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The nation’s capital has no shortage of museums and galleries with some of the best exhibits in India. Just like Delhi, the museums are an eclectic mix. But which ones are the best? I live in Delhi and have visited them all. From the stately and traditional to the contemporary and quirky, these are the best museums and galleries in Delhi.
Quick List of the Top 5
If you’re in a hurry, here is a quick list of the very best museums and galleries in Delhi:
- Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya (Prime Ministers Museum)
- National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy
- Museo Camera
- National Rail Museum
- Kiran Nader Museum of Art
Best Museums and Galleries in Delhi
1. National Museum
Delhi’s National Museum may not compare to the top museums of the world, but considering the best artefacts were removed by the British during the Raj, it’s still one of the best museums and galleries in Delhi. It has some very rare and unique collections.
The museum holds the best collection in the world of antiquities from the Indus Valley Civilization and 20 bone fragments from the Buddha. This has turned the Buddhist Art Section into a bit of a pilgrimage site. Buddhist monks and the royal families of Thailand and Bhutan have come to pray over the sacred relics. This section is set apart from the rest of the museum, and I think it feels more like a temple.
For those that just want to view the highlights, the museum offers free 90 minute guided tours at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm daily. On Saturday and Sunday there are extra guided tours at 11:30 am and 3:00 pm.
- Hours and Cost: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday and national holidays); INR 650 for foreign nationals, children up to grade 12 free with ID
- Nearest Metro Station: Udyog Bhawan (Yellow line), exit Gate 2
- What Else is Nearby: India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, National Gallery of Modern Art, DAG, Bikaner House
- Where to Eat: Andhra Pradesh Bhavan, Haldiram’s or L’Opéra (at Bikaner House)
2. National Gallery of Modern Art
This gallery is a must see for anyone interested in Indian art. There are wonderful collections of miniature paintings, works from Nobel prize winner Rabindranath Tagore and Indian abstract art. The gallery also has a sculpture garden.
There are free guided tours at 11:00 am, 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm.
Changing exhibitions are hosted at Jaipur House, the former residence of the Maharaja in Delhi. It is adjacent to the main gallery building and admission is included in the price of the ticket.
- Hours and Cost: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday and national holidays); INR 500 for foreign nationals, children under 18 free with ID
- Nearest Metro Station: Khan Market (Violet line), exit Gate 2
- What Else is Nearby: India Gate, Purana Qila, National Zoological Park, National Museum, Bikaner House
- Where to Eat: Gulati (at Pandara Market), Haldiram’s or L’Opéra (at Bikaner House)
3. National Gandhi Museum and Library
The National Gandhi Museum and Library has an impressive and moving collection of Mahatma Gandhi’s personal items. Most of which were collected immediately following his assassination. It’s a wonderful glimpse into his daily life and one of the best museums and galleries in Delhi.
Gandhi is still considered the father of the nation and is revered across India. His birthday, October 2nd, is a national holiday, his face is on the currency and his portrait still hangs in government offices. The museum strives to bring his message of truth and non-violence to everyone and is one of the best museums and galleries in Delhi.
Unlike many museums, this one was not built and funded by large donations. It was funded by thousands of small donations from Gandhi’s devoted followers, many of whom earn very little.
- Hours and Cost: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday); free
- Nearest Metro Station: Delhi Gate (Pink line), exit Gate 4
- What Else is Nearby: Gandhi Darshan, Raj Ghat, Daryaganj Sunday Book Market
- Where to Eat: there’s not much close by, but Udupi Cafe by the ITO metro station is good
4. Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum is the former family home and place of assassination of past Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. To date, she remains India’s only female prime minister.
The museum has an extensive collection of photographs, media clips and personal objects (including the blood stained sari she was wearing when assassinated) detailing the recent history of this historic family. Indira Gandhi’s father was the first prime minister of India after independence and one of the leaders of the nationalist movement.
She was a beloved and sometimes reviled leader, often referred to as India’s Iron Lady. Her assassination in 1984 triggered anti-Sikh riots which killed more than 3,000 Sikhs in Delhi alone.
