Museums of Delhi
Delhi's museums are living archives of art, science, culture, struggle, and invention rather than just old halls full of forgotten items. The city's museums present India's diverse cultural landscape in interesting and informative ways, showcasing everything from ancient sculptures and art pieces to royal carriages and neglected everyday goods. These locations provide a welcome change of pace, whether you're looking for inspiration, information, or just some peace. Perfect for relaxing weekends, quiet afternoons, or insightful discussions.
Here are some of Delhi's most fascinating museums, including both well-known and lesser-known ones:
1. National Museum, Janpath
The National Museum is more than just a gallery; it's a journey through time, situated in the heart of Delhi. One of India's largest and finest museums, it boasts an impressive collection of over 2 lakh objects, carefully curated to tell the story of India's past. Ancient civilizations, empires, and creative revolutions are all on display at the museum, from the beautiful Bodhisattvas of Gandhara to the dancing girl of Harappa. The tiny paintings, Mughal manuscripts, and Mauryan sculptures all work together to tie India's history and present seamlessly.
Through the extravagant jewels of long-forgotten queens, the war relics of empires, and the hallowed serenity of Buddhist items, you experience history in a way that is both educational and emotive. For families looking for an educational day out, students on field tours, or lone explorers, it's the ideal destination. Additionally, the serene, air-conditioned hallways provide a pleasant respite from the bustle of Delhi outside.
Location: Janpath Road, near India Gate
Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Monday closed)
Entry Fee: ₹650 for foreign visitors, ₹20 for Indian citizens.
2. National Rail Museum, Chanakyapuri
An interesting blend of engineering, history, and childish wonder, the National Rail Museum is situated on a lush 11-acre complex in the diplomatic enclave of Chanakyapuri. It pays honor to India's railway heritage, which has been linking the nation for almost 200 years, and goes beyond an ordinary collection of trains. Famous steam engines, elegant carriages, colonial saloons, and rare trains are among the more than 100 real exhibits on display at the museum. The Fairy Queen, the world's oldest operational steam locomotive, is one of the attractions.
The toy train ride that covers the outdoor exhibits is very popular with children (and children at heart) since it provides an entertaining and picturesque look at engines, trains, and coaches from many eras. Using digital displays, small models, and vintage train equipment, the Indoor Gallery enhances the immersive experience by highlighting the evolution of Indian Railways from the 1850s to the present.
Location: Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri
Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Monday closed)
Entry fee: ₹50 for adults and ₹10 for kids.
3. Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA), Saket
Kiran Nadar Museum of Art is the first significant private museum in India devoted to modern and contemporary art. Established by philanthropist and art collector Kiran Nadar, it is a place where India's visual culture is carefully chosen and made available to everyone. Best of all, it’s free to visit. KNMA feels more like a modern art gallery combined with serene, minimalist architecture than a traditional museum. Along with young talents and global voices, the revolving shows feature pieces by some of India's most significant artists, including M.F. Husain, S.H. Raza, F.N. Souza, Arpita Singh, Anju Dodiya, and many more.
The museum promotes relaxed viewing, allowing you to fully understand the meaning, passion, and analysis that go into each piece of art. The video art displays and interactive works are appealing to visitors. The spotless white walls, well-placed lighting, and simple designs also make it one of Delhi's most Instagram-worthy indoor art venues.
Location: DLF South Court Mall, Saket
Hours: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM (Closed on Mondays).
4. National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, Pragati Maidan
The National Crafts Museum stands as one of the largest crafts museums in India, yet it possesses the charm of a village nestled within the city. After entering, you will adore mud huts, hand-painted walls, open courtyards, and the gentle sounds of looms and artisans at work. This open-air museum is a tribute to India’s rich handloom and handicraft heritage, showcasing nearly every state. You’ll also find life-size dioramas of traditional village homes, tribal huts, temples, and courtyards, complete with terracotta figures and folk décor.
Explore the Textile Gallery, which displays magnificent examples of phulkaris, ikats, kalamkaris, Banarasi weaving, and ceremonial clothing spanning centuries. These exhibits are not only beautiful but also offer insight into the interaction of Indian crafts with community, rituals, and the environment.
Location: Bhairon Marg, Pragati Maidan (opposite Purana Qila)
Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: ₹20 for Indian citizens, ₹200 for foreigners.
5. National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), India Gate
The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), located behind the majestic India Gate, is Delhi's most significant tribute to the evolution of Indian art over the past two centuries. The building is an architectural masterpiece from Lutyens' era: elegant domes, sweeping staircases, and natural light flooding the long, soothing galleries. The museum's collection includes more than 17,000 works by iconic Indian artists from the late 19th century to the present day.
The NGMA offers a unique opportunity to explore India's history through its art, from colonial paintings to post-independence political expressionism to contemporary experimental forms. Exhibitions change regularly, offering a unique experience with each visit. In addition to its galleries, the museum features a sculpture garden, a tranquil courtyard, and a cozy café, providing an ideal setting for reflection, drawing, writing, or simply relaxing from the city's hustle and bustle.
