List of Museums in India: Complete GK Notes

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Museums in India offer a glimpse into the country’s rich history, culture, and art. From ancient artifacts to modern exhibits, these museums play a key role in preserving India’s heritage. For students preparing for competitive exams, a good understanding of famous museums and their significance is essential for General Knowledge (GK). This guide provides a List of Museums in India, highlighting key museums that are often included in competitive exams.

What is a Museum?

  • A museum is a place where valuable objects, artworks, and historical items are stored and displayed for people to see and learn from.
  • Museums can focus on different subjects, such as art, history, science, or culture.
  • They help us understand the past and explore new ideas by showcasing things like paintings, fossils, tools, and even animals.
  • People visit museums to learn, enjoy, and discover more about the world around them.

List of Important Museums in India

SL. No.Museum NameLocation
1National MuseumNew Delhi
2Indian MuseumKolkata, West Bengal
3Government MuseumChennai, Tamil Nadu
4Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu SangrahalayaMumbai, Maharashtra
5Shivalik Fossil Park MuseumSirmour, Himachal Pradesh
6Shankar’s International Dolls MuseumDelhi
7The Salar Jung MuseumHyderabad, Telangana
8The Kite MuseumPaldi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
9Calico Museum of TextilesAhmedabad, Gujarat
10The Metro MuseumDelhi
11Sulabh International Museum of ToiletsDelhi
12India’s first Maritime MuseumLothal, Gujarat
13India’s first living Culinary Arts MuseumWGSHA, India
14Malgudi MuseumArasalu, Karnataka
15India’s first museum on Ganga: Ganga AvlokanChandi Ghat, Haridwar, Uttarakhand
16National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC)Mumbai, Maharashtra
17Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu MuseumKolkata, West Bengal
18Titanwala MuseumRajasthan
19Virtual Experiential MuseumVaranasi, Uttar Pradesh
20Albert Hall MuseumJaipur, Rajasthan
21RBI Monetary MuseumMumbai, Maharashtra
22KB Malviya National Oil MuseumGuwahati, Assam
23HAL Aerospace MuseumBangaluru, Karnataka
24Bombay Natural History SocietyMumbai, Maharashtra
25National Rail MuseumDelhi
26Jehangir Art GalleryMumbai, Maharashtra
27Birla Industrial and Technological MuseumKolkata, West Bengal
28Victoria Memorial HallKolkata, West Bengal
29National Police MuseumDelhi
30Virasat-e-Khalsa MuseumPunjab
31The Azaadi Ke Diwane MuseumRed Fort Complex, Delhi
32Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological MuseumBangaluru, Karanataka
33India’s one and only Naval Aviation MuseumGoa
34Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, Teen Murti BhawanDelhi
35National Gallery of Modern ArtNew Delhi
36National Handicrafts and Handlooms MuseumNew Delhi
37Napier MuseumThiruvananthapuram
38Dakshinachitra MuseumChennai, Tamil Nadu
39Mani BhavanMumbai, Maharashtra
40Partition MuseumAmritsar, Punjab
41Anthropological MuseumPort Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
42The Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal and Green GardenNoida, Uttar Pradesh
43Dogra Art MuseumJammu, Jammu & Kashmir
44Antarang – Sex Health Information Art GalleryMumbai, Maharashtra

Also Read: Museums in News, Latest Current Affairs

Key Highlights of Important Museums Across India

The National Museum

  • The National Museum in New Delhi, also called the National Museum of India, is one of the largest museums in the country.
  • Established in 1949, it showcases items from the pre-historic era to modern artworks.
  • The museum operates under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and is located on Janpath.
The National Museum Delhi
The National Museum Delhi
  • The plan to set up the National Museum in Delhi was created by the Maurice Gwyer Committee in May 1946.
  • An Exhibition of Indian Art was held in London during the winter of 1947-48, showcasing items from different museums in India.
  • This exhibition was organized by the Royal Academy, London, with support from the governments of India and Britain.
  • Before the items were sent back to their original museums, the same collection was displayed in Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi, in 1949.
  • The success of this exhibition led to the decision to establish the National Museum.
  • The museum’s current building was designed by architect Ganesh Bikaji Deolalikar, and its foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on May 12, 1955.
  • The National Museum was officially opened on December 18, 1960, by Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was the Vice-President of India at the time.
  • Google created a digital version of the National Museum through a project called “Life in Miniature.”