- Hours and Cost: 9:30 am – 4:45 pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday); free
- Nearest Metro Station: Lok Kalyan Marg (Yellow line), exit Gate 1
- What Else is Nearby: Gandhi Smriti Museum, Nehru Planetarium, Nehru Park, Safdarjung Tomb, Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya
- Where to Eat: Gujarati Restaurant (at Gujarat Bhavan), Diggin Cafe (in the Santushi Shopping Complex)
5. Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum
This is the museum located at Rashtrapati Bhavan, home of the President of India. Rashtrapati Bhavan was built by Edwin Lutyens in 1929 for the British Viceroy to India. The museum is partially housed in the former garage and horse stables, but the majority of the museum is built below ground in order to maintain these heritage structures.
There are wonderful paintings depicting the history of the British Raj in India and Edwin Lutyens’ original sketches. The museum is surprisingly modern (it was opened in 2016) and uses a variety of virtual media to tell the story and history of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Tickets must be booked through the Rashtrapati Bhavan website.
- Hours and Cost: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday and public holidays); INR 50 foreigners and children below 8 are free
- Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat (Yellow line), exit Gate 5
- What Else is Nearby: Rashtrapati Bhavan, Buddha Jayanti Park, Laxminarayan Mandir
- Where to Eat: Mysore Cafe, Sagar Ratna (in the Ashok Hotel)
6. Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya (Prime Ministers Museum)
Delhi’s newest museum is a tribute to its prime ministers since independence in 1947. It is essentially two museums in one – it includes what was Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, the former home of India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
The building that was the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library has been extensively updated. The first level is completely new but the second level is as it was. It still displays Nehru’s personal things and the rooms he lived in with his family.
When the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library officially became part of Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya it created some controversy. Some felt the creation of a separate museum to honour all prime ministers was an attempt to dillute the contribution and importance of Jawaharlal Nehru as India’s first prime minister. In fact the the Gandhi family (still very active politically and direct decendants of Jawarharlal Nehru) refused to attend the opening.
The new section, housed in a modern building, is phenomenal and one of the very best museums and galleries in Delhi. It is a very in-depth look at recent Indian history. It covers everything from the fight for independence and the writing of the constitution, to the recent wars India has participated in. Walking through the museum is an amazing lesson in Indian history and politics – it’s very impressive. This museum has a lot and you could easily spend half a day or more here.
Every evening there is a light and sound show at 7:15 pm in English.
- Hours and Cost: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday and public holidays); INR 200 foreigners, children 5 -12 years old INR 100, and children 4 and under are free
- Nearest Metro Station: Lok Kaylan Marg (Yellow line), exit Gate 2
- What Else is Nearby: Nehru Planetarium, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Nehru Park, Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum
- Where to Eat: Namestey Cafe (on the museum grounds), Mysore Cafe, Sagar Ratna (in the Ashok Hotel)
7. National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy
Sometimes called India’s most inspiring museum, this little gem is often overlooked by visitors. The museum resembles a village as opposed to a formal gallery. It’s also one of the best museums and galleries in Delhi for children.
It displays traditional crafts and art from across India and hosts a constantly changing group of artisans, most of whom would otherwise be ignored.
There is an impressive outdoor village complex with replicas of village dwellings, courtyards and shrines from different parts of India, built with regional materials.
Artisans give live demonstrations and the public are invited to join workshops on different traditional craft methods. The museum has a very good shop where you can buy traditional crafts at reasonable prices, and an excellent cafe.
- Hours and Cost: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday); INR 300 foreigners
- Nearest Metro Station: Supreme Court (Blue line), exit Gate 4
- What Else is Nearby: Purana Qila, National Science Centre, National Zoological Park
- Where to Eat: Cafe Lota at the museum
8. Gandhi Smriti Museum
Gandhi Smriti Musuem is in the house Mahatma Gandhi stayed at during the last months of his life. At the time it was owned by the Birla family and was known as Birla House.
After Gandhi’s assassination Jawarhalal Nehru, India’s prime minister, asked the Birla family to turn part of the home into a memorial. Eventually the family sold the house to the government, and in 1973 it was opened to the public.
The room Gandhi stayed in has been carefully preserved, even with Gandhi’s spectacles. Visitors can tour the grounds and literally walk in Gandhi’s last footsteps to Martyr’s Column, where he was assassinated on January 30, 1948.
Gandhi Smriti at Raj Ghat is Gandhi’s memorial and where he was cremated – make sure you specify Gandhi Smriti Museum when searching on Google maps – they are two different Gandhi monuments and at completely different locations.
