Top 20 Best Museums In India 2023
Museums are institutions that house and maintain collections of artifacts and exhibits and make them accessible to the public. They serve as research, study, and educational centers and play an important role in preserving cultural heritage and promoting knowledge and understanding of the world.
Museums can focus on a wide range of subjects, including art, history, science, technology, and natural history, and can have both permanent and temporary exhibitions. In addition to exhibiting artifacts, many museums also offer educational programs, lectures, tours, and special events to engage visitors and encourage learning.
The condition of museums in India varies greatly by museum and location. Some museums, such as the National Museum in New Delhi, the Indian Museum in Kolkata, and the Prince of Wales Museum in Mumbai, have established collections, dedicated staff and good facilities. These museums attract many visitors and are considered to be the best in the country.
However, many other museums in India face various challenges such as Lack of money, insufficient staff and poor facilities. Some museums have limited collections and may not have the resources to adequately care for and preserve the items on display.
Additionally, museums in smaller towns and rural areas may not receive as much support or attention, and their collections and facilities may need upgrading.
Despite these challenges, the importance of museums in India has been increasingly recognized in recent years and efforts are being made to improve the overall health of museums in the country.
These include increased funding for museum development, the establishment of new museums, and the implementation of programs to improve the management and preservation of museum collections.
Here are 20 of the best museums in India as of 2023:
- National Museum, New Delhi
- Indian Museum, Kolkata
- Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai
- National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi
- Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai
- National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum, New Delhi
- Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai
- Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata
- National Museum of Natural History, New Delhi
- State Museum, Lucknow
- Allahabad Museum, Allahabad
- Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Pune
- National Science Centre, New Delhi
- Gandhi Memorial Museum, Madurai
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial, Ahmedabad
- Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
- Indian War Memorial Museum, Delhi
- Rajasthan State Museum, Jaipur
- Government Museum, Chennai
National Museum, New Delhi
The National Museum in New Delhi is one of the largest museums in India and is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of India. Established in 1949, the museum has a vast collection of over 200,000 artefacts and specimens, covering a wide range of subjects including art, archaeology, ethnology, numismatics, and manuscripts.
Some of the most famous items in the museum’s collection include the Harappan civilization artefacts, ancient Hindu and Buddhist sculptures, miniature paintings, textiles, arms and armour, and rare coins and manuscripts. The museum also has a comprehensive collection of Indus Valley Civilization artefacts, which is considered to be one of the best in the world.
In addition to its permanent collections, the National Museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs, making it a popular destination for both tourists and students. With its vast collection and commitment to preserving India’s cultural heritage, the National Museum is an important institution for anyone interested in learning more about the history and culture of India.
Indian Museum, Kolkata
The Indian Museum in Kolkata is one of the oldest and largest museums in India, established in 1814. It has a vast collection of over 1.5 million specimens and artefacts, covering a wide range of subjects including archaeology, anthropology, geology, botany, zoology, and art.
Some of the most famous items in the museum’s collection include ancient sculptures, coins and metalware, paintings, and manuscripts. The museum also has an extensive collection of fossils, including dinosaur skeletons and the remains of prehistoric animals.
In addition to its permanent collections, the Indian Museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs, making it a popular destination for both tourists and students. With its rich history, diverse collections, and commitment to preserving India’s cultural heritage, the Indian Museum is an important institution for anyone interested in learning more about the country’s history and culture.
Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai
The Prince of Wales Museum, now known as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, is a museum located in Mumbai, India. It was established in 1905 and was originally named after King George V, who was then the Prince of Wales. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of India, with a focus on the art, archaeology, and natural history of the region.
The museum’s collection is extensive and diverse, with over 60,000 artefacts and specimens on display, including ancient sculptures, manuscripts, paintings, textiles, and decorative arts.
Some of the most famous items in the collection include rare specimens of Indian wildlife, Hindu and Buddhist sculptures, and miniature paintings from Rajasthan and the Deccan.
In addition to its permanent collections, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs, making it a popular destination for both tourists and students.
With its rich history, diverse collections, and commitment to preserving India’s cultural heritage, the Prince of Wales Museum is an important institution for anyone interested in learning more about the history and culture of India.
