National Museum, New Delhi

Rudra Veena

Rudra Veena is a large plucked string instrument, originating from the Indian subcontinent, used in Hindustani classical music

National Museum, New Delhi

Leather Purse

Leather purse encased in fine silver work and encrusted with semi-precious stones

National Museum, New Delhi

Wooden Book cover

Wooden book cover showcasing the three different scenes under three arches.

National Museum, New Delhi

Oudh Nawabs Coin

A Gold coin dating back to the reign of Amjad Ali Shah. Obverse side of the coin depicts a coat of arms, fish surrounded by crown surrounded by a legend. The reverse side has 'Shahzaman alam panah', year 1259 A.H is also mentioned.

National Museum, New Delhi

Prayer Wheel

This is a prayer wheel made of composite material such as metal, shell and wood. The prayer wheel contains the mantras 'Om mani padme hung...' and the surface of the wheel also depicts various auspicious Buddhist symbols

National Museum, New Delhi

Wooden box cover

Ganesha and a four-armed female deity dancing on an open terrace adorned with geometric patterns. They are flanked by three dancing musicians playing on a vina, mridanga and cymbals

About The Museum

About The Museum

The National Museum, New Delhi, as we see it today, has an interesting beginning. The blueprint for establishing the National Museum in Delhi was prepared by the Maurice Gwyer Committee in May 1946.

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Plan Your Visit

 Plan Your Visit

Janpath, New Delhi - 110011

Timings: Tue-Sun (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM)

(Closed on Mondays and National Holidays)

Entry Fee: Adults: Rupee Icon 20 

Foreign Nationals: Rupee Icon 650

Students up to class 12th: Free entry (with I-cards) click here to pre-book your visit.

National Museum, New Delhi

News & Updates

May 29, 2023

Visitors may kindly note that the following Galleries at the National Museum are closed due to the ongoing renovation work until further notice- 1. Arms and Armour 2. Textiles 3. Jewellery. The inconvenience caused is regretted. ...

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Dr. B.R. Mani

A Note from Director General


Dr  B.R. Mani

National Museum, the prime cultural organization of India, was inaugurated on 15th August 1949 at President House and moved to its permanent location at Janpath on 18th December 1960...

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Lakshmi

Object of the Month
Jesus on Cross

Lakshmi is one of the most celebrated deities in India. Since the early historic times, Lakshmi has been revered as the goddess of prosperity and wealth in the Brahmanical, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. She has been profusely depicted on Temple complexes and Stupa architecture. ...

Lakshmi India 20th Century Gold 11.1 x 4.6 cm 07.25

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Collections

Pre-historic Archaeology Collection

Beyond the banks of Indus and Saraswati rivers, there was a civilization which flourished, it was known as The Indus Valley civilization. It was also popularly known as The Indus – Saraswati valley or Harappa Civilization. This Bronze Age civilization is supposed to be one of the oldest civilizations of India subcontinent. During 20th and 21st centuries excavation of...

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Archaeology Collections

After the Indus Valley Civilization, India came into the age of different rulers and dynasties. During the ancient and medieval period of Indian history, many dynasties like the Maurya, Shunga, Satavahana, Kushana, Gupta, Vardhanas, Pratiharas (in the north), Palas, Sena (in the east), Maitrakas (in the west), Chola, Chalukya, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar, Nayakas (in the south) has...

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Anthropology Collection

National Museum has a vast collection of anthropological artefacts which consist of approximately 8 thousands object of varied material and mediums such as terracotta, textile, Basketry, bone wood, metal, paper, leather, etc. Many antiquities are made of mentioned material and mediums, a few examples of these artefacts are puppets, garments, masks, weapons, utilitarian...

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Arms and Armour Collection

Since the time of Pre-History to Present, Self-preservation, protection and war have always been an inseparable part of human society. Due to these factors, Arms, as well as Armors, became part of the society. National Museum has an extensive collection of Arms and Armors. From this collection, quite a few examples of Indian weapons like different variety of bows, Variety of...

