15 Most Famous Museums in Delhi

Apart from housing some great architectural structures and monuments, Delhi has some very good museums showcasing artworks, historical glory etc. Also some are dedicated for pure educational purposes. Meant for people of all ages and from all walks of life, these museums tell various stories related to their subject of interest and serve entertainment purpose also. Some of top museums in Delhi are:

1. Rail Museum

This museum as its name indicates, is dedicated to showcasing different trains that have been operative in India at some or the other point of time. One can get to see engines and coaches all around in the complex those used in the olden times. The chief highlight during your exploration will be the first train engine that ran in India in 1853. Also children can enjoy the joy ride of a toy train that gives a view of the whole museum. If you want to know about the history of Indian railways then this is the perfect place as there is a lot of information available.

2. National Science Museum

National Science Museum was launched in 1992 and since then it has served its very purpose: instilling in children interest for science subjects. There are some very basic scientific concepts demonstrated through working models which can be operated by the visitors for better understanding. Also some amazing facts, science and technology heritage of India are perfectly displayed in the whole complex. There are various sections in the museum on sub divisions of science like biology, evolution etc.

3. National Museum

Housing a number of articles, artefacts, artworks and other things dating back to olden times, it is a doorway to step into the world of historical India and delve deeper into its cultural magnificence. People come here to see the remnants of many dynasties who have ruled India in past. Plus the very early tools, jewellery from Palaeolithic age, Mohenjo-Daro civilisation etc, elevate the reputation of this museum to being one of the best ones in the whole country. This museum is also the largest in Delhi.

4. Dolls Museum

Dolls museum is an ideal place for children to roam around and have a look at the cultures of different countries. Here dolls from various countries from all over the world have been displayed wearing the native clothes of the countries to which they belong. Also along with the clothes, the set up where dolls are displayed is such that it depicts a typical scene of the country to which those dolls belong to. Dolls also sold over here along with being exhibited.

5. Nehru Museum and Planetarium

This was the official residence of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru when he became the first Prime Minister of India until the time he ascended to heaven. It was converted into a museum after his death displaying his works. His life is also depicted through visual media. It houses a library and planetarium where people are educated about India’s space ventures. Jawahar Jyoti is an ever burning flame situated in the complex.

6. Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum

This is a museum devoted to the first lady Prime Minister of India: Indira Gandhi. Here her belongings, photographs etc are all displayed very beautifully. It was earlier her residence when she was the Prime Minister and after her assassination, it was turned into a museum. It was in this bungalow that she was assassinated and it preserves the sari worn by her when she was killed. Along with this, the spot where she was shot is covered with a glass. One can walk around in the museum’s garden along with listening to her speech.

7. National Gandhi Museum

This is one museum that has carved its place in most of the Delhi itineraries as it is situated opposite to Rajghat and is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, the world famous leader to whom many people look up to as their idol. Personal belongings, books, journals etc have been exhibited here. Audio-visual aids throwing light on his life and philosophy (like that of ascetism) are also available.

8. National Handicrafts And Handlooms Museum

This museum is also called the National Crafts Museum. This is one of the largest craft-related museums in the country. This museum holds more than 35 thousand different styles of crafts including stone craft, embroidery, textile materials, paintings, woodcraft and others. You can find many distinctive craftworks, which have been extinct from culture, today.

9. National Gallery Of Modern Art

This museum is governed by the Ministry of Culture. This is one of the world’s largest museums for modern art. This museum holds a large collection of artworks from artisans from around the world. Approximately, there are more than 14 thousand works of varying genre and style. You can find different styles of modern arts starting from sculptures to graphics.

10. Tribal Museum

This is a unique museum of the land, dedicated to tribal artwork, life, culture, and history. You can find many interesting information about tribal culture in this museum. You can find collections of weapons, tools, murals, paintings, artifacts and other elements related to the tribes of the land.

11. Indian Air Force Museum

As the name indicates, this museum is dedicated to the Indian Air Force. This museum has a large collection of personal weapons, memorabilia, uniforms of soldiers throughout history and so on. In the Air Force Inventory, you can find many small and large aircraft used by the Air Force, in the past. This is an aviation specialty museum.

12. National Philatelic Museum

Philatelic means the collection of stamps. This museum is operated by the Indian Department of Post. This museum has a large collection of postal stamps. It also has an amphitheater, library, and galleries to watch artists at work. This is a free-entrance museum, which holds philatelic workshops from time to time.

13. Sulabh International Museum Of Toilets

This is a unique museum dedicated to toilets and the science behind it. This museum was inaugurated as awarenessin the sanitation sector of the country. You can find toilets of various styles and from around the world. You can also find a large collection of unique toilet furniture, water closets, chamber pots, and others. Entry to this museum is free.

14. Sanskriti Museum

This museum holds three different museums inside the campus namely, the Museum of Indian Terracotta, Everyday Art museum and Textile museum. These museums provide a wide range of articles related to terracotta work, art made with everyday items, sculptures, figurines, and others.

15. Red Fort Archaeological Museum

This museum is located inside Red Fort. This is one of the most important museums in the country to explore the Mughal heritage. You can find relics from the 19th century, including calligraphy, painting, fabrics, artifacts, weapons, maps and many others.

16. Ghalib Museum

Mirza Ghalib was an important Urdu poet, who lived during the 18th century. This museum is dedicated to the life and work of Ghalib. You can find a collection of coins, postal stamps, poet’s attire, photographs related to the poet and so on. You can even find hand-written letters and poems, preserved until date.

17. National Children’s Museum

This museum is dedicated to children. You can find a large collection of toys, dolls, musical instruments, creative jewelry and many others, which would surprise kids. The museum also holds regular workshops related to creative arts and other genres.