Delhi is a city with a rich history as it has been a host to diverse kingdoms, emperors, and cultures. It thus follows that the city has a culture of museum-going, with a wide variety of museums where you can indulge even your most obscure interests. Be it taking your little one for an educational trip, simply wanting to do something different and educate yourself, or even ditching the usual dates in CyberHub with your significant other, museums will always welcome you! Read on for our guide to the best museums in Delhi that you should definitely visit!
1. National Museum
One of the largest museums in India, the National Museum houses a variety of articles ranging from pre-historic eras to modern works of art. You can tour the different departments in the museum including (but not limited to) Archaeology, Manuscripts, Numismatics & Epigraphics, Paintings, Arms & Armour, and Decorative Arts. It features sculptures, artworks and more from all regions of India. If you’re interested in Indian history and culture, this is definitely a must-visit, especially if this is your first time in India (or even Delhi!) or if you’ve lost touch with your knowledge of the subject.
Now for a trip down memory lane - the museum was proposed by Sir Maurice Gwyer, after an exhibition on Indian arts and artifacts was organised by the Royal Academy of Arts, London. The museum is also disability-friendly, with a new permanent gallery for disabled persons which has tactile replicas of 22 objects along with audio guides, ramps, and labels in Braille. If you work with disabled persons or are disabled yourself, then you can visit this museum without hesitation. As such, the National Museum is definitely one of the best museums in New Delhi!
Where: Janpath Rd, Rajpath Area, Central Secretariat, New Delhi
When: 10 AM to 6 PM
Entry fee: Upto Rs. 650, depending on age and nationality
2. National Rail Museum
If you were brought up in Delhi, odds are that you’ll have a hazy memory of visiting the rail museum with your primary school class on a sticky summer day. One of the most unique museums in Delhi, it (as the name suggests) takes museum-goers through the development of the Indian Railways. If you’re looking to get in touch with your inner child or if you want to spend an enjoyable afternoon doing something different, you should definitely come here as the open-air setting will only add to the fun! The main exhibits here include the Patiala State Mono Railway - a unique steam monorail, Fairy Queen - the world’s oldest working locomotive, Saloon of the Prince of Wales, and more. You can also go in big groups to take advantage of the large museum grounds!
Where: Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
When: 10 AM to 5 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry fee: Rs. 10 to Rs. 100
3. National Gallery of Modern Art
The National Gallery of Modern Art needs no introduction. One of the largest modern art museums in the world, it was founded in 1954 and is the go-to location for art-lovers across the city and the country. It houses more than 1700 works by artists such as Raja Ravi Verma, Rabindranath Tagore, Amrita Sher-Gil, M.F. Hussain, Jamini Roy, and international artists as well. Some of the oldest works here date back to the 1800s! Moreover, budding photographers seeking inspiration might want to visit the NGMA as it houses a collection of photographs by Lala Deen Dayal, one of the pioneers of Indian photography.
If you want to develop an appreciation for art or indulge your passion for the same, or if you’ve been looking into visiting one of the landmark galleries in the city, then you should definitely come here on a day off - after all it is one of the best museums in Delhi!
Where: Shershah Road, Near India Gate Jaipur House, New Delhi
When: 11 AM to 6:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry fee: Rs. 20 to Rs. 500
4. Indian Air Force Museum
If you are interested in the armed forces, especially the history of the Indian Air Force, then you should definitely visit the Indian Air Force Museum. While it is located on the Palam Air Force Station, rest assured that entry is allowed for civilians, and is free of cost to boot! The hangar displays small aircraft and Air Force inventory while the gallery houses war trophies, radar vehicles, memorabilia, and more. We would definitely recommend visiting the museum, especially with your little one, as it illustrates the legacy of the Indian Armed Forces and the ground realities of war and defense.
Where: Palam Air Force Station, Delhi
When: 10 AM to 5 PM (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Entry fee: Free of cost.
5. Sulabh International Museum Of Toilets
Calling Sulabh one of the most unique museums in Delhi is probably an understatement! Some of you may remember watching Channel V and cringing at a participant in one of their myriad dating shows who, in a bid to be quirky, took his date to the Sulabh International Museum of Toilets. If you have similar sensibilities or if you simply want to see what the buzz is all about, then you should definitely visit this super fun museum!
Despite the mystery and general air of ‘is it gross?’ surrounding it, the museum is actually very entertaining and informative. It tracks the evolution of toilets and was founded by Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, a sociologist, social reformer, and founder of the Sulabh Sanitation Movement. It was established after intense research on the subject of sanitation across the globe and houses facts, objects, and pictures, along with a display of bidets, privees, chamber pots, and toilet furniture from 1145 AD. As such, this is definitely one of the best museums in Delhi if you’re in the mood for a little unconventional learning!
Where: Sulabh Bhawan, RZ-83, Palam - Dabri Marg, Mahavir Enclave, New Delhi
When: 8 AM to 8 PM, 10 AM to 5 PM on Sundays
Entry fee: Free of cost
6. National Handicrafts & Handlooms Museum
One of the largest crafts museums in Delhi, the National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum is THE place for textile lovers and those who want to check out some truly unique pieces from all across the country. Set up over a period of 30 years, the museum has various galleries including the Tribal and Rural Craft Gallery, Gallery of Courtly Crafts, Gallery of Popular Cultures, and several others. These house precious metal jewellery, rare embroidery, and centuries-old textiles. The Museum also has a large village complex that represents village life, and the physical structures and items that make up the same. As such, this museum is definitely an educational experience and we highly recommend visiting it!
Where: Pragati Maidan Bhairon Marg, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi,
When: 10 AM to 5 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry fee: Rs. 20 to Rs. 200
7. Madame Tussauds Delhi
Madame Tussauds has been capturing public imagination ever since its inception and the Indian variant is no different! Perfect for tourists, kids, and lovers of Indian pop culture, it provides Insta and photo opportunities like no other place in Delhi! Get clicked with everyone, from the likes of Beyonce, Asha Bhonsle and Amitabh Bachchan to Anne Hathaway and Bappi Lahiri and have the most fun ever! As such, this is definitely one of the most vibrant museums in Delhi and perfect for those who’re done with more academic and informational museum tours.
Where: Regal Building, 44, Connaught Cir, Connaught Place, New Delhi
When: 10 AM to 6 PM, Open till 7:30 PM on Weekends
Entry fee: Rs. 1,100 onwards
8. National Science Centre
A science museum like no other, the National Science Centre is perfect for an outing with your little one or even your students. It houses exhibits across four floors, which are hands-on and participatory. These include Our Science and Technology Heritage, Human Biology, Fun Science - a favourite among kids as it features interactive exhibits and houses a 3D movie hall, Information Revolution, and exhibit that tracks the development of communication, and Water - Elixir of Life, the entry to which is through a pond! As such, this is a great place to visit if you have a budding scientist in your family or even if you want your little one to get basic science education in a fun manner.
Where: Bhairon Marg, Near Gate No.1, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
When: 9:30 AM to 6 PM
Entry fee: Rs. 5 to Rs. 60