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Decorative Collection

Every culture has its distinct features, which is clearly reflected in its art, ranging from tiles and wood carvings, ceramic or metal utensils to textiles and jewellery. These functional objects are created manually, and help us in understanding the social, religious, commercial and technological development of the society....

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Manuscripts Collection

The National Museum has a collection of nearly 14,000 manuscripts in various languages and scripts, covering a large number of subjects and representing various schools and provinces. It comprises fragmented or full manuscripts, of which about 1000 are illustrated. The non-illustrated manuscripts are calligraphic, which have ornate letters almost transforming into pictures. Many of...

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Numismatics and Epigraphy Collection

Indian coinage has a long and rich historical tradition that provides a key source of information of political and economic changes. It also reflects the cultural and aesthetic development of different periods and regions.

 

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Painting Collection

The National Museum has nearly 17,000 paintings, representing all important styles of Indian miniatures. It is one of the largest collections of miniature paintings in the country. The Miniature painting tradition has been a key form of Indian painting apart from murals, cloth paintings and paintings on wood. Among miniature paintings, the main schools have been- the Deccani (from...

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Jewellery

The Jewellery gallery at the national museum is called ‘Alamkara’ - The Beauty of Ornament, encompassing the most extensive collection of jewellery in India, with more than 250 items displayed here to tell the story of Indian jewellery. From the beautifully tumbled agate bead necklaces of Mohenjodaro and Harappa to the fabulous jewels adorned with images of gods and goddesses to the...

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Central Asian Antiquities Collection

Being a crucial central part of Asia, frequent movements of people from different regions, faith and culture resulted in the emergence of composite cultural tradition. Hence, we could see elements of Hellenistic, Sassanian, Uigurian, Chinese, Tibetan, and Indian in the Central Asian Art. The collection of...

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Pre-Columbian and Western Art Collection

The collection of Pre Columbian art donated by Mr & Mrs Heeramaneek represents the principal cultures of the Pre- Columbian world. An exquisite collection of artefacts from Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and other regions of South America are a part of the National Museum collection.

 

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Events

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Exhibitions

Rajas Nawabs and Firangees
Special Exhibitions

Rajas Nawabs and Firangees

Venue: Special exhibition hall, National Museum

Date of Inauguration: 27-11-2019

PRA-KASHI: Silk, Gold and Silver from the City of Light
Special Exhibitions

PRA-KASHI: Silk, Gold and Silver from the City of Light

Venue: Special exhibition hall, National Museum

Date of Inauguration: 09-09-2019

Unknown Masterpieces of Himachal Folk Art
Special Exhibitions

Unknown Masterpieces of Himachal Folk Art

Venue: Special exhibition hall, National Museum

Date of Inauguration: 04-06-2019

Jewels of India: The Nizam's Jewellery Collection
Special Exhibitions

Jewels of India: The Nizam's Jewellery Collection

Venue: Ground Floor, National Museum

Date of Inauguration: 18-02-2019

Peru's Fabulous Treasures
Special Exhibitions

Peru's Fabulous Treasures

Venue: --

Date of Inauguration: 16-10-2018

Baluchars: The Woven Narrative Silks of Bengal
Special Exhibitions

Baluchars: The Woven Narrative Silks of Bengal

Venue: Special exhibition hall

Date of Inauguration: 08-02-2019

The story of Rama : Indian miniatures from the National Museum, New Delhi
Special Exhibitions

The story of Rama : Indian miniatures from the National Museum, New Delhi

Venue: National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australia

Date of Inauguration: 22-05-2015

Musical Landscapes & The Goddesses of Music Recent Advances in Interactive Art
Special Exhibitions
Horses in Indian Painting
Special Exhibitions

Horses in Indian Painting

Venue: Ajanta Hall, First Floor

Date of Inauguration: 31-08-2018

India-Uzbekistan: A Dialogue of Cultures
Special Exhibitions

India-Uzbekistan: A Dialogue of Cultures

Venue: --

Date of Inauguration: 25-09-2018

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