Indian Museum

  • The Indian Museum, earlier known as the Imperial Museum of Calcutta, is a major museum located in Central Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
  • It is the ninth oldest museum in the world and the oldest and largest museum in Asia in terms of collection size.
  • Founded in 1814 by the Asiatic Society of Bengal, it is credited with starting the museum movement in India.
  • Nathaniel Wallich, a Danish botanist, was the museum’s first curator.
  • The museum houses six sections and 35 galleries featuring cultural and scientific artifacts, including Indian art, archaeology, anthropology, geology, zoology, and economic botany.
  • Its collection includes rare antiques, Mughal paintings, mummies, fossils, skeletons, armor, and ornaments of international importance.
  • It operates as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India and is included as an institute of national importance in the Constitution of India.
  • The museum is a symbol of India’s transition from the medieval era to modernity, marking the beginning of socio-cultural and scientific advancements in the country.
  • The current director of the Indian Museum is Shri Arijit Dutta Choudhury, who also holds additional positions as Director General of NCSM and National Library.
Indian_Museum,_Courtyard,_Kolkata,_India
Indian Museum Courtyard Kolkata India (Photo Credit: Wikipedia)

Government Museum, Chennai

  • The Government Museum, Chennai, also called the Madras Museum, is situated in Egmore, one of the busiest areas in Chennai, India.
  • Established in 1851, it is the second oldest museum in India after the Indian Museum in Kolkata.
  • The museum is renowned for its archaeological and numismatic collections, including one of the largest collections of Roman antiquities outside Europe.
  • It is home to the richest collection of bronze idols in Asia, with around 500 pieces dating back to 1000 BCE.
  • The Museum Theatre, located within the complex, is a prominent architectural highlight.
  • The premises also include the National Art Gallery, built in the Indo-Saracenic style, which features rare European and Asian paintings by renowned artists like Raja Ravi Varma.
  • The museum is part of the Pantheon Complex, which also houses the Connemara Public Library and the National Art Gallery, located on Pantheon Road, named after this complex.
Government Museum, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Government Museum, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, is a museum in Mumbai, India, dedicated to documenting the history of India from prehistoric to modern times.
  • The museum was founded during the British rule of India in the early 20th century by prominent citizens of Bombay (now Mumbai), with support from the government, to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales (later George V).
  • It is located in South Mumbai, near the famous Gateway of India.
  • The museum’s building is designed in the Indo-Saracenic style with elements of Mughal, Maratha, and Jain architecture.
  • The building is surrounded by a garden of palm trees and formal flower beds.
  • CSMVS houses around 50,000 exhibits categorized into Art, Archaeology, and Natural History.
  • The museum contains artefacts from the Indus Valley Civilization and other ancient relics from India, including the times of the Guptas, Mauryas, Chalukyas, and Rashtrakutas.
  • On 14th August 1905, prominent citizens of Bombay gathered at the Town Hall and decided to build a museum to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales.
  • The foundation stone was laid by the Prince of Wales on 11th November 1905, and the building was completed in 1914.
  • The museum opened to the public on 10th January 1922, after being used temporarily by the military as a hospital and for Children’s Welfare Exhibitions.
  • In 1998, the museum was renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya in honor of the founder of the Maratha Kingdom, Shivaji Maharaj.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

Shivalik Fossil Park Museum

  • Shivalik Fossil Park, also known as Suketi Fossil Park, is a National Geo-heritage Monument located in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
  • The park features a collection of prehistoric vertebrate fossils and skeletons recovered from the upper and middle Siwaliks geological formations, consisting of sandstones and clay at Suketi.
  • The Siwalik ranges are part of the outer Himalayas.
  • Visitors can view fossil finds displayed in the park and an open-air exhibition of six life-sized fiberglass models of extinct mammals, representing the environment of the Shivalik Hills during the Plio-Pleistocene era (around 2.5 million years ago).
  • The park includes a museum that curates and exhibits the fossils discovered at the site.
  • Shivalik Fossil Park is recognized as Asia’s biggest fossil park.
  • The exhibits in the park aim to generate scientific interest among the public and facilitate international research by visiting scholars from around the world.

Shankar’s International Dolls Museum

  • The International Dolls Museum is located in Delhi, India, and showcases a large collection of dolls.
  • It was set up by K. Shankar Pillai, a renowned political cartoonist.
  • The museum is housed in the Children’s Book Trust building on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, with access through a separate entrance and a winding staircase leading up to the foyer.
  • It occupies a floor area of 5,184.5 sq ft (481.66 m²) on the first floor.
  • K. Shankar Pillai was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in 1976.

The Salar Jung Museum

  • The Salar Jung Museum is an art museum located at Dar-ul-Shifa, on the southern bank of the Musi River in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
  • It is one of the three National Museums of India.
  • Originally a private art collection of the Salar Jung family, it was donated to the nation after the death of Salar Jung III.
  • The museum was inaugurated on 16 December 1951.
  • The Indian Parliament has declared the museum an Institution of National Importance.
  • The museum has a vast collection of sculptures, paintings, carvings, textiles, manuscripts, ceramics, metallic artefacts, carpets, clocks, and furniture from various regions, including Japan, China, Burma, Nepal, India, Persia, Egypt, Europe, and North America.
The Salar Jung Museum Hyderabad
The Salar Jung Museum Hyderabad (Photo: Wikipedia)

The Kite Museum

  • Gujarat is famous for its kite festival and the traditional art of kite-making.
  • The Kite Museum is located inside the iconic Sankar Kendra building, designed by the French architect Le Corbusier.
  • The museum houses around 125 rare and uniquely designed kites, which highlight the history of kite-making in Gujarat.
  • The collection was donated by Mr. Bhanubhai Shah, a kite enthusiast who began collecting kites at the age of 21.
  • As his collection grew, it was converted into a museum in 1986.

