Raja Dinakar Kelkar Museum

Situated on the Shukawar Peth on the Bajirao Road, Raja Dinkar Museum was established in 1962 by Baba Dinkar Kelkar in the memory of his son who died at the young age of seven. Presently managed and maintained by Department of Archaeology, Government of Maharashtra, the three storeyed museum boasts of a whopping collection of 15000 collectibles which include Mughal lamps, musical instruments, nutcrackers, Ganpati's guns, carved palace doors, excellent pottery collection, vessels made up of terracotta, copper and brass, paintings on the scenes from mythological epic Ramayana, other paintings etc. The assimilation and setting up the entire museum took almost 40 years; the museum was ready to be opened to public in 1960. All the exhibits were collected by Baba Dinkar by scaling the length and breadth of the country, some of which are valuables from the 17th century belonging to the Mughal and Maratha empires.

Soon after, the management was handed over to the government in 1962. At the time of the inauguration, the museum boasted of a collection of 20000 exhibits and artefacts. However, only 15000 of them are now on display. Among the several displays are also miniature statues of Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. But the highlight of the museum is still the exuberant replica of Mastani Mahal which was originally built in 1734. This whole room has a grandiose aura with elaborate chandeliers, artistic decor, gorgeous paintings and a vibe similar to that of the royal palace.