Delhi takes its role as the nation’s cultural epicenter very seriously – a fact that’s most evident in its number of beautiful museums. You’ll find grand repositories of ancient Indian artifacts and contemporary Indian art, memorials to larger-than-life personalities and chronicles of the traumatic events that shaped history. With over 30 museums dedicated to art, craft and specialized interests, there’s something on offer for people of all ages and backgrounds. Through thoughtfully curated collections and interactive exhibits, each museum focuses on an interesting subject, and many are housed in iconic buildings. If you feel daunted by this large number, we are here to save you time and effort. Here’s a round-up of the best museums in Delhi, so you can enjoy your cultural sojourn in the capital with ease.

1. National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA)

The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) is housed in the beautiful 1930s building known as Jaipur House in the leafy India Gate C-hexagon. This is the best place to appreciate up close works by contemporary and modern artists such as Raja Ravi Verma, the Tagore brothers, Amrita Sher-Gill, and post-independence bigwigs like MF Husain and FN Souza, among numerous others.

Temporary exhibitions including international ones dedicated to legendary Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa and more, are frequently organised. With the recent opening of three new restaurants in the gallery premises, the space has also become a popular cultural hub.

Tickets: Indian Nationals – Rs 20; Foreign Nationals – Rs 500; Children free
Timings: 10am-6pm Tuesday – Sunday,
Access: Metro access from Mandi House station

2. National Museum, New Delhi

Located in the heart of Delhi, the National Museum is a treasure with a fantastic collection of over two lakh objects that span 5000 years of history. This grand institution is New Delhi’s oldest museum, dating to 1949. The vast collection showcases the cultural facets of the Indian subcontinent through the passage of time. On display are well-preserved and beautiful relics from the Indus Valley Civilisation, such as the iconic dancing girl figurine, detailed sculptures from the Bronze Age like the Nataraja, works of art from various civilisations of North and South India, and holy relics of Buddha’s remains. One can also browse through the cave paintings of Ajanta,

fine examples of Thanjavur art, as well as Central Asian antiquities. Special exhibitions like a recent one on ‘Company Paintings’ further spread knowledge of India’s varied culture. The museum also periodically organises interesting workshops on the history of music, the significance of the naurasas (nine emotions expressed in the arts) and other subjects. A digi-first approach and well-explained summaries of the exhibits make it a must-visit. A massive remodelling project is currently underway where the museum will be moved to the North and South Blocks, and modelled to look like the Louvre Palace, in collaboration with the government of France. It is set to partially open by March 2025.

Tickets: Adults / Indian Nationals – Rs20; Foreign Nationals – Rs500
Timings: 10am-6pm (Tue to Fri); 10am-8pm (Sat -Sun)
Access: Metro access from Central Secretariat and Udyog Bhawan

3. National Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy

India’s handicraft traditions are rich and varied, with each district of every state offering something uniquely beautiful. Giving voice to these stunning folk traditions is the National Crafts Museum located in Pragati Maidan, in a distinctive building designed by architect Charles Correa. One can browse through informative permanent exhibits that include a selection of folk and tribal art, rich and rare textiles, crafts associated with religious and ritualistic practices, as well as life-size recreations of village homes, stately havelis and Ayyanar shrines typical to rural South India.

Temporary exhibits include displays on the history of Indian brocades, a glimpse into the culture of ‘Ganikas’ or courtesans, and most recently, a collaboration of Italian artist Tarshito with Indian craftsmen. Those with a discerning eye can also find handicraft gems from around the country at the rotating shopping exhibits and enjoy cultural performances from every corner of India. Don’t forget to round off your visit with a meal at the lovely Café Lota which serves a seasonal menu of regional delights.

Tickets: Indian Nationals – Rs 20; Foreign Nationals – Rs 200
Timings: 10am – 5pm; Mondays closed
Access: Metro access from Supreme Court station

4. Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA), Saket

This museum helmed by Kiran Nadar, a philanthropist with a passion for collecting art, showcases contemporary Indian and international art. Established in 2010, KNMA currently has two branches – in Noida and Saket – with a third one opening soon. Apart from periodic themed exhibitions like the ongoing one on Australian aboriginal art in collaboration with the National Museum of Australia, this space has lots to offer.

There are workshops for children and adults, cultural and theatrical performances, outreach programs in partnership with schools to encourage a love of art at a young age, as well as programs to promote the welfare of underprivileged children by teaching them art.

Tickets: Entry free
Timings: Daily 10:30am-6:30pm
Access: Metro access from Saket station

5. Partition Museum, Delhi

Despite being one of the most traumatic events of the last century, the Partition of India in 1947 rarely receives the attention it deserves. The Partition Museum run by The Arts and Cultural Heritage Trust under the able guidance of Lady Kishwar Desai, attempts to change this. Originally opened in Amritsar, its newest branch in Delhi is housed in an iconic building known as the Dara Shukoh Library inside the Ambedkar University at Kashmere Gate.

The building’s Mughal ramparts offset its colonial era arches instituted when it was the home of Delhi’s British Resident. The haunting permanent collection on the Partition is what makes this museum a must-visit. Striking photographs, memorabilia that people crossed the borders with, documentation that allowed them to start anew, movies capturing oral histories of survivors, cultural depictions of the Partition in films and books, and a number of interactive exhibits like a recreated train compartment and postcards one can send to the past, help bring alive the reality of that time for a young, curious audience.

Tickets: Entry free
Timings: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm
Access: Metro access from Kashmere Gate station

6. Rail Museam

The introduction of the railway system to India in 1853 could be credited with ushering in the modern era. This museum dedicated to the history, technology and culture surrounding the railways is popular with both children and adults. Kids love the interactive exhibits and train rides around the railway yard,

through tunnels and past a variety of steam, diesel and electric locomotives, as well as wagons, carriages, royal saloons, armoured trains, rail cars and more. An indoor gallery houses smaller models of distinctive trains along with informative snippets of the history of the railways in general, and in India in particular, through historical photographs, documents, artifacts, furniture and equipment. A rail restaurant on the premises seeks to recreate the exclusive experience of dining in a first class coach.

Tickets: Weekdays – adults Rs50, children Rs10; Weekends – adults Rs100, children Rs 20. Separate tickets for train rides.
Timings: Tuesday – Sunday 10am-5pm
Access: Metro access from Moti Bagh station

7. National Science Centre

The arts are certainly well-represented in the cultural space, but the sciences often fall behind. Fortunately, the National Science Centre, Delhi fills this void. Located in Pragati Maidan, this museum opened in 1992 with the intention of fostering an interest in science and technology, especially amongst young minds. One can browse through exhibits on ancient technologies, feats of engineering, India’s important contributions to science, a prehistoric gallery with interactive dinosaurs and other creatures, a ‘fun science’ floor with mazes and other illusion-based activities, and 3D fantasy rides which are a particular hit with children. Temporary exhibitions such as the one on the history of vaccines also attract a lot of attention. Be sure to book your fantasy rides as soon as you enter because spots go fast!

Tickets: Rs 70; All rides and activities are separately priced
Timings: Daily 9:30am-6pm except certain public holidays
Access: Metro access from Supreme Court station and Indraprastha station