique in themselves. These museums showcase our vibrant past, displays our tradition, culture and art forms. Some of the paintings and artefacts in these museums belong to the pre historic periods. These places are visited with interest by the historians, archaeologists and art lovers across the world. These places help us to realise and understand our historic period. It comes as a treat for people who are curious to know about our vibrant past.

Delhi can be aptly regarded as a treasure house of Museums. The National Museum is an abode of enormous collection of art and craft forms displaying the talent, skill and creativity of the people of India.

Some of well known museum and art galleries in city are-

National Museum

National museum is popular for the wide collection of wood sculptures of Mauryan period, Indian art and terracotta. Some of the other exhibits belonging to the Vijayanagar Empire in the south including mural paintings and costumes of tribal people are on display. The National Museum is located at Janpath at south of Rajpath. It is a must watch museum which remains pen between 10 am to 5 pm on all days except Mondays. Some film shows are also held on most of the days.

National Gallery of Modern Art

An excellent museum that displays the artistic and cultural traditions of the country is the National Gallery of Modern Art. The museum was the residence of Maharaja of Jaipur and is located in the Jaipur house near Rajpath. This museum is a temple of visit for millions of art lovers across the world. It has numerous masterpieces in art work done by both colonial and Indian artists. The museum is open daily between 10 am to 5 pm. The entry is free.

Nehru Planetarium

It is basically a science museum with a planetarium which holds film shows on celestial bodies and solar system. It is situated in the Teen Murti Bhawan. The timings of the show in English and Hindi are at 11.30 am/3 p.m. and 4 p.m/1.30 p.m respectively. Also, a special show is held every Sunday at 10.30 a.m. The Nehru planetarium remains close on all public holidays and Mondays.

National Science Centre Museum

National Science Centre Museum is situated at Gate No.1, Pragati Maidan. The museum has excellent collection of scientific exhibits and working science models in the field of architecture. The museum is open on all days except Mondays between 11.30 am to 7 pm. There is no entry fee.

Nehru Museum

Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru’s (First prime Minister of India) official residence is located in Chanakyapuri Teen Murti Bhavan. It has been converted into a museum in the year 1964 after Nehru’s death. Some of the popular paper cuttings and photographs provide a feel of the Independence era. There is also a light and sound show which captures the imagination of the people and takes them to a journey into the life of this great statesman. The museum is open on all days except Monday between 10 am to 5 pm and there are no entry fees.

Rail Transport Museum

Rail transport museum is a delight to watch for people of all ages. It showcases the transformation of the railway engines from the steam engines era to the most sophisticated electric engines. It is located in the Chanakyapuri region. However, the most important display item is a steam engine belonging to the year 1855 in excellent working condition. Rail museum is open on all days except Monday between 9.30 am to 5 pm. There is a small amount of entry fee charged to visit this museum.

Tibet House

The Tibet house is a museum containing various ceremonial items brought from Tibet after Dalai Lama fled to escape Chinese occupation. It is situated in the Lodi Institutional Area. Tibetan shopping complex providing various articles, handicrafts, woollen hosieries are available in the area. Various sermons, discussions and lectures are frequently held in the area. This museum is open on all days except Sunday between 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm. Admissions to these complexes are absolutely free.

International Dolls Museum

The International Dolls museum is located in Nehru house near Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg. This museum has a vast collection of six thousand varieties of dolls imported from 85 countries. The most amusing items on display are a collection of five hundred dolls which showcase the various types of costumes worn across India. This museum remains open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10 am to 5.30 pm.

Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum

The museum was once the residence of first lady Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. After her assassination in the year 1984 the residence was converted into a memorial museum and is located at 1 Safdarjung Road. Some of the popular item on display is the blood stained Saree which Mrs Gandhi was wearing when she was shot by her body guards. Also, a crystal plaque which is guarded by two soldiers has few brown blood spots of Mrs Gandhi when she fell and succumbed to death.

Crafts Museum

The popular crafts Museum is located in the Aditi Pavilion of Pragati Maidan. This museum has excellent collection of ceramics, textiles, wood and metal crafts. The theme based 'village life' complex gives an excellent glimpse of the rural life. The set up and craft architecture gives you a feel of traditional rural villages of India. Admissions to these complexes are absolutely free.

Gandhi Darshan

Gandhi Darshan is located in the serene atmosphere of Raj Ghat. It basically contains several photos and paintings which speak volumes of Mahatma Gandhi’s life. Some of the personal belongings of Mahatma Gandhi is preserved in Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya and is open to the tourists.