National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi
The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in New Delhi is India’s premier museum dedicated to contemporary and modern art. Established in 1954, the museum has a collection of over 14,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and photographs by both Indian and international artists.
Some of the most famous artists in the museum’s collection include Raja Ravi Varma, Rabindranath Tagore, Amrita Sher-Gil, and F. N. Souza. The NGMA also has an extensive collection of works by modern Indian artists, including Husain, Raza, and Souza, who were pioneers in the Indian modern art movement.
In addition to its permanent collections, the National Gallery of Modern Art regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs, making it a popular destination for both art lovers and students.
With its rich collections and commitment to preserving and promoting modern and contemporary art, the National Gallery of Modern Art is an important institution for anyone interested in learning more about the art and artists of India.
Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad
The Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad, India, is a museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the art and cultural heritage of India. Established in 1951, the museum has a collection of over 43,000 artefacts and specimens, including sculptures, paintings, manuscripts, textiles, and decorative arts.
Some of the most famous items in the museum’s collection include Indian and European paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts, as well as a large collection of clocks and watches. The museum also has a comprehensive collection of jade and ivory carvings, as well as ancient manuscripts and rare books.
In addition to its permanent collections, the Salar Jung Museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs, making it a popular destination for both tourists and students.
With its rich collections and commitment to preserving India’s cultural heritage, the Salar Jung Museum is an important institution for anyone interested in learning more about the art, history, and culture of India.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), also known as Victoria Terminus, is a historic railway station located in Mumbai, India. It was designed by Frederick William Stevens and was built in 1887 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. The station is a fine example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004.
CST is one of the busiest railway stations in India, and serves as a major transportation hub for the city of Mumbai, handling over three million passengers every day. The station is also an important cultural landmark, with its grand architecture and historical significance making it a popular tourist destination.
In addition to being a functional railway station, CST is also home to a museum, which showcases the history of the Indian railways and the evolution of the station itself. The museum contains a collection of photographs, artefacts, and models that provide a fascinating insight into the rich history of the Indian railways.
Whether you are a railway enthusiast, a history buff, or just a curious traveller, a visit to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is sure to be a memorable experience.
National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum, New Delhi
The National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum, also known as the National Crafts Museum, is a museum located in New Delhi, India. It was established in 1956 to preserveshowcaseasing the rich cultural heritage of India’s traditional crafts and textiles.
The museum has a vast collection of over 20,000 artefacts and specimens, including textiles, pottery, jewellery, woodwork, metalwork, and other examples of traditional Indian crafts. Some of the most famous items in the museum’s collection include Rajasthani textiles, Kutch embroidery, Madhubani paintings, and Banarasi silk saris.
In addition to its permanent collections, the National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs, making it a popular destination for both tourists and students.
With its rich collections and commitment to preserving India’s traditional crafts and textiles, the National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum is an important institution for anyone interested in learning more about the art, culture, and heritage of India.
Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai
The Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, also known as the Mumbai City Museum, is a museum located in Mumbai, India. It was established in 1872 and is one of the oldest museums in the city. The museum was renamed in 1975 in honour of Dr Bhau Daji Lad, a prominent physician and social reformer who played a key role in its establishment.
The museum has a collection of over 20,000 artefacts and specimens, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, manuscripts, and other examples of Indian cultural heritage. Some of the most famous items in the museum’s collection include Indian miniature paintings, ancient coins, manuscripts, and rare photographs.
In addition to its permanent collections, the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs, making it a popular destination for both tourists and students.
With its rich collections and commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of Mumbai, the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum is an important institution for anyone interested in learning more about the art, history, and culture of India’s financial capital.
Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata
The Victoria Memorial Hall is a grand museum and cultural centre located in Kolkata, India. It was built between 1906 and 1921 in memory f Queen Victoria and serves as a tribute to the British Empire’s role in India. The museum is considered one of the finest examples of British-Indian architecture and is a popular tourist destination in Kolkata.
The Victoria Memorial Hall has a collection of over 25,000 artefacts and specimens, including paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, textiles, and other examples of Indian cultural heritage. Some of the most famous items in the museum’s collection include paintings by Indian artists such as Raja Ravi Varma, as well as a comprehensive collection of rare manuscripts and books.