Calico Museum Of Textiles

  • The Calico Museum of Textiles is home to one of the most important collections of textiles in India, including ancient textiles, carpets, tents, costumes, Kalamkari prints, tie and dye, pichwais, and sarees.
  • The museum also houses an impressive collection of bronzes, Jain art objects, and Indian miniature paintings, all acquired from the Sarabhai Foundation.

The Metro Museum

  • The Delhi Metro Museum showcases the genesis, history, and journey of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
  • The museum features a collection of display panels, historical photographs, and exhibits that trace the development of the Delhi Metro, which took 32 years to become operational, starting from the initial design phase.

Sulabh International Museum of Toilets

  • The Toilet Museum houses a rare collection of facts, pictures, and objects detailing the historic evolution of toilets from 2500 BC to the present.
  • It provides a chronological account of developments related to technology, toilet-related social customs, etiquettes, sanitary conditions, and legislative efforts over time.
  • The museum is owned by Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak.

India’s first maritime museum

  • A National Maritime Heritage Museum is being set up at Lothal, Gujarat.
  • The museum will be an independent research center for archaeology related to boat building, maritime history, and materials traded.
  • It will display salvaged materials from shipwreck sites in the Indian Ocean.
  • Lothal is a Harappan site on the Saurashtra coast, known for its archaeological significance.
  • The museum focuses on underwater archaeology and the reconstruction of maritime history.
  • Technical assistance for the museum comes from the Portuguese Maritime Heritage Museum.

India’s first living culinary arts museum

  • Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna is the Founder and curator of India’s first living culinary arts museum at WGSHA (Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration).
  • WGSHA is part of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, located in Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka.
  • It was Vikas Khanna’s idea that led to the establishment of this culinary museum.
  • He donated thousands of kitchen tools and equipment, worth millions of dollars, to the museum to preserve India’s rich culinary traditions and to educate future generations about the art of cooking.

Malgudi Museum

  • Visit Arasalu Railway Station in Shivamogga district to experience the essence of R. K. Narayan’s fictional world from Malgudi Days.
  • Malgudi Days is a popular tele-serial directed by Shankar Nag for Doordarshan, which beautifully brought Narayan’s stories to life.

Ganga Avlokan

  • India’s first museum on Ganga.
  • Ganga Avlokan Museum showcases Ganga’s landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural vibrancy.
  • It highlights the conservation issues surrounding the Ganga river and the initiatives by the Ministry of Jal Shakti to rejuvenate it.
  • The museum is located in Haridwar, a pilgrimage city and the site for the Kumbh Mela (2021).
  • The museum’s bilingual narrative will cater to both local people and international tourists, spreading awareness on Ganga’s preservation efforts.

National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC)

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC) at the Films Division premises in Mumbai.
  • The museum is located in two buildings: the New Museum Building and the historic Gulshan Mahal, a 19th-century palace.
  • The museum showcases the evolution of Indian cinema through visuals, graphics, artifacts, interactive exhibits, and multimedia displays.
  • Posters at the museum trace the journey of Indian cinema over the last century.
  • The museum displays scenes from landmark films like Raja Harishchandra and Kaliya Mardan, along with replicas of old cameras and rare photographs.
  • The verandah of Gulshan Mahal presents the history of Hindi and regional cinema with various posters, booklets, and lobby cards.
  • The museum’s refurbishment was done by NBCC (India) Limited, with guidance from the Museum Advisory Committee led by Shyam Benegal, and an innovation committee led by Prasoon Joshi.

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Museum

  • The world’s first museum dedicated to the life and teachings of 16th-century saint and social reformer Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is located in Kolkata, West Bengal.
  • The Bodo Museum in Kokrajhar, Assam, showcases the culture and traditions of the Bodo community.
  • The Titanwala Museum in Rajasthan displays the wooden hand block printing tradition of the Namdev followers from the Chippa community of Bagru, which is known for its block printing techniques.