- Hours and Cost: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday); free
- Nearest Metro Station: Lok Kalyan Marg (Yellow line), exit Gate 1
- What Else is Nearby: Indira Gandhi Memoral Museum, Khan Market, Lodhi Garden, Safdarjung Tomb
- Where to Eat: Pickwick (at Claridges Hotel), Mamagoto, the Big Chill Cafe, SodaBottleOpenerWala (all in Khan Market)
9. Kiran Nadar Museum Of Art
The Kiran Nadar Museum of Art is a private museum exhibiting modern and contemporary Indian art.
It’s the brain child of art collector Kiran Nader who started the museum because her collection was too large for her home and she wanted to bring this genre of art to the Indian public. It is a premiere art museum and one of the best museums and galleries in Delhi.
The museum currently has over 8,000 pieces, with a focus on contemporary Indian painters (post independence). It hosts a variety of changing exhibits. Check the Kiran Nader Museum of Art website for current exhibits.
The museum currently has two locations, one in Saket in the DLF South Court Mall and one in Noida (a suburb to the east of the city). Construction is currently underway for a combined museum and cultural centre in Gurugram, opposite Aerocity.
- Hours and Cost: 10:30 am – 6:30 pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday and public holidays); free
- Nearest Metro Station: Malviya Nagar (Yellow line), exit Gate 3
- What Else is Nearby: Hauz Rani Market, Select City Walk Mall, Satpula Bridge, Khirki Masjid
- Where to Eat: Pind Balluchi, Punjab Grill, Mamagoto, Burma Burma (all in Select City Walk Mall)
10. National Science Centre
Delhi’s National Science Centre is one of the largest science centres in Asia and one of the best museums and galleries in Delhi. Its goal is to educate through entertainment, and I think it does a pretty good job.
There are exhibitions on nuclear power, human biology, pre-historic life, emerging technology and water as well as Indian themed exhibits such as India’s role in science and technology. A whole gallery is devoted to Sardar Patel, an important figure in India’s independence.
The centre hosts many workshops and events throughout the year. You can check the calendar on the National Science Centre website.
- Hours and Cost: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm daily (closed Holi and Diwali); ₹70 (children below 3 feet are free) + 3D Show ₹35 and Holoshow ₹40
- Nearest Metro Station: Supreme Court (Blue line), exit Gate 2
- What Else is Nearby: Purana Qila, National Zoological Park, National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy
- Where to Eat: Cafeteria in the National Science Centre, Cafe Lota (adjoining the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy)
11. Sangeet Natak Akademi
Sangeet Natak Akademi is India’s national academy of music, dance and drama. They have an impressive collection of folk and tribal instruments on permanent display which includes traditional and rare wind, string, tabla and percussion instruments from all over India. The instruments are diverse and represent different musical traditions from across the country.
The academy also exhibits a collection of masks and puppets, including string puppets, glove puppets and shadow puppets. It’s located in Rabindra Bhawan, near Mandi House.
- Hours and Cost: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm Monday to Friday (closed Saturday and Sunday); free
- Nearest Metro Station: Mandi House (Blue line), exit Gates 3 or 4
- What Else is Nearby: Agrasen ki Baoli, Devi Prasad Dhobi Ghat, Jantar Mantar, India Gate, Connaught Place
- Where to Eat: Andhra Pradesh Bhavan, Juggernaut on Barakhamba Road
12. DAG (Delhi Art Gallery)
This is India’s premiere art gallery for 18th to 20th century Indian art and one of the very best museums and galleries in Delhi.
DAG has galleries in Mumbai and New York, but Delhi is DAG’s flagship gallery. Exhibitions are carefully curated and always changing. DAG is often referred to as the crown jewel of the Indian art scene and a must for serious art lovers.
From the begining DAG has operated more as an art instiution, amassing a large inventory of works by Indian artists. It regularly collobarates with other museums and cultural institutions across India as well as internationally. The gallery opened at its new location on Janpath in February 2023.
For a list of current and upcoming exhibits, check the DAG website.
- Hours and Cost: 10:30 am – 7:00 pm Monday to Saturday (closed Sunday); free
- Nearest Metro Station: Janpath (Violet line), exit Gate 3
- What Else is Nearby: Jantar Mantar, Janpath Market, Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate
- Where to Eat: Saravana Bhavan, Cafe Delhi Heights or Punjab Grill (all on Janpath Road)
13. Indian Air Force Museum
This is a pretty cool museum for avaiation and air force enthusiasts located at Palam Air Force Station. It’s surpisingly well done and informative and one of the best museums and galleries in Delhi for families.
