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National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy: A Celebration of Indian Art

Explore India's artistic heritage at the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, showcasing over 35,000 artifacts in a vibrant cultural space.

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Discover India's rich artistic heritage at the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy in New Delhi. Showcasing over 35,000 artifacts, the museum is a vibrant center for artisans, scholars, and visitors alike, with galleries dedicated to tribal art, textiles, and more.

A brief summary to National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy

  • Tuesday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
  • Check the museum's website for information on current exhibitions, workshops, and live demonstrations.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's extensive collection and village complex.
  • Enjoy a meal at Café Lota, which offers a modern take on regional Indian cuisine.
  • Photography is allowed in most areas, but flash photography may be restricted in certain galleries.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The nearest metro station is Supreme Court (formerly Pragati Maidan) on the Blue Line. From the station, it's a short walk to the museum's entrance on Bhairon Marg, near the Mathura Road junction. Alternatively, several bus lines stop near Pragati Maidan, including 403, 419, 423, and 429. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. A short auto-rickshaw ride from the metro or bus stop to the museum will cost approximately INR 30-50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Delhi. From New Delhi Railway Station, a taxi to the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy will take approximately 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic, and cost around INR 100-130. From Indira Gandhi International Airport, a taxi ride will take approximately 30 minutes and cost between INR 400-600. Valet parking is available at the museum's main entrance on Bhairon Marg.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Pragati Maidan area, walking to the National Crafts Museum is a viable option. From the Pragati Maidan entrance, head towards Bhairon Marg. The museum is located on Bhairon Marg, approximately a 15-minute walk from the main entrance of Pragati Maidan.

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Discover more about National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy

The National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy in New Delhi is one of the largest crafts museums in India, celebrating the country's diverse and practicing craft traditions. Established in 1956, the museum was originally envisioned as a resource center to preserve India's artistic and cultural heritage. Today, it stands as a prominent force in the advancement of Indian handicrafts and folk art. The museum is located in Pragati Maidan, near the Purana Qila (Old Fort), and is designed in the style of traditional Rajasthani architecture, complete with red sandstone and marble structures. The museum's collection includes over 33,000 specimens of textiles, metal lamps, sculptures, utensils, woodworks, folk and tribal paintings, and more. These artifacts are displayed in five galleries, three courtyards, and passages, categorized by folk, tribal, and traditional community crafts. Visitors can explore galleries dedicated to folk and tribal art, textiles, rural craft and village life, and temple and ritual crafts. The museum also features a unique village complex with 15 traditional structures from across India, bringing rural artistry to life. In addition to the exhibits, the museum hosts live demonstrations by skilled artisans, offering a firsthand look at traditional techniques. The Hastkala Academy, integrated into the museum in 2017, further supports traditional crafts through research, documentation, and preservation efforts. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission is INR 20 for Indians and INR 300 for foreign tourists. The museum also houses Café Lota, a restaurant serving regional Indian dishes.

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