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Famous Museums in India

12 Most Famous Museums in India in 2023

Museums in India are captivating spaces that serve as gateways to the country's rich and diverse cultural heritage. From ancient artefacts that speak of centuries-old civilisations to contemporary artworks that reflect the nation's vibrant artistic expressions, these places are custodians of India's past, present, and future. Museums in India showcase a vast array of treasures, including sculptures, paintings, textiles, manuscripts, coins, and historical objects that illuminate the nation's cultural, religious, and social fabric.

With their carefully curated exhibits and immersive displays, museums allow visitors to explore the intricacies of Indian history, traditions, and art forms. Beyond preservation and presentation, museums in India play a pivotal role in education, research, and cultural exchange. These museums provide platforms for learning, enabling visitors to deepen their understanding of India's heritage, engage in scholarly pursuits, and celebrate the rich tapestry of the country's extraordinary cultural legacy.

List of 12 Most Famous Museums in India

  • National Museum, New Delhi
  • Indian Museum, Kolkata
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai
  • National Rail Museum, New Delhi
  • Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad
  • Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata
  • Madame Tussauds, New Delhi
  • Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai
  • Shankar's International Dolls Museum, New Delhi
  • Jaipur City Palace Museum, Jaipur
  • Napier Museum, Thiruvananthapuram
  • Calico Museum of Textiles, Ahmedabad

1. National Museum, New Delhi

Established in the year 1949, the National Museum of India is located in New Delhi. The National Museum of India is renowned as a prominent and extensive museum in the country, exhibiting a diverse array of art, archaeology, and cultural artefacts that encompass a remarkable 5,000-year span of history. The museum showcases an astounding collection of jewellery, weapons, and decorative arts from the Mughal period, offering glimpses into that era's opulence and artistic excellence. This museum aims to preserve and exhibit India's rich cultural heritage, providing visitors with insights into the diverse art forms, traditions, and historical developments of the Indian subcontinent.

  • Address: Janpath Rd, Rajpath Area, Central Secretariat, New Delhi, Delhi 110011
  • Contact Details: +91 11 2301 9272; nationalmuseumoutreach@gmail.com
  • Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM all days except Monday

Entry Fee: 

  • Indian Citizen - INR. 20 per person
  • Foreign Tourists - INR. 650 per person
  • Students with I-cards - Free

Where to buy tickets: Ticket counter

*Videography is prohibited within the museum premises, but handheld camera photography is permitted. However, prior permission must be obtained for the use of photographs.

2. Indian Museum, Kolkata

The Indian Museum, located in Kolkata, is the oldest museum in India. Established in 1814, this museum houses an extensive collection encompassing a wide range of disciplines, including archaeology, anthropology, art, geology, zoology, and more. The museum also exhibits an impressive collection of sculptures, including the iconic Bharhut Stupa and the Sanchi Stupa galleries, which display intricately carved Buddhist sculptures. The Indian Museum in Kolkata serves as a hub for research, conservation, and education. It organises exhibitions, seminars, and workshops to promote the understanding and appreciation of India's cultural and natural heritage.

  • Address: 27, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Park Street Area, Kolkata – 700016
  • Contact Details: +91 033 2252 1790; indianmuseumkolkata@gmail.com
  • Website: https://indianmuseumkolkata.org/
  • Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM all days except Monday

Entry Fee:

  • Indian Citizen - INR. 20 (below 18 years); INR. 50 per adult
  • Foreign Tourists - INR. 500 per person
  • Students with I-cards - Free

Where to buy tickets: Ticket counter/official website

Charges for photography with smartphone Camera is INR 50 + 18% GST and photography with DSLR Camera is INR 100 + 18% GST

3. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum, is a renowned museum located in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The museum is named after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a famous Maratha king. It has an extensive collection of valuable artefacts from old cultures like Egypt, Greece, and China, which adds to the global importance of the museum. Ancient sculptures, detailed carvings, and religious artefacts from different times and parts of India can be seen in the galleries. The museum in India also has a large collection of Indian miniature paintings, decorative arts, and crafts that show the country's long history of art.

  • Address: 159-161, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai-400 023. Maharashtra, India.
  • Contact Details: +91 022 22844484 | 22844519; csmvsmumbai@gmail.com
  • Website: https://csmvs.in/
  • Timings: 10.15 AM to 6.00 PM all days

Entry Fee: 

  • Indian Citizen - INR 75 - 150
  • Foreign Tourists - INR 700
  • Students up to 10th with I-cards - INR. 35

Where to buy tickets: Ticket counter

Videography is prohibited within the museum premises. However, the entry fee includes the complimentary mobile photo pass and Rs.100 for a DSLR camera.