Virtual Experiential Museum

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Virtual Experiential Museum (VEM) at Man Mahal, near Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi, on February 19, 2019.
  • The museum is a centrally protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India and is located on the banks of the Ganges.
  • National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, established the museum.
  • The museum uses modern virtual reality technology to showcase cultural aspects of Varanasi, including both tangible and intangible heritage.
  • Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) assisted with the design, curation, and scriptwriting for the documentaries in the museum.
  • Visitors can experience Varanasi’s holy ghats, classical music, sari weaving, Ram Leela, 3D views of monuments, narrow lanes, and a betel shop through advanced technologies like curved TV screens, touch screens, and projectors.
  • The museum also tells the story of the descent of the holy Ganga to Earth.
  • Man Mahal, built by Raja Man Singh in 1600 AD, was later equipped with an observatory by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734 for astronomical studies.

Albert Hall Museum

  • The Albert Hall Museum is the oldest museum in Rajasthan, located in the Ram Niwas Garden of Jaipur.
  • The museum is housed within the Albert Hall complex, which was founded by Prince of Wales, Albert Edward in 1876.
  • The building was completed in 1887 by architect Samuel Swinton Jacob.
  • The museum’s collection is spread across the ground and first floors and is divided into 15 categories:
    • Metal art
    • Pottery
    • Jewelry
    • Garments & textiles
    • Arms & armor
    • Miniature paintings
    • Musical instruments
    • Clay art
    • Sculptures
    • Marble art
    • Furniture & wooden art
    • Carpet
    • International art
    • Ivory
    • Coins

RBI Monetary Museum

  • The museum showcases the evolution of currency, from barter to coins, paper money, and e-money.
  • It captures the journey of the monetary system in the Indian subcontinent.
  • The coinage section features coins dating back to the 6th century B.C.
  • This unique museum was set up by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the country’s most important financial institution.
  • The museum was inaugurated by the former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

KB Malviya National Oil Museum

  • KB Malviya National Oil Museum is India’s first oil museum, named after KB Malviya, the father of India’s hydrocarbon industry.
  • Assam was the first state where oil was discovered and produced in India.
  • India’s first insect museum with state-of-the-art amenities was unveiled at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University campus in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

HAL Aerospace Museum

  • The museum was inaugurated in 2001 at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) premises.
  • It was created to educate the public about HAL’s journey as one of Asia’s largest aeronautical companies.
  • The museum highlights historical, scientific, and academic contributions made by HAL.

Bombay Natural History Society

  • The Bombay Natural History Society houses taxidermically preserved specimens of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
  • These specimens are stored in trays, jars, and boxes and are displayed only for research, observation, and educational purposes.
  • Taxidermy is the art of preserving an animal’s body by mounting or stuffing it for study or display.

National Rail Museum

  • The National Rail Museum is located in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, showcasing the history of rail transport in India.
  • It was inaugurated on 1 February 1977 and spans an area of 4.4 hectares (11 acres).
  • The museum features an octagonal indoor gallery with six display sections and a large open area resembling a railway yard.
  • It houses the Patiala State Mono Rail Tramway (PSMT), started in 1907, with the only working steam mono-rail locomotive and coach.
  • The museum exhibits the “Fairy Queen”, the oldest working steam locomotive, listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.
  • Another highlight is the “John Morris Fire Engine,” a working vehicle with solid rubber tires over 100 years old.

Jehangir Art Gallery

  • Sir Cowasji Jehangir (1879-1962) was the founder of Jehangir Art Gallery and a well-known figure of his time.
  • He was an industrialist, banker, political leader, and a supporter of the arts.
  • The Jehangir Art Gallery showcases exhibitions by artists, including painters, sculptors, photographers, craftsmen, and weavers.

Birla Industrial and Technological Museum

  • The Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM) is a science museum in Kolkata, West Bengal.
  • It is part of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
  • Initially, it was managed by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR).
  • BITM is known as the first science museum in India, inspiring the concept of science museums across the country.

Victoria Memorial Hall

  • The Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata showcases an impressive collection of colonial-era paintings.
  • The museum houses 28,394 artifacts in its nine galleries, covering 350 years of South Asian history.
  • Some treasures include Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s handwritten Quran, a Persian translation of Nala and Damayanti’s tale, and Dara Shikoh’s translation of the Upanishads.
  • It also has a manuscript copy of the Ain-i-Akbari, a famous Mughal document.
  • The collection features Kalighat paintings, Iranian art of the Qajar school, and Tipu Sultan’s war diary.
  • Historic items include cannons and cannonballs from the Battle of Plassey, Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s sword, and Tantiya Tope’s overcoat.

National Police Museum

  • The National Police Memorial honors police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
  • It is located in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, and covers 6.12 acres.
  • The memorial includes a 30-foot tall black granite sculpture and a ‘Wall of Valour’ with the names of 34,844 fallen police personnel.
  • It commemorates police personnel who died while fighting terrorism, militancy, and maintaining law and order.
  • The memorial also has India’s first police museum, showcasing 2000 years of policing history, starting from Kautilya’s era in 310 BCE.
  • The walkway shows the evolution of the police force, from medieval times to modern India.
  • The memorial represents the Indian Police Services (IPS) and features sections for state police services.
  • It uses technology and multimedia in both English and Hindi.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the renovated memorial on 21 October 2018, marking Police Commemoration Day.
  • The original memorial was planned in 1984 and a foundation stone was laid by L. K. Advani during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure.
  • A 150-foot steel structure built earlier was dismantled in 2008 due to environmental concerns.