There are more than 37 aircraft on display outdoors and in a hangar. The collection includes vintage jets, helicopters, airplanes and remnants of crashed Pakistani jets from the 1972 India Pakistan war. There’s also anti-aircraft guns, ordnance, vehicles and radar equipment.
- Hours and Cost: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Wednesday to Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday); INR 100 foreigners, children INR 50
- Nearest Metro Station: Sadar Bazaar Cantonment (Magenta line), exit Gate 1
- What Else is Nearby: Sulabh International Museum of Toilets
- Where to Eat: Longewala Lounge on museum grounds
14. Museum of Illusions
This is a great family museum. Kids will love the mind bending and fun illusions that let them climb a wall like Spiderman and lift an auto rickshaw. The installations are based on mirrors, holograms, colours and sound, using science to trick the brain.
To avoid the crowds and lineups, go during the week and in the morning if possible. Buy tickets in advance online on Museum of Illusions website so you don’t need to queue up. Don’t book the last timed slot of the day as staff may try to rush you through the exhibits.
- Hours and Cost: 11:00 am – 8:30 pm daily, INR 990 adults, INR 890 children 3 and over
- Nearest Metro Station: Rajiv Chowk (Yellow and Blue lines), exit Gate 8
- What Else is Nearby: Jantar Mantar, State Emporiums on Baba Kharak Singh Road, Pracheen Hanuman Mandir, Connaught Place
- Where to Eat: Diggin Cafe (same building as Museum of Illusions), Sagar Ratna (Block K, Connaught Place), Coffee Home on Baba Kharak Singh Road
15. Sulabh International Museum of Toilets
As quirky as this museum sounds, it has a mission to highlight and tackles a very real health problem in India.
The museum chronicles the history of the toilet from 2500 BC through a bizarre and rare collection of objects, photos and information. But it also acts as a means to educate the public and policy makers about the right and need of sanitation for all.
The museum is the brainchild of social reformer Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, the founder of Sulabh Sanitation Movement. Dr. Pathak worked extensively to remove the social stigma attached to the Dalit caste (the ‘untouchables’) and make toilets accessible to all through low cost toilet technology and self sustaining sanitation systems.
- Hours and Cost: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday to Saturday and 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Sunday and holidays; free
- Nearest Metro Station: Dashrath Puri (Magenta line), exit Gate 2
- What Else is Nearby: Indian Air Force Museum
- Where to Eat: chole bhature shop across the street from the museum on Dabri Road – it’s very simple but the chole bhature is excellent
16. Shankar’s International Dolls Museum
Often referred to as the United Nations of Dolls, this museum has one of the largest collections of dolls internationally. Currently it has over 7,000 dolls from more than 85 countries.
The museum was set up by Shankar Pillai who was a political cartoonist. In the 1950s he received a gift of a doll from the Hungarian Ambassador and was so impressed by the doll, he was inspired to begin collecting dolls from all over the world. Eventually Indira Gandhi (former Prime Minister of India) suggested a dolls museum to safely house the growing collection.
- Hours and Cost: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday); INR 30 foreigners, INR 12 children
- Nearest Metro Station: ITO (Violet line), exit Gate 4
- What Else is Nearby: Feroz Shah Kotla Fort, National Gandhi Museum and Library, Raj Ghat
- Where to Eat: Udupi Cafe on Bahadur Zafar Marg
17. National Rail Museum
This is a great musuem for families. The grounds resemble a railway yard with an extensive collection of locomotives and historic carriages. There’s even a wheelhouse and Joy Train ride.
The museum has a large exhibit on the development of India Railways, which today is the second largest empoyer in India after the Indian Armed Forces.
The Rails restaurant at the museum is a replica of the famous Mumbai train station, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. There is even a steam locomotive that chugs around the tables. This is one of the best museums and galleries in Delhi for children.
