Must Visit Museums in Delhi
Museums in Delhi
Here is the list of 22 Must Visit Museums in Delhi
1. National Museum
The National Museum in Delhi is a renowned institution known for its extensive collection of art, artifacts, and historical items, offering visitors a comprehensive journey through India's rich cultural heritage. Its exhibits span over 5,000 years of history, featuring rare and invaluable items from various regions and periods.
Location: National Museum, Janpath, New Delhi, Delhi 110011, India
Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, except on Mondays and public holidays.
Entry Fee: For Indian citizens: Rs. 20 (general admission); For foreign tourists: Rs. 650 (general admission); Concessional rates: Rs. 10 (for students and senior citizens with valid ID)
2. Rail Museum
The National Rail Museum in New Delhi is a popular attraction showcasing India's rich railway heritage through a diverse collection of vintage locomotives, railcars, and memorabilia. Located in Chanakyapuri, this museum offers visitors an insightful journey into the history of Indian railways, featuring exhibits that date back to the 19th century.
Location: National Rail Museum, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021, India
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: For Indian citizens: Rs. 50 (general admission); Rs. 10 (children aged 3-12) For foreign tourists: Rs. 100 (general admission); Rs. 20 (children aged 3-12) Concessional rates: Rs. 10 (students with valid ID and disabled visitors); Audio guide rental: Rs. 150 (available in English and Hindi)
3. Gandhi Smriti
Gandhi Smriti is one of the most famous museums in Delhi. A memorial to Mahatama Gandhi, it is housed in the former residence of the industrialist BD Birla. Gandhiji was assassinated here while he was on his way to offer his daily evening prayers. The museum houses a huge collection of photographs and other personal memorabilia. A multi-media show is held every day at 1 PM.
Location: 5, Tees January Marg, New Delhi, Delhi 110011, India
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, closed on Mondays.
Entry fee: Free entry
4. Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial
Located at 26 Alipur Road, the Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial is located at the site where he breathed his last. The unique museum is designed in the shape of a book depicting the constitution and is spread across 2 acres. Some of the highlights are a musical fountain, a replica of the Ashoka pillar at Sarnath, and a 12-foot high bronze statue. The life and journey of Dr Ambedkar is captured beautifully through varied artefacts and exhibits.
Location: Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial, 26, Alipur Road, Civil Lines, New Delhi, Delhi 110054, India
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Entry Fee: Free entry
5. National Gallery Of Modern Art
India is a country of art lovers, and National Gallery of Modern Arts (NGMA) is no less than heaven for them. Following its motto of delivering an excellent world of art to its visitors, National Gallery of Modern Art, Delhi, preserves paintings and other artistic pieces dating back to 1850s. NGMA at Delhi is the main museum located in the Jaipur House. It was established on March 29, 1954, by the Indian Government.
Location: National Gallery of Modern Art, Jaipur House, India Gate, New Delhi, Delhi 110003, India
Timings: 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM, except on Mondays and national holidays.
Entry Fee: For Indian citizens: Rs. 20 (general admission); For foreign tourists: Rs. 500 (general admission); Concessional rates: Rs. 10 (for students and senior citizens with valid ID)
6. Crafts Museum
Popularly known as the Crafts Museum, this museum in Delhimuseum in Delhi is a colourful amalgamation of the diverse culture and rich traditions of our country. Located in the far corner of the magnanimous Pragati Maidan in Delhi, the museum is a centre to exhibit varied specimens in handicrafts, textile and local decor. Designed by the prominent architect Charles Correa, the museum is currently under the management of Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
Location: National Handicrafts & Handlooms Museum, Bhairon Marg, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Mondays and national holidays.
Entry Fee: For Indian citizens: Rs. 20 (general admission); For foreign tourists: Rs. 500 (general admission); Concessional rates: Rs. 10 (for students and senior citizens with valid ID)
7. Shankar's International Dolls Museum
Situated in the Children’s Book Trust Building at Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Shankar’s International Dolls Museum is a veritabel dreamland for kids. Shankar's Museum is one among the most popular tourist attractions of the city; the idea behind the museum was conceptualized by the famous cartoonist K. Shankar Pillai. Segregated into two sections, the repository has over 160 shelves full of dolls from all across the world.