Virasat-e-Khalsa museum

  • Virasat-e-Khalsa is a museum dedicated to Sikhism.
  • It is located in the holy town of Anandpur Sahib in Punjab, India.
  • The museum celebrates 500 years of Sikh history and the 300th anniversary of the birth of Khalsa.
  • It is inspired by the scriptures of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru.
  • The museum attracts both tourists and pilgrims.
  • It promotes local handicrafts and helps nurture a sense of heritage among the people.
  • The architecture blends religious significance with modern urban design challenges.

The Azaadi Ke Diwane Museum

  • The museum is dedicated to unsung heroes who sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom.
  • It is part of the Kranti Mandir series, aiming to inspire younger generations and inform them about the cost of freedom.
  • The museum was built by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
  • It showcases the freedom struggle from 1857 to 1947.
  • Kranti Mandir, or the Temple of Revolution, is a complex of museums inside the Red Fort, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2019.
    • Subash Chandra Bose Museum
    • Yaad-e-Jallian Museum
    • Museum on 1857 – India’s First War of Independence
    • Drishyakala Museum on Indian Art

Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum

  • The Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum (VITM) is located in Bangalore, India.
  • It was built to honor Sir M. Visvesvaraya, a famous engineer and leader.
  • The museum is part of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
  • The building covers an area of 4,000 m² and is located in Cubbon Park.
  • It was inaugurated on July 14, 1962, by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister.
  • The idea for the museum came from the All India Manufacturers Organization and the Mysore State Board.
  • The foundation stone was laid on September 15, 1958, by Shri B. D. Jatti, the Chief Minister of Mysore at that time.
  • The museum displays industrial products, scientific models, and engines to showcase technology and science.
  • The first exhibition, titled ‘Electricity’, was opened to the public on July 27, 1965.

Nehru Memorial Museum and Library

  • The Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library Society was previously called the Nehru Museum and Library Society.
  • It is located in Teen Murti House, New Delhi, India.
  • The museum aims to preserve the history of India’s independence movement.
  • It was founded in 1964 after the death of Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister.
  • The museum is an autonomous institution under the Indian Ministry of Culture.
  • The Nehru Memorial Library is the world’s leading resource center for information on Jawaharlal Nehru.
  • It holds Mahatma Gandhi’s writings and private papers of other important leaders like Swami Sahajanand Saraswati, C. Rajagopalachari, and Sarojini Naidu.
  • In 2010, the library started a digitization project, scanning thousands of pages and photographs.
  • The museum publishes works like Selected Works of Jawaharlal Nehru and Man of Destiny by Ruskin Bond.
  • The Nehru Memorial Fellowship supports scholars and historians in India.
  • The library has an extensive collection on labour issues, including PhD theses, books, and journals.
  • On 26 April 2016, a dagger gifted to Nehru by Saudi Arabia was stolen from the museum.

      National Gallery of Modern Art

      • The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) was designed by Sir Arthur Bloomfield as a residence for the Maharaja of Jaipur.
      • The building, with its butterfly shape and central dome, was completed in 1936.
      • In 1954, the building was converted into the National Gallery of Modern Art.
      • The NGMA’s collection includes over 17,000 artworks, showcasing the development of Indian modern art.

      National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum

      • The National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum (NHHM), also known as the National Crafts Museum, is located in New Delhi.
      • It is one of the largest crafts museums in India and is operated by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
      • The museum is situated at the corner of Pragati Maidan, facing the Purana Quila complex.
      • In 2015, the Government of India announced the establishment of a Hastkala (handicrafts) Academy within the museum, converting some galleries into classrooms.
      • During initial renovations, a room of murals by Madhubani artist Ganga Devi was accidentally destroyed, leading to widespread criticism.

      Napier Museum

      • The Napier Museum is an art and natural history museum located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
      • The museum is located on the grounds of the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, established in 1857.
      • The museum complex also includes the Sree Chitra Art Gallery, established in 1935.
      • The Napier Museum, zoo, and art gallery are managed by the Department of Museums and Zoos, which is part of the Department of Cultural Affairs of Kerala.

      Dakshinachitra Museum

      • DakshinaChitra is a living history museum located in Tamil Nadu, dedicated to South Indian heritage and culture.
      • The museum opened on December 14, 1996, and was founded by the Madras Craft Foundation (MCF), established in 1984.
      • Deborah Thiagarajan, an Indian art historian of American origin, manages the museum.
      • DakshinaChitra is designed as a heritage village with exhibits showcasing the architecture, art, folk performing arts, and crafts of South India.
      • It includes a research unit, crafts bazaar, playground, space for religious functions, stone workshop, and souvenir kiosks.
      • Craftspersons permanently work at the museum, demonstrating their skills and explaining how their items are made.