- Hours and Cost: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday); ₹50 adults, ₹10 children (optional rides on trains are extra and prices are double on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays)
- Nearest Metro Station: Sir M Vishweshwaraiah Moti Bagh (Pink line), exit Gate 2
- What Else is Nearby: Nehru Park, Sarojini Nagar Market
- Where to Eat: Karnataka Food Centre (on Rao Tularam Marg), MKT (in the Chanakya)
18. Metro Museum
Delhi’s Metro Museum was the first metro museum in South East Asia. It’s located right in the Patel Chowk metro station and while I’m not sure it warrants a special trip on its own, it’s definitely worth seeing if you’re traveling on the Yellow metro line.
The museum does a great job showcasing the difficulties in construction and the challanges of managing one of the largest metro systems in the world.
The museum is not only an attraction, but also part of the official training program of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. Engineers, operations staff and researchers involved with other international metro systems visit the museum.
- Hours and Cost: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm daily; free if riding the metro, otherwise INR 10
- Nearest Metro Station: Patel Chowk (Yellow line) on the concourse level
- What Else is Nearby: Jantar Mantar, Janpath Market, Connaught Place, Agrasen ki Baoli, National Philatelic Museum
- Where to Eat: Saravana Bhavan, Cafe Delhi Heights or Punjab Grill (all on Janpath Road)
19. National Philatelic Museum
Located in the Dak Bhavan (central Post Office) building, the National Philatelic Museum has an extensive collection of Indian and international stamps.
The Indian stamp collection is especially interesting. It traces the history of the country starting with the first stamps issued in 1854, through pre-independence including stamps issued by the former princely states and the Raj, and then post independence.
If you have a magnifiying glass you may want to bring it – stamps are generally tiny and there are thousands of them here.
- Hours and Cost: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday to Friday (closed Saturday and Sunday); free
- Nearest Metro Station: Patel Chowk (Yellow line), exit Gate 3
- What Else is Nearby: Jantar Mantar, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Metro Museum
- Where to Eat: Saravana Bhavan, Cafe Delhi Heights or Punjab Grill (all on Janpath Road)
20. Museo Camera
This is definitely one of the coolest and most well put together museums in Delhi. It’s actually located in Gurugram, a suburb south west of Delhi but easily accessible by metro or car.
Aditya Arya started the museum from his private collection and today it is the largest not-for-profit crowd funded museum in South East Asia. It’s a one of a kind museum dedicated to the art of photography and the collection is impressive in scope and presentation.
The permanent collection contains over 3000 objects including cameras, equipment and photographic ephemera, spanning the history of photography for more than 200 years. Museo Camera hosts visiting exhibits constantly; there was a wonderful Robert Capa exhibit when I visited.
- Hours and Cost: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday); ₹300
- Nearest Metro Station: IFFCO Chowk (Yellow line), exit Gate 1
- What Else is Nearby: DLF Cyberhub
- Where to Eat: Fig at Museo (at the museum), Di Ghent Cafe
21. Partition Museum
Partition was the most defining and catastrophic moment in recent Indian history. On August 14, 1947, two states of India were divided to become the Dominion of Pakistan which at that time comprised of Pakistan and Bangladesh. The very next day India gained formal independence from Britain.
The new borders were hastily created by Sir Cyril Radcliffe who had never even been to India before his commission. Boundaries were drawn up mostly on religious divisions and the results were devastating on both sides.
It was one of the largest and most violent exchanges of population in history. Hindus migrated to India and Muslims to Pakistan, creating millions of refugees in both countries. Over one million people perished. To this day there remains distrust and hostility between the two countries.
The museum is an absolute must for anyone wishing to understand India and its people. It recently opened in 2023 and is the second Partition museum in India – the first is in Amritsar, the site of many atrocities. Tickets are issued by a registration and token system on the Partition Museum website. It’s located on the Ambedkar University grounds.
- Hours and Cost: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday); free
- Nearest Metro Station: Kashmere Gate (Violet line), exit Gate 7
- What Else is Nearby: Red Fort (UNESCO), Chandni Chowk, Kashmiri Gate, Nicholson Cemetery
- Where to Eat: Haldiram’s, Kanwarji Raj Kumar (both on Chandni Chowk)
The Wrap-up on the Best Museums and Galleries in Delhi
As the nation’s capital, Delhi has the best art in India on display and many of the galleries and museums have free admission. So get out and explore Delhi’s cultural side. Whether you prefer something traditional like the National Musuem of Delhi, or something quirky like the Sulabh Museum of Toilets, these are the best museums and galleries to visit in Delhi.
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