In addition to its permanent collections, the Victoria Memorial Hall regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs, making it a popular destination for both tourists and students.
With its rich collections and commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of Kolkata, the Victoria Memorial Hall is an important institution for anyone interested in learning more about the art, history, and culture of India.
National Museum of Natural History, New Delhi
The National Museum of Natural History is a museum located in New Delhi, India that is dedicated to the study and preservation of the country’s rich natural heritage. It was established in 1978 and is one of the largest natural history museums in India.
The museum has a collection of over 2 million specimens, including specimens of plants, animals, fossils, rocks, minerals, and other natural specimens. Some of the most famous items in the museum’s collection include dinosaur fossils, rare species of plants and animals, and minerals and rocks from various regions of India.
In addition to its permanent collections, the National Museum of Natural History regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs, making it a popular destination for both tourists and students.
With its rich collections and commitment to preserving India’s natural heritage, the National Museum of Natural History is an important institution for anyone interested in learning more about the natural world and the environment.
State Museum, Lucknow
The State Museum, Lucknow is a museum located in the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, India. It was established in 1874 and is one of the oldest museums in the country. The museum is dedicated to the preservation and display of the cultural, historical, and natural heritage of the state of Uttar Pradesh.
The museum has a collection of over 35,000 artefacts and specimens, including sculptures, paintings, manuscripts, textiles, and other examples of Indian cultural heritage. Some of the most famous items in the museum’s collection include sculptures from the Gupta period, rare manuscripts, and textiles from the Mughal period.
In addition to its permanent collections, the State Museum,of Lucknow regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs, making it a popular destination for both tourists and students.
With its rich collections and commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh, the State Museum, Lucknow is an important institution for anyone interested in learning more about the art, history, and culture of this region of India.
Allahabad Museum, Allahabad
The Allahabad Museum, also known as the Kamla Nehru Memorial Museum, is a museum located in Allahabad, India. It was established in 1931 and is one of the oldest museums in the country. The museum is dedicated to the preservation and display of the cultural, historical, and natural heritage of Allahabad and the surrounding region.
The museum has a collection of over 60,000 aartefactsand specimens, including sculptures, paintings, manuscripts, textiles, and other examples of Indian cultural heritage. Some of the most famous items in the museum’s collection include sculptures from the Maurya and Gupta periods, rare manuscripts, and textiles from the Mughal period.
In addition to its permanent collections, the Allahabad Museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs, making it a popular destination for both tourists and students.
With its rich collections and commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of Allahabad, the Allahabad Museum is an important institution for anyone interested in learning more about the art, history, and culture of this region of India.
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Pune
The Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is a museum located in Pune, India that is dedicated to the preservation and display of traditional Indian art and handicrafts. The museum was founded by the late Dinkar G. Kelkar and is named after his father, Raja Dinkar Kelkar.
The museum has a collection of over 20,000 artifacts and specimens, including sculptures, paintings, manuscripts, textiles, and other examples of traditional Indian art and handicrafts.
Some of the most famous items in the museum’s collection include intricate sculptures made from brass, bronze, and other materials, as well as a collection of rare manuscripts and textiles.
In addition to its permanent collections, the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs, making it a popular destination for both tourists and students.
With its rich collections and commitment to preserving traditional Indian art and handicrafts, the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is an important institution for anyone interested in learning more about the rich cultural heritage of India.
National Science Centre, New Delhi
The National Science Centre is a museum located in New Delhi, India that is dedicated to promoting science education and public awareness of science and technology. The museum was established in 1992 and is one of the largest science museums in India.
The museum has a collection of over 400 interactive exhibits and hands-on displays that cover a wide range of scientific and technological topics, including physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and more.
Some of the most popular exhibits at the National Science Centre include interactive displays on human anatomy and physiology, displays on renewable energy sources, and interactive simulations of various scientific phenomena.
In addition to its permanent collections, the National Science Centre regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs, making it a popular destination for both tourists and students.
With its interactive exhibits and commitment to promoting science education and public awareness, the National Science Centre is an important institution for anyone interested in learning more about the wonders of science and technology.
Gandhi Memorial Museum, Madurai
The Gandhi Memorial Museum, also known as the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Museum, is a museum located in Madurai, India that is dedicated to the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. The museum was established in 1959 and is one of the oldest museums dedicated to Gandhi in India.