Location: Shankar's International Dolls Museum, Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, Delhi 110002, India
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, except on Mondays and public holidays.
Entry Fee: For Indian citizens: Rs. 30 (adults) and Rs. 10 (children); For foreign tourists: Rs. 200 (adults) and Rs. 100 (children).
8. Nehru Memorial Museum and Library
Housed within the premises of the grand Teen Murti Bhavan in Delhi, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library is an autonomous institution established in the memory of the first Prime Minister of India- Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Founded in 1964, after the death of Pandit Nehru, with an aim to foster research and preserve the modern and contemporary history and the Indian Independence Movement, the museum is currently managed and maintained by Department of Culture, Government of India.
Location: Teen Murti Bhavan, Teen Murti Marg, New Delhi, Delhi 110011, India
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Mondays and public holidays.
Entry Fee: For Indian citizens: Rs. 30 (general admission); For foreign tourists: Rs. 150 (general admission); Concessional rates: Rs. 10 (for students and senior citizens with valid ID)
9. National Science Centre
Established in 1992 the National Science Centre is a science museum located in Delhi. This museum in Delhi is definitely a treat for all those kids who love science and even for those who don't! There are several lectures, exhibitions and competitions that are held here apart from the regular exhibits like heritage and dinosaurs, science games, activities, human biology, fun science library.
Location: National Science Centre, Pragati Maidan, Bhairon Marg, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, closed on Holi and Diwali
Entry Fee: For Indian citizens: Rs. 50 (general admission); For foreign tourists: Rs. 150 (general admission); Concessional rates: Rs. 20 (for students with valid ID)
10. Sanskriti Museums
Located at Anandagram, within the Sankriti Kala Kendra Complex in Mehrauli area of South Delhi, Sanskriti Museums had been established in 1990 by O.P. Jain. With an objective to preserve indigenous heritage and culture by curating, promoting and documenting everyday objects of art and craft, the museums are a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Housed in a beautiful farmhouse, the complex also has functional workshops, live art studio and the residence of the artisans.
Location: Sanskriti Kendra, Anandagram, Aya Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110047, India
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Sundays and public holidays.
Entry Fee: Free
11. Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum in Delhi is a dedicated institution honoring the life and legacy of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The museum showcases her personal belongings, artifacts, photographs, and documents, providing insights into her political career and the historical events of her time.
Location: 1, Safdarjung Road, New Delhi, Delhi 110011, India
Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Mondays and public holidays.
Entry Fee: Free entry for all visitors.
12. Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum
The Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum, located within the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Residence) complex, is a renowned institution offering insights into the history and heritage of the Indian presidency. It features a rich collection of artifacts, gifts, and memorabilia associated with India's presidents.
Location: Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, Delhi 110004, India
Timings: The museum is open from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and it is closed on Mondays.
Entry fee: Rs. 50 for adults and Rs. 30 for children aged 8-12, while children below 8 and senior citizens above 65 can visit for free.
13. National Gandhi Museum
Dedicated to Mahatama Gandhi, this museum is located at Rajghat. Gandhiji's philosophy is projected through picture, sculpture and photos. His life and philosophy of Sarvodaya Movement are also shown through a film in English and Hindi between 9:30 AM till 5:30 PM except on Thursday. On Sunday, it is featured in Hindi at 4 PM and at 5 PM in English.
Location: National Gandhi Museum, 5, Tees January Marg, New Delhi, Delhi 110011, India
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, except on Sundays and public holidays.
Entry Fee: Free
14. Sulabh International Museum of Toilets
Home to umpteen monuments of historical importance, awe-striking places of heritage and breathtakingly beauteous locales, Delhi always has yet more new surprises in store. One such asset is Sulabh International Museum of Toilets, built in 1992 by Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak (a social activist) and titled as one of the weirdest museums in the world by Time magazine.
Location: Sulabh Bhawan, Palam Dabri Marg, Mahavir Enclave, Palam, New Delhi, Delhi 110045, India
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Sundays and public holidays.
Entry Fee: Free for all visitors.