Location: Jaipur House, near India Gate
Hours: 11:00 AM - 6:30 PM (Closed on Mondays and National Holidays)
Entry Fee: ₹20 (Indian citizens), ₹500 (foreigners), Free entry for students.
6. National Science Centre - Pragati Maidan
The National Science Centre is a haven for young adventurers and curious souls. This interactive scientific museum combines interactive exhibits to make biology, physics, and space fascinating. With exhibits like the "Hall of Nuclear Power," "Human Biology," "Fun Science Gallery," and life-size dinosaur models, it is both educational and entertaining.
In addition to traditional galleries, the museum offers unique science exhibits, kid-friendly workshops, planetarium-style events, and weekend robotics demonstrations. Children can touch and handle the models or conduct small experiments to learn scientific concepts enjoyably and memorably. This place serves as many Delhi students' first genuine exposure to practical science outside of the classroom. The experience can be so pleasant and nostalgic that even adults are frequently taken aback.
Location: Bhairon Marg, near Pragati Maidan
Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Open all days)
Entry Fee: ₹70 for adults, ₹40 for children, additional charges for 3D shows.
7. Gandhi Smriti Museum, 5 Tees January Marg
The place of Mahatma Gandhi's last days and his martyrdom on January 30, 1948, is now home to the serene and sorrowful Gandhi Smriti museum. The museum has exhibits about his life, values, and the fight for independence, in addition to his personal things, room, photos, and quotations. The precise location of his assassination is marked with the Martyr's Column on the prayer ground.
This is one of the most significant historical locations in Delhi for those interested in learning about Gandhiji's peace and non-violent ideology and India's freedom movement. Visitors are guided through his final stroll by concrete slabs that mark his last footprints on the ground. Rare images from the Indian freedom fight, letters from Bapu, lively galleries, and short videos that capture his message of humanity and truth are all found inside. Many tourists come here for the peaceful ambiance and profound sense of introspection
Location: Tees January Marg, Near Birla House
Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Closed on Mondays.
8. Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum, Safdarjung Road
This Indira Gandhi memorial museum, which was previously the home of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has been transformed into a place that honors her legacy, political career, and personal life. Photographs, awards, handwritten messages, personal belongings, and even the saree she was wearing on the day of her death are all present. The clear glass-enclosed road outside marks the location of her 1984 shooting.
This museum provides insight into her role as India's first and only female prime minister, making it an important aspect of the country's contemporary history. Visitors can know about her everyday life by seeing the rooms as they were, including her living room and study desk. Rare photos from her international trips, international conferences, and family gatherings with Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi enhance the walls. Additionally, there are audio-visual sections that showcase significant speeches and political occasions during her career. The museum honors and reminds people of the sacrifices made throughout India's political history.
Location: Safdarjung Road, New Delhi
Hours: 9:30 AM to 4:45 PM, Closed on Mondays
9. Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum, President’s Estate
Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum provides a unique glimpse into the nation's ceremonial and administrative past. This museum is organized into several rooms, exhibits the iconic Presidential limousine as well as the personal belongings of former presidents, presents from international leaders, prestigious medals, and vintage ceremonial furniture. A time-traveling tour of the Indian Republic's history, interactive displays showcasing the building's design, and digital versions of the Durbar Hall are also available.
The museum also has the Marble Hall, which has life-size images of past presidents. In addition to the stunning Mughal-style gardens around the building, many tourists come to see the relics and to take in the majesty of presidential life. It radiates a strong sense of patriotism and is a must-see for everyone interested in Indian politics, leadership, or national heritage.
Location: President’s Estate, New Delhi
Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Closed on Mondays
Entry Fee: ₹50 per person (online ticket booking is recommended).
10. Indian Air Force Museum, Palam
A must-see for history enthusiasts and aviation enthusiasts is the Indian Air Force Museum in Palam, Delhi. This museum features a vast collection of aircraft, weapons, uniforms, battle relics, photographs, and documents that magnificently reflect the Indian Air Force's historic journey. The outdoor gallery features fighter jets, helicopters, and transport aircraft in their full splendor, making it the most attractive place.
Photographs and stories showcasing the bravery and accomplishments of Indian Air Force members are preserved in the interior galleries. In addition to being a museum, it honors the courage, discipline, and sacrifices made by our air force fighters. Visitors can see the glory of India's aircraft heritage, get a close-up look at actual aircraft, and learn about the Indian Air Force's role in protecting the country.
Location: Palam Air Force Station, Delhi
Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
11. Delhi Metro Museum, Patel Chowk
The Delhi Metro Museum, India's first modern metro museum, is located at the Yellow Line's Patel Chowk Metro Station. This museum covers the amazing journey of the Delhi Metro. The museum's interactive displays, tiny models, technical wonders, old photos, and educational panels describe how the metro system evolved under Delhi's crowded roads. It also highlights the project's innovations, safety, and technology.
Visit here to discover the fascinating tale of how Delhi constructed its outstanding metro system, featuring interactive displays ideal for enthusiasts of history, engineers, and students.
Location: Patel Chowk Metro Station, Yellow Line
Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Entry Fees: Enter using a Metro card.