The museum has a collection of aartefacts manuscripts, and other items that relate to the life and work of Gandhi, including photographs, letters, and personal possessions. The museum also has a library that contains books, journals, and other materials related to Gandhi and the Indian independence movement.
In addition to its permanent collections, the Gandhi Memorial Museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs, making it a popular destination for both tourists and students.
With its rich collections and commitment to preserving the legacy of Gandhi, the Gandhi Memorial Museum is an important institution for anyone interested in learning more about this revered leader and his role in shaping the history of India.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial, Ahmedabad
The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial is a museum located in Ahmedabad, India that is dedicated to the life and legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of India’s most prominent leaders and independence activists. The museum was established in 1995 and is dedicated to preserving the memory of Patel and his contributions to the country.
The museum has a collection of aartefacts manuscripts, and other items that relate to the life and work of Patel, including photographs, letters, and personal possessions. The museum also has a library that contains books, journals, and other materials related to Patel and the Indian independence movement.
In addition to its permanent collections, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs, making it a popular destination for both tourists and students.
With its rich collections and commitment to preserving the legacy of Patel, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial is an important institution for anyone interested in learning more about this revered leader and his role in shaping the history of India.
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory located in Jaipur, India. It was built in the early 18th century by the Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh II and is one of five such observatories built by him in different parts of India.
Jantar Mantar is a collection of architectural and engineering structures, including large astronomical instruments such as sundials, zodiac circles, and astrolabes, that were used to observe and study the movements of celestial bodies.
The instruments at Jantar Mantar are still considered to be some of the most accurate of their kind and are considered a testament to the scientific and technological knowledge of the time.
Today, Jantar Mantar is a popular tourist destination and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It attracts visitors from all over the world who come to see its unique instruments and learn more about the history of astronomy in India.
In addition to its historical significance, Jantar Mantar is also considered to be an important example of Indian astronomical architecture and is widely studied by architects, engineers, and historians.
Indian War Memorial Museum, Delhi
The Indian War Memorial Museum is a museum located in Delhi, India that is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the Indian armed forces. The museum was established in 1966 and is housed in the former red sandstone building of the Prince of Wales Museum, which was built in the early 20th century.
The museum has a collection of aartefacts manuscripts, and other items that relate to the history of the Indian armed forces, including weapons, uniforms, medals, and pthe ersonal possessions of soldiers.
The museum also has a library that contains books, journals, and other materials related to the history of the Indian armed forces.
In addition to its permanent collections, the Indian War Memorial Museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs, making it a popular destination for both tourists and students.
With its rich collections and commitment to preserving the legacy of the Indian armed forces, the Indian War Memorial Museum is an important institution for anyone interested in learning more about the role of the Indian military in shaping the history of the country.
Rajasthan State Museum, Jaipur
The Rajasthan State Museum is a museum located in Jaipur, India that is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the state of Rajasthan. The museum was established in the late 19th century and is housed in a building that was originally built as a school.
The museum has a large collection of aartefacts and artworks that relate to the history, culture, and traditions of Rajasthan, including sculptures, paintings, textiles, manuscripts, and other items. The museum also has a library that contains books, journals, and other materials related to the history and culture of Rajasthan.
In addition to its permanent collections, the Rajasthan State Museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs, making it a popular destination for both tourists and students.
With its rich collections and commitment to preserving the heritage of Rajasthan, the Rajasthan State Museum is an important institution for anyone interested in learning more about the history and culture of this vibrant state.
Government Museum, Chennai
The Government Museum, Chennai is one of the oldest museums in India and is located in the city of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It was established in 1851 and is housed in a building that was designed in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style.
The museum has a vast collection of artifacts and artworks that span a wide range of subjects, including archaeology, geology, numismatics, botany, and zoology. Some of the most notable items in its collection include ancient sculptures, bronze icons, coins, and natural history specimens.
In addition to its permanent collections, the Government Museum, Chennai regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs, making it a popular destination for both tourists and students.
With its rich collections and commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu and India, the Government Museum, Chennai is an important institution for anyone interested in learning more about the history and culture of this region.