15. Air Force Museum
The Air Force Museum in Delhi houses a collection of armoury and aeroplanes that shows the history of the Indian Air Force. It is located in the Delhi Cantonment area. The museum is split into different viewing galleries and features photographs, uniforms, vintage personal weapons and other Air Force Memorabilia.
Location: Air Force Museum, Palam, New Delhi, Delhi 110010, India
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Mondays and public holidays.
Entry Fee: Free for all visitors
16. National Philatelic Museum
The National Philatelic Museum in New Delhi is a notable institution dedicated to the world of postage stamps and philately. It houses an extensive collection of rare and historic stamps, offering a fascinating insight into the art and history of stamp design.
Location: National Philatelic Museum, Dak Bhawan, Sardar Patel Chowk, Sansad Marg, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays.
Entry Fee: Free
17. Charkha Museum
Charkha Museum is one of the latest additions to the wonderful assets of Delhi. Constructed in collaboration with KVIC (Khadi and Village Industries Commission), the museum in Delhi highlights the importance of great heritage of Indian Charkha. Inaugurated on 27th May 2017, the museum is built atop the underground Palika Bazaar in Connaught Place opposite the Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan.
Location: Charkha Museum, Gandhi Ashram, Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380027, India
Timings: 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM (Tuesday to Sunday), Closed on Mondays.
Entry Fee: Free
18. Museo Camera
Located in the urban alleys of DLF Phase 3 in Gurugram, this museum in Delhi is a unique vintage cameras museum showcasing analogue still and video cameras, over a century old. The eccentric repository is a private venture and the brainchild of the Indian photographer Aditya Arya. At this age and time, when all of our lives are revolving around social media and Instagram news feed, the museum is a perfect representation of our digital lifestyles.
Location: Museo Camera, Shri Ganesh Mandir Marg, DLF Phase 4, Sector 28, Gurugram, Haryana 122002, India
Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: For Indian citizens: Rs. 100 (general admission); For foreign tourists: Rs. 200 (general admission); Concessional rates: Rs. 50 (for students and senior citizens with valid ID)
19. Indian War Memorial Museum
Located in the Naubat Khana within the premises of the historic Red Fort in Delhi, this museum in Delhi was built with an objection to paying tribute and respect to the Indian soldiers who fought in the war on behalf of the country. Spread over two floors, the galleries are accessorized to depict the military history of India with arms, weapons, variety of daggers, chest armours and other objects of war. The first gallery has a brilliant miniature model of the war scene between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi.
Location: Indian War Memorial Museum, Red Fort Complex, Netaji Subhash Marg, Delhi - 110002, India
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Entry Fee: Entry is free for all visitors.
20. Museum of Archaeology
Located within the premises of Purana Qila, in New Delhi, Museum of Archaeology displays exhibits, most of which were excavated at Purana Qila itself by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1955 and between 1969 and 1973. One of the most fascinating and popular museums of India, the depository is situated on the upper floor of the fort right next to the entrance. The collection of articles and relics at the museum are excavations which are the evidence of earliest settlements in the city dating back to 1000 BC.
21. Kiran Nadar Museum of Art
Situated within the Saket District Centre in New Delhi, this museum in Delhi is the first private museum in India dedicated to contemporary and modern arts. Established in 2010, the museum has a centre in Noida as well. Sprawling over an area of 18000 square feet, the repository mostly has the art collection from the 20th-century painters.
Location: Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, DLF South Court Mall, Saket, New Delhi, Delhi 110017, India
Timings: 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM, closed on Mondays and national holidays.
Entry Fee: Free admission for all.
22. Tibet House Museum
Tibet House Museum in New Delhi is a cultural institution dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan art, culture, and heritage. Its exhibits feature Tibetan art, artifacts, and historical items, offering visitors insights into the rich and diverse Tibetan heritage.
Location: Tibet House Museum, 1 Institutional Area, Lodi Road, New Delhi - 110003, India
Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, except on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Entry Fee: Free entry for all visitors. Donations are welcome to support the institution.
These Museums should definitely be witnessed once. They are reflective of our cultural heritage. Witness the diverse range of antiques and enlighten yourself with their history. Some of them are just unmissable!