      Mani Bhavan

      • Mani Bhavan is a museum and historical building dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, located on Laburnum Road in the Gamdevi area of Mumbai.
      • It served as the focal point of Gandhi’s political activities in Mumbai from 1917 to 1934.
      • Mani Bhavan was Gandhi’s headquarters in Mumbai for 17 years.
      • The mansion was owned by Revashankar Jagjeevan Jhaveri, Gandhi’s friend, and host in Mumbai.
      • From here, Gandhi launched major movements like Non-Cooperation, Satyagraha, Swadeshi, Khadi, and the Khilafat Movement.
      Mani Bhavan Gandhi's house in Mumbai
      Mani Bhavan Gandhi’s house in Mumbai (Photo: Wikipedia)
      • Gandhi’s association with the charkha (spinning wheel) began in 1917 while staying at Mani Bhavan.
      • The building is also linked to Gandhi’s participation in the Home Rule Movement and his protest against the inhumane treatment of cattle, leading him to abstain from drinking cow’s milk.
      • In 1955, the building was acquired by the Gandhi Smarak Nidhi to preserve it as a memorial to Gandhi.

      State-wise list of Museums

      India has many amazing museums that share its rich history, culture, art, and science. Here is a state-wise list of museums in India with their locations and the year they were started. This guide makes it easy to learn about India’s treasures and is perfect for students, travelers, and anyone curious about the country’s heritage.

      Andhra Pradesh

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Bapu MuseumVijayawada1887
      Chandavaram Buddhist siteChandavaram, Prakasam district1980
      Bhagwan Mahavir Government MuseumKadapa1982
      Telugu Samskruthika NiketanamVisakhapatnam2015
      Victory at Sea War MemorialVisakhapatnam1971
      Kursura Submarine MuseumVisakhapatnam2002
      TU 142 Aircraft MuseumVisakhapatnam2017
      Visakha MuseumVisakhapatnam1991

      Arunachal Pradesh

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Jawaharlal Nehru MuseumItanagar1980

      Assam

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Shankardev KalakshetraGuwahati2024
      Assam State MuseumGuwahati1940
      Mayong Central Museum and EmporiumMayong2002

      Bihar

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Bhartiya Nritya Kala MandirPatna1963
      Bihar MuseumPatna2015
      Jalan MuseumPatna1919
      Patna MuseumPatna1917
      Chandradhari MuseumDarbhanga1957
      Rajendra Smriti SangrahalayaPatna1963
      Shrikrishna Science CentrePatna1978
      Gandhi SangrahalayaPatna1967

      Chandigarh

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Government Museum and Art GalleryChandigarh1968

      Goa

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Goa Chitra MuseumBenaulim2010
      Big Foot MuseumLoutolim
      Ashvek Vintage WorldNuvem2004
      Archaeological Museum and Portrait GalleryOld Goa
      Museum of Christian ArtOld Goa
      Goa Science CentrePanaji
      Goa State MuseumPanaji1977
      Museum of GoaPilerne2015
      Naval Aviation Museum (India)Vasco da Gama1998

      Gujarat

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Calico Museum of TextilesAhmedabad1949
      ConflictoriumAhmedabad2013
      Gandhi Smarak SangrahalayaAhmedabad
      Gujarat Science CityAhmedabad
      Lalbhai Dalpatbhai MuseumAhmedabad1984
      Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National MemorialAhmedabad1980
      Sanskar KendraAhmedabad1954
      Swaminarayan MuseumAhmedabad2011
      Baroda Museum & Picture GalleryVadodara1894
      Maharaja Fateh Singh MuseumVadodara
      Kirti MandirPorbandar
      Watson MuseumRajkot1888
      Kaba Gandhi No DeloRajkot
      Kutch MuseumBhuj1877
      Aina MahalBhuj
      Prag MahalBhuj
      Smritivan Earthquake Memorial and MuseumBhuj2022
      Saraswati MandirSurat
      Science Centre, SuratSurat
      Shristhal SangrahalaySiddhpur2017

      Haryana

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Jahaj Kothi Zonal MuseumHisar
      Rewari Railway Heritage MuseumRewari2002
      Dharohar MuseumKurukshetra
      Heritage Transport MuseumTaoru2013
      Rakhigarhi Indus Valley Civilisation MuseumRakhigarhi

      Himachal Pradesh

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Shivalik Fossil ParkSirmaur
      Library of Tibetan Works and ArchivesDharamsala

      Jammu & Kashmir

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Dogra Art MuseumJammu1954
      SPS MuseumSrinagar1898

      Jharkhand

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Ranchi Science CentreRanchi
      State Museum HotwarRanchi

