The capital of the largest democracy in the world, New Delhi is a perfect blend of mix culture and traditions of the old and modern India. It has a long past and there are various fascinations that demonstrate how the city has evolved, over the time. Just like the old ancient cenotaphs and other heritage structures, even the museums in Delhi draw people's attention of different age groups from all over the world and guide them to add those attractive museums in their itinerary while scheduling a visit to the capital state of India. The museums in Delhi signify the rich heritage and cultural background of the state. The tranquil environment of these museums will make you relish a slower pace of life, in spite of being in a vivacious city buzzing with activity. Here, we have compiled all fascinating museums in Delhi that must be called on in order to have an amazing experience.
One of the assets of Delhi that could not gather much fame and deserves a better recognition, Tribal Museum is eerie of well-preserved and occasionally visited relics from all the places of the Seven Sisters, alias the North Eastern India. Located at a walking distance from the Jhandewalan Metro Station in Delhi, the museum exhibits the basic lifestyle of the various tribes of the North Eastern India. The huge four halls are stocked up with tools, weaponry, and musical instruments that depict the folk culture of these tribes.
Timing: 11:00 am - 2:30 pm
Ticket: Free Entry.
An absolute fairyland for the children, International Dolls Museum is located in the Children's Book Trust Building at Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg in New Delhi, displaying 6000 dolls from 85 countries. The renowned cartoonist, K Shankar Pillai envisioned this museum in 1957. The two sections in the 5,184.5 square feet area comprise of various themed sections such as Man on the Moon, Japanese Kabuki Dancer, Mexican Aborigines, and much more. There are many local and foreigner visitors who visit this interesting museum all throughout the year.
Timing: 10:00 am to 5.30 pm.
Closed: Monday and Gazetted Holidays
Ticket: Adult: Rs.15 INR, Child: Rs.5 INR.
Located in Red Fort, New Delhi, Indian War Memorial Museum was set up to commemorate the sacrifice of the soldiers who contributed to the world war in India or abroad on behalf of the British. The museum comprises the first and second floors of the Red Fort. As the name suggests, the galleries exhibit war-related antiques and pictures such as the diorama showing the war of Panipat with Babur and Ibrahim Lodi standing opposed to each other, arrows, revolvers, machine guns, Bomb fuses, shells, gunpowder flasks, bullets, and images of the arms and ammo used during the First World War. An additional attraction is the dress of Maharaja Jodhpur comprising a Kurta (long shirt), turban with intricate zari work, trouser, and belt, adorned with a sword, sheath, and shoes.
Timing: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed: Friday and Gazetted Holidays
Ticket:5 INR -Indian, 100INR -Foreign Nationals, 1INR -Indian Students
Formatted by the Republic of India, The Sangeet Natak Akademi is India's national academy for music, dance, and drama situated on the Ferozeshah Road, Delhi. On 31 May 1952, this first National Academy was formed by a resolution of the Ministry of Education, Government of India and was inaugurated on 28 January 1953 by the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. As the contribution to the cultural heritage of mankind, the sole motive of the formation of this academy is to develop, preserve, promote, and protect the theatre and the precious heritage of music, drama, and dance of India. The Akademi as a social platform fosters the cultural interactions between numerous regions in India, as well as between India and the rest of the world. This one is frequented by the locals and the tourists for witnessing the exotic culture of India characterized by several shows and themes.
Founded in 1960, National Gandhi Museum signifies the life, achievements, and ideology of Mahatma Gandhi, through photographs, visual arts, documents, and much more. The sole aim of building this museum is to promote and propagate the great teachings and dogma of the great leader Mahatma Gandhi. Special activities like film shows on Gandhi and his colleagues, special showcases, seminars, conferences on various topics are also conducted occasionally. The museum also boasts of a library partaking nearly 40,000 books and magazines on world peace and religions.
Timing: 9.30 am -5.30 pm
Closed: Monday and Gazetted Holidays
Ticket: Free Entry
Located within the campus of the Jamia Milia Islamia University at Okhla in Delhi, the Zakir Hussain Museum was constructed as a catacomb in the honor of Dr. Zakir Hussain, one of the founders of the Jamia Milia Islamia University. Established in the year 1972, the museum preserves and exhibits all the possessions of this great man. Dedicated exclusively to Dr. Zakir Hussain, the museum houses photographs, souvenirs, mementos, and the prestigious Bharat Ratna award of Dr. Zakir Hussain during his presidency as the First Prime Minister of India.
Timing: 10:00 am 5:00 pm
Closed: Fridays and Gazetted Holidays
Ticket: Free Entry.
Located in Dak Bhawan, the National Philatelic Museum possesses a selected assortment of Indian stamps issued by the Government of India, first-day covers, and foreign stamps along with a plethora of information about the postal history of India. The key attraction is the first stamp issued in India by the Sindh Dak in the year 1854. You can buy stamps as a souvenir from the sale counter outside the National Philatelic Museum.
Timing:10.00 am to 5.00 pm
Closed: Saturday, Sunday, and Gazetted Holidays
Ticket: Free Entry.
With a fascinating and interesting collection of over 100 factual displays of Indian Railways, the National Rail Museum is a strong contender for one of the best museums in Delhi. Located in Chanakyapuri, the museum exhibits steam locos and carriages spread across 11 acres. The lineup of antique bogies includes the handsome Prince of Wales Saloon, Maharaja of Mysore's Saloon, the former Viceregal Dining Car, etc. The latest indoor gallery comprises of a miniature railway and three emulators (weekends only). This museum is one of the most preferred places for a weekend day out.
Timing: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Closed: Monday and Gazetted Holidays
Ticket: 20 INR
Toy Train Ticket: 20 INR
Situated at the LokVihar, Pitampura in New Delhi Raj Yoga Spiritual Museum is a haven for those seeking some spiritual splendor. Affiliated to Brahma Kumaris, Raja Yoga is a primeval method of meditation and spiritual indulgence. Raja Yoga Meditation enlightens self-awareness that ultimately leads to self-realization. The course is held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for two weeks. Trust me! Once you complete the course, it will lead to new approaches and responses to life with enhanced awareness and precision.
Situated in the Mumtaz Mahal of the Red Fort, the Archaeological Museum houses some precious excavation discoveries, relics from the Maurya, Sunga, Kushana, Rajput, and Mughal era. The museum serves as a testimony of the finest ancient calligraphy, settlements, and lifestyles. The three sections of the museum are dedicated to the Indus Valley Civilization, Bahadur Shah Zafar, and the artifacts related to the First War of Indian Independence in 1857. The Archaeological Museum hosts the rich heritage that has been transmitted by the historical royalty of India.
Timings:10am To 5pm
Closed: Fridays and Gazetted Holidays
So pals, if you are planning a visit to Delhi, don't miss the above-mentioned list, as I am sure that these reserves of history will never fail to amaze you!