India has a rich cultural heritage, and the nation's museums act as entry points for learning about its past. India's museums provide a varied range of exhibits that draw both domestic and foreign tourists, from ancient culture to modern art. Here are nine must-see museums in India that offer an in-depth look at the history, art, and culture of the nation.
1. Indian Museum, Kolkata
The oldest and largest museum in India is the Indian Museum, which is situated in Kolkata, West Bengal. Founded in 1814, the museum includes nearly 100,000 artefacts, including fossils, sculptures, paintings, and textiles. On all days but Monday, the museum is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For entry, Indian citizens must pay Rs 20, while foreign visitors must pay Rs 500.
2. The National Museum
The National Museum in New Delhi is one of the biggest museums in India and is situated in the city's centre. There are more than 200,000 exhibits there, including natural history, archaeology, and art. On all days but Monday, the museum is open from 10am to 6pm. For entry, Indian citizens must pay Rs 20, while foreign visitors must pay Rs 650.
3. Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad
One of the most famous museums in India is located in Hyderabad, Telangana, called the Salar Jung Museum. Almost 40,000 items are displayed there, including priceless paintings, fabrics, and manuscripts. Every day, barring Friday, the museum is open from 10 am to 5:00 pm. For entry, Indian citizens must pay Rs 20, while foreign visitors must pay Rs 500.
4. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya in Mumbai is one of the most famous museums in India. It was once known as the Prince of Wales Museum. It houses a vast collection of exhibitions on natural history, archaeology, and art. On all days but Monday, the museum is open from 10:15 AM to 6:00 PM. For entry, Indian citizens must pay Rs 85, while foreign visitors must pay Rs 500.
5. Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai
Opened in 1855, the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Mumbai is one of India's oldest museums. There are more than 12,000 exhibits there, including textiles, maps, and photos. Except for Wednesday, the museum is open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM every day. For entry, Indian citizens must pay Rs 10, while foreign visitors must pay Rs 100.
6. Government Museum and Art Gallery, Chandigarh
For art lovers, Chandigarh's Government Museum and Art Gallery is a must-see destination. It houses a vast collection of sculptures, artwork, and antiquities. On all days but Monday, the museum is open from 10am to 4.30pm. For admittance, Indian citizens must pay Rs 10, while foreign visitors must pay Rs 250.
7. The National Gallery of Modern Art, Delhi
This is one of India's most famous art museums, and it is located in New Delhi. There is a variety of modern and contemporary artwork there, such as paintings, sculptures, and photos. On all days but Monday, the museum is open from 11am to 6.30pm. For admittance, Indian citizens must pay Rs 20, while foreign visitors must pay Rs 500.
8. Madame Tussauds, Noida
Madame Tussauds celebrity wax museum in India is the 23rd of its kind in the world. Situated in Noida, it is a marvel you have to see to believe. It houses wax idols of celebrities ranging from Amitabh Bachchan to Tom Cruise to Beyonce to Lionel Messi. It is open every day from 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM and the tickets will cost you 599 per person.
9. Naval Aviation Museum, Goa
We could not have ended this list without including the most interesting military museums in India. The naval aviation museum in Goa in fact is the only of its kind in Asia. With interiors designed like INS Viraat, the museum also offers an outdoor exhibition. The museum is open from 9.30am to 5.30pm, and observes its weekly off on Mondays. The entry fee is a minimal Rs 30.
Apart from this list, we also recommend visiting the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art And Culture in New Delhi is a delight if you’re an art enthusiast. And if Madame Tussauds caught your eye from this list, don’t forget to check out these wax museums in India!