      Karnataka

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Archaeological Museum, VijayapuraBijapur1892
      Government Museum, BengaluruBengaluru1864
      National Gallery of Modern Art, BangaloreBengaluru2009
      Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological MuseumBengaluru1962
      Karnataka Chitrakala ParishathBengaluru1960
      HAL Aerospace MuseumBengaluru
      Venkatappa Art GalleryBengaluru
      Museum of Art & Photography (MAP)Bengaluru2015
      AloyseumMangalore1913
      Srimanthi Bhai Memorial Government MuseumMangalore1960
      Manjusha MuseumDharmasthala1989
      Regional Museum of Natural HistoryMysuru1995
      Railway Museum, MysoreMysuru
      Folklore MuseumMysuru

      Kerala

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Archaeological Museum, ThrissurThrissur
      Mural Art MuseumThrissur
      Vallathol MuseumThrissur
      Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda MuseumThrissur
      Indo-Portuguese MuseumKochi1910
      Kerala Soil MuseumThiruvananthapuram
      Arakkal MuseumAyikkara
      Teak MuseumNilambur
      8 Point Art CafeKollam
      Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police MuseumKollam
      Pazhassi Raja Archaeological MuseumKozhikode1976
      Krishnapuram PalaceKayamkulam
      Indian Business MuseumKozhikode
      Museum of Kerala HistoryKochi
      Napier MuseumThiruvananthapuram1857
      Keralam – Museum of History and HeritageThiruvananthapuram
      Kerala Science and Technology MuseumThiruvananthapuram
      Wayanad Heritage MuseumAmbalavayal
      Hill PalaceThrippunithura
      Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum,Alappuzha

      Ladakh

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Munshi Aziz Bhat Museum of Central Asian and Kargil Trade ArtefactsKargil2004

      Madhya Pradesh

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Indore MuseumIndore1929
      Bharat BhavanBhopal1982
      Museum of Mankind(Manav Sangrahalaya)Bhopal1977
      State Museum, BhopalBhopal1903
      Tribal Museum BhopalBhopal2013
      Regional Museum of Natural History, BhopalBhopal1997
      Regional Science Centre, BhopalBhopal1995
      Maharaja Chhatrasal MuseumDhubela
      Gujari Mahal Archaeological MuseumGwalior
      Sanchi Archaeological MuseumSanchi1919
      Vidisha MuseumVidisha

      Maharashtra

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Bhau Daji Lad MuseumMumbai1872
      National Gallery of Modern Art, MumbaiMumbai1996
      Mani BhavanMumbai
      Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu SangrahalayaMumbai1922
      Nehru Science CentreMumbai
      Cowasji Jehangir HallMumbai1996
      INS VikrantMumbai1943
      Nagpur Central MuseumNagpur1863
      Ballard Bunder GatehouseMumbai1920
      Piramal Museum of ArtMumbai2016
      Joshi’s Museum of Miniature RailwayPune
      Mahatma Phule MuseumPune
      Raja Dinkar Kelkar MuseumPune
      Antarang – Sex Health Information Art GalleryMumbai
      Cavalry Tank Museum, AhmednagarAhmednagar
      Indian Institute for Research in Numismatic StudiesNashik
      Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum (Kaneri Math)Kolhapur
      Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum of Indian HistoryPune
      Raman Science CentreNagpur
      Shree Chhatrapati Shahu MuseumKolhapur
      Sarmaya Arts FoundationMumbai2015
      Pragati Aerospace MuseumOzar2001

      Manipur

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Archaeological Museum, KanglaImphal2017
      HijagangImphal2013
      Imphal Peace MuseumImphal2019
      Indian National Army War Museum (INA War Museum)Moirang1985
      Kangla Memento MuseumImphal2018
      Kangla MuseumImphal
      Loktak Folklore MuseumThanga2016
      Manipur State MuseumImphal1969
      Sekta Archaeological Living MuseumSekta1991

      Mizoram

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Mizoram State MuseumAizawl

      Nagaland

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Nagaland State MuseumKohima1970

      Delhi

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      National MuseumDelhi1949
      Sanskriti Kendra MuseumDelhi
      National Science CentreDelhi
      National Handicrafts and Handlooms MuseumDelhi
      Kiran Nadar Museum of ArtNational Capital Territory of Delhi2010
      Eternal Gandhi Multimedia MuseumDelhi
      Indian Air Force Museum, PalamDelhi
      Madame Tussauds DelhiDelhi
      National Museum of Natural HistoryDelhi
      National Rail MuseumDelhi1977
      National Gallery of Modern ArtDelhi1954
      Teen Murti BhavanDelhi1930
      Gandhi SmritiDelhi
      Nehru Memorial Museum & LibraryDelhi
      Parliament MuseumDelhi
      National Gandhi MuseumDelhi
      Sulabh International Museum of ToiletsDelhi
      Shankar’s International Dolls MuseumDelhi
      Red Fort Archaeological MuseumDelhi
      Kiran Nadar Museum of ArtDelhi2010