4. National Rail Museum, New Delhi

The National Rail Museum in New Delhi is an exciting place showcasing the rich history of the Indian Railways. With old trains, carriages, and other artefacts, this best museum in India shows how rail technology has changed over time. Some of the highlights include an indoor gallery with historical images and railway memorabilia, as well as the world's oldest operating steam engine, the Fairy Queen. Visitors can ride the joy train while gazing at interesting displays. The museum serves as an educational space, providing insights into the cultural significance and engineering aspects of the Indian Railways.

  • Address: Near Bhutan Embassy, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi, 110021, India
  • Contact Details: +91 011 2688 0939; nationalrailmuseum@gmail.com
  • Website: https://www.nrmindia.org/
  • Timings: 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM all days except Monday

Entry Fee: 

  • Weekdays - INR 50 per adult; INR 10 per child
  • Weekend - INR 100 per adult; INR 20 per child

Where to buy tickets: Ticket counter

Photography is allowed without any restrictions in the National Rail Museum in Delhi.

5. Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad

The Salar Jung Museum is a globally renowned institution renowned for its extensive collection of art and artefacts. Located in Hyderabad, this museum in India was founded in 1951 and boasts diverse exhibits representing various cultures. The museum showcases a wide array of artworks, including paintings, textiles, manuscripts, and sculptures. The Veiled Rebecca and the Double Statue of Mephistopheles and Margaretta are among the museum's most acclaimed exhibits. With its vast collection and cultural importance, the Salar Jung Museum offers an enthralling exploration of the past, present, and future.

  • Address: 22-8-299/320, Salar Jung Road, Darul Shifa, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500002
  • Contact Details:+91 40 24576443, 24523211; salarjungmuseum1951@gmail.com
  • Website:https://www.salarjungmuseum.in/index.html
  • Timings: 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM all days except Friday

Entry Fee: 

  • Indian Citizen - INR 20
  • Foreign Tourists - INR 500
  • Students upto 10th with I-cards - Free

Where to buy tickets: Ticket counter

An additional fee of Rs. 50 is charged for the use of a still camera.

6. Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata

The Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata is widely regarded as one of the best museums in India. This impressive structure, dedicated to the remembrance of Queen Victoria, is a striking example of architectural mastery and historical import. The museum is home to priceless works of art and relics from India's colonial era. Visitors can explore galleries featuring paintings, sculptures, weapons, textiles, and historical documents. The memorial is made even more beautiful and peaceful by the magnificent grounds that surround it. The Victoria Memorial Hall is the jewel in India's museum crown due to its gorgeous architecture, rich collection, and cultural significance.

  • Address: Victoria Memorial Hall, 1, Queen's Way, Kolkata - 700071
  • Contact Details:91-33-2223-1890/189; victomem@gmail.com
  • Website:https://victoriamemorial-cal.org/home/content/en
  • Timings: 10.00 AM to 6.00 PM all days except Monday

Entry Fee: 

  • Indian Citizen - INR 30
  • Foreign Tourists - INR 100-500
  • Students upto 12th with I-cards - Free

Where to buy tickets: Ticket counter

Photography is permitted inside the galleries of the Victoria Memorial Hall, allowing visitors to capture memorable moments. However, the use of flashes or tripods while photographing the galleries is strictly prohibited.

7. Madame Tussauds, Noida

Madame Tussauds in India is an iconic attraction that offers visitors a unique opportunity to interact with lifelike wax figures of renowned personalities from various fields. From Bollywood stars and world leaders to sports icons and historical figures, the museum showcases a diverse collection of 50 meticulously crafted wax statues. Visitors can take selfies, pose with their favourite celebrities, and immerse themselves in a world of glamour and fame. With its realistic figures, interactive exhibits, and engaging ambience, Madame Tussauds provides an entertaining and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

  • Address: 4Th Floor, Dlf Mall Of India,, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
  • Timings: 11.30 AM to 7.30 PM all days

Entry Fee: 

  • INR 960 for adults - 12 years and above
  • INR 760 for Kids - 3 to 11 years

Where to buy tickets: Ticket counter

Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras, camera phones, and even selfie sticks to capture cherished moments and create lasting memories of their visit.

8. Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai