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National Museum, New Delhi: A Treasure Trove of Indian History

Explore 5,000 years of Indian art, culture, and history at New Delhi's National Museum, home to over 200,000 fascinating artifacts.

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The National Museum in New Delhi, established in 1949, is one of India's largest museums, housing an extensive collection of artifacts that showcase the country's rich history and cultural heritage from prehistoric times to modern art. With over 200,000 works of art, primarily of Indian origin, the museum offers a glimpse into 5,000 years of art and craftsmanship.

A brief summary to National Museum, New Delhi

  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • The museum is closed on Mondays and public holidays, so plan your visit accordingly.
  • Students up to class 12th have free entry with their school ID cards.
  • Photography is allowed, but flash and tripods are prohibited.
  • Allocate at least two hours to explore the museum's extensive collection.
  • A free storage facility is available at the museum cloakroom near the entrance.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The National Museum is accessible via the Delhi Metro. The nearest metro stations are Central Secretariat and Udyog Bhawan on the Yellow Line. From either station, it's a short walk along Janpath Road to reach the museum. Metro fares range from ₹10 to ₹60 depending on the distance traveled.

  • Bus

    Several bus routes serve the National Museum. Look for buses that stop at the National Museum Bus Stop, including routes 505, 521, 522, 526, 531, 580, and 615. Bus fares range from ₹5 to ₹25, depending on the distance and type of bus (AC or non-AC).

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Ola are readily available in Delhi. A short taxi ride to the National Museum from nearby areas like Connaught Place or India Gate will typically cost between ₹50 to ₹150, depending on traffic and distance. Be prepared for potentially higher prices and negotiate with auto-rickshaws.

  • Walking

    If you are near India Gate or Rajpath, walking to the National Museum is a viable option. It's a pleasant walk of approximately 15-20 minutes, allowing you to take in the sights of the area.

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Discover more about National Museum, New Delhi

The National Museum in New Delhi stands as a testament to India's rich and diverse heritage. Established in 1949, it has grown into one of the country's premier museums, boasting a collection of over 200,000 artifacts that span 5,000 years of Indian art, culture, and history. The museum's collection includes sculptures, bronzes, terracotta works, miniature paintings, manuscripts, coins, arms, armor, jewelry, textiles, and anthropological objects. It also houses foreign collections, including Central Asian antiquities and pre-Columbian artifacts. Among the most notable items are artifacts from the Harappan civilization, including the iconic bronze 'Dancing Girl'. The National Museum's origins trace back to a 1947-48 exhibition of Indian art at Burlington House in London. After the exhibition, many participants donated their artifacts to form the core of the museum's collection. The museum was initially housed in the Rashtrapati Bhawan before the foundation stone for the current building was laid in 1955 by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The first phase of the building was completed and opened in 1960. Today, the National Museum continues to serve as a cultural center, offering visitors a chance to connect with India's artistic and cultural achievements. The museum organizes exhibitions, lectures, and workshops, providing learning opportunities for visitors of all ages.

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