      Odisha

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Odisha State MuseumBhubaneshwar1932
      Tribal Research Institute MuseumBhubaneshwar
      Regional Museum of Natural History, BhubaneswarBhubaneshwar

      Puducherry

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Pondicherry MuseumPuducherry

      Punjab

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Virasat-e-KhalsaAnandpur Sahib2011
      National Institute of SportsPatiala
      Sanghol MuseumSanghol
      Partition MuseumAmritsar2017
      Sikh AjaibgharBalongi
      Gobindgarh FortAmritsar

      Rajasthan

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Jawahar Kala KendraJaipur
      Albert Hall MuseumJaipur1887
      City Palace, JaipurJaipur
      City Palace, UdaipurUdaipur
      Umaid Bhawan PalaceJodhpur
      Jaisalmer War MuseumJaisalmer
      Vintage and Classic Car MuseumUdaipur2000
      Rajiv Gandhi Regional Museum of Natural HistorySawai Madhopur2007
      Sardar Government MuseumJodhpur1936

      Show more

      Sikkim

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Namgyal Institute of TibetologyGangtok

      Tamil Nadu

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Chennai Railway MuseumChennai2002
      Government Museum, ChennaiChennai1851
      Vivekanandar IllamChennai
      Gandhi Memorial MuseumMadurai
      Gass Forest MuseumCoimbatore
      Saraswathi Mahal LibraryThanjavur
      Government MuseumCuddalore
      Government Museum, KarurKarur
      Government Museum, PudukkottaiPudukkottai
      Government Museum, TiruchirappalliTiruchirappalli
      Railway Heritage CentreTiruchirappalli
      Mahakavi Bharathi Memorial LibraryErode

      Telangana

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Alampur MuseumAlampur
      Birla Science MuseumHyderabad
      City MuseumHyderabad
      District Archaeological Museum, NizamabadNizamabad2001
      Jagdish and Kamla Mittal Museum of Indian ArtHyderabad1976
      Nizam MuseumHyderabad2000
      Khazana Building MuseumHyderabad
      Salar Jung MuseumHyderabad1951
      Telangana State Archaeology MuseumHyderabad1930
      Warangal MuseumWarangal

      Tripura

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Tripura State MuseumAgartala1970

      Uttar Pradesh

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      State Museum, LucknowLucknow1863
      Allahabad MuseumAllahabad1931
      Kanpur SangrahalayaKanpur1999
      Government Museum, MathuraMathura1874
      Musa Dakri MuseumAligarh
      Sarnath MuseumSarnath1910
      Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal and Green GardenNoida
      Ibn Sina Academy of Medieval Medicine and SciencesAligarh
      Swaraj Bhavan (old Anand Bhavan)Allahabad

      West Bengal

      NameCity/TownYear Established
      Indian MuseumKolkata1814
      Victoria MemorialKolkata1921
      Asutosh Museum of Indian ArtKolkata
      State Archaeological GalleryKolkata1962
      Sabarna SangrahashalaKolkata
      Kolkata Museum of Modern ArtKolkata
      Gurusaday MuseumKolkata1961
      Marble PalaceKolkata
      Metcalfe HallKolkata
      Kolkata Town HallKolkata
      Fort WilliamKolkata
      Jorasanko Thakur BariKolkata
      Academy of Fine ArtsKolkata
      Kolkata Rail MuseumKolkata
      Currency BuildingKolkata
      Mother’s Wax MuseumKolkata
      Asutosh Museum of Indian ArtKolkata
      Fanattic Sports MuseumKolkata
      Malda MuseumMalda
      Rabindra MuseumMungpoo
      Hazarduari Palace MuseumMurshidabad

      FAQs

      Q1: Where is the ‘National Museum of India’ located?

      Delhi

      Q2: Where is the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library located?

      The Nehru Memorial Museum and Library is located in New Delhi.

      Q3: Where is the Jai Prakash Narayan Museum of Socialism situated?

      The Jai Prakash Narayan Museum of Socialism is situated in Lucknow.

      Q4: Which Indian Naval Ship is being converted into a maritime museum?

      The Indian Naval Ship being converted into a maritime museum is INS Virrat

      Q5: Where is India’s first Naval Museum being commissioned?

      India’s first Naval Museum is being commissioned at the Visakhapatnam sea port.

      Q6: Which is the largest museum in India?

      The largest museum in India is the Indian Museum in Kolkata.

      More GK:

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      As a professional blogger and passionate educator, I am driven by a deep-seated desire to share knowledge and empower others. With years of experience in the field, I am committed to providing valuable insights and guidance to aspiring learners. My passion lies in helping individuals discover their potential and achieve their goals. I am also a firm believer in the power of motivation and strive to inspire others to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.

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