Odisha State Museum: A Cultural Tapestry of Odisha
Discover Odisha's rich heritage through art, archaeology, and ancient manuscripts at the State Museum, Bhubaneswar.
The Odisha State Museum, located in the heart of Bhubaneswar near Kalpana Square, is a treasure trove of Odisha's history and culture. Founded in 1932 by historians Prof. N.C. Banerjee and Prof. Ghanshyam Dash of Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, the museum began as a humble collection of archaeological finds. Over the years, it has grown into one of the largest and most visited museums in the state, now housed in a dedicated building since 1960. The museum is divided into multiple sections, each offering a unique perspective on Odisha's heritage. These include archaeology, epigraphy, numismatics, armory, mining and geology, natural history, art and craft, contemporary art, patta painting, anthropology, and palm leaf manuscripts. The museum boasts a collection of around 37,000 palm leaf manuscripts on subjects like Ayurveda, Gita Govinda, and Silpasastra. Visitors can also explore galleries dedicated to stone sculptures, terracotta artifacts, coins, and ancient weaponry. The museum complex itself is spread across 15 acres, featuring a sculpture garden, a natural history park, and a children's park. The entrance is adorned with a cascading fountain, a streamlet, and statues of Odissi dancers, creating an inviting atmosphere. Visiting the Odisha State Museum offers an immersive experience into the art, history and traditions of Odisha. It remains closed on Mondays, 2nd and 4th Saturdays and State Government holidays.
Local tips
- Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's extensive collection.
- Photography is allowed, but there may be a separate fee for using a mobile phone for photography.
- The museum remains closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.
- Check out the Palm Leaf Manuscript gallery for a unique glimpse into ancient Indian knowledge.
A brief summary to Odisha State Museum
- State Museum, Kalpana Square, Bhubaneswar, BJB Nagar, Odisha, 751014, IN
- +916742431597
- Visit website
- Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Bhubaneswar Railway Station (approx. 1.5 km away), take a local bus (Mo Bus). Consult the BMC bus schedule for routes serving Kalinga Nagar or the State Museum. Routes 56C, 77, and 142 are options. Disembark near the museum entrance (approx. 200m from the bus stop). Bus fare is approximately ₹10-₹20.
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Taxi/Auto-rickshaw
From Biju Patnaik International Airport (approx. 4.5 km away) , taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available. Clearly communicate your destination as "Odisha State Museum, Kalpana Square, Bhubaneswar". Expect to pay around ₹150-₹250 for a taxi and ₹80-₹150 for an auto-rickshaw.
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Walking
From Kalpana Square, walk east towards BJB Nagar. The museum is located on the main road, approximately a 5-10 minute walk. Look for the prominent museum building with Odissi dance statues at the entrance.
