Delhi is home to some of the nation’s best collections of galleries and museums. As people like to visit all the famous ones, they often miss some of the most dazzling treasures which have yet to gain some popularity. These museums in Delhi, reflecting India’s rich cultural heritage, are a must-visit for those interested in knowing about India’s rich culture and heritage.
Here are five lesser-known museums to visit in Delhi. It is advisable for you to plan your visit beforehand keeping in mind the timings and the days on which it is closed.
Museums to visit in Delhi: Supreme Court Museum
The Supreme Court Museum is located on the northern periphery of the Supreme Court of India. It has on display rare manuscripts, artefacts, photographs, and documents that will take you on a journey of the judicial system of India. Some of these exhibits date back to ancient times when tribal law was in place. Also on display are seals from the Indus Valley civilization and the Nalanda dynasty.
The museum is divided into two floors. The ground floor maps the evolution of the judiciary in India and the basement level chronicles the development of the Supreme Court through pictures and miniature models. Antique chairs of former judges, ink pots, maces, ceremonial costumes, and wigs are part of the exhibit. The highlights of the museum are the files of the landmark judgements delivered by the Supreme Court on important cases such as Indira Gandhi’s assassination and Mahatma Gandhi’s murder.
Photography is strictly prohibited. Do remember to carry ID proof.
Where: Tilak Marg, Mandi House
Open: All days, except Monday and other public holidays
Timings: 10 am – 4 pm
Entry: Free
Museums to visit in Delhi: Red Fort Archaeological Museum
The Mumtaz Mahal located on the premises of the Red Fort houses the Red Fort Archaeological Museum. The Mahal was originally part of the zenana but later became a prison during the British occupation. The museum houses jewellery, dresses, porcelain, miniature paintings, board games, and exquisite calligraphy of the Mughal era.
There are six galleries inside those showcase items belonging to emperors like Akbar, Shahjahan, and Bahadur Shah Zafar. Swords, daggers, farmaans, and other regalia are also on display. Along with these are the arms used in the 1857 uprising and old maps of Delhi.
Where: Red Fort, Netaji Subhash Marg
Open: All days
Timings: 9 am – 5 pm
Entry: Free (You need to buy an entry ticket for Red Fort)
Museums to visit in Delhi: Parliament Museum
Just across the Raqab Ganj Gurdwara is the entry gate of the Parliament Museum. Fun fact: this is perhaps the only gate through which you can enter the Parliament House without being a minister! Located in the library building of the Parliament, this museum has well-developed interactive panoramic projections.
The videos, virtual reality simulations, and animatronics take you on a journey of the story of India’s freedom struggle. Illustrations, life-sized models, and photographs tell you about the evolution of democracy in the Indian subcontinent, the drafting of the Constitution, the first-ever elections held in the country, and Jawaharlal Nehru’s historic speech “Tryst with Destiny”. You can walk through the recreated models of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha as well. Also on display is the rare collection of gifts that the speakers of the Lok Sabha have received from various countries over the years.
Do not forget to carry ID proof while visiting the Parliament Museum. Photography is strictly prohibited.
Where: Parliament Library Building, Pandit Pant Marg
Open: All days, except Sunday and Monday
Timings: 11 am – 5 pm
Entry: Rs. 10/-
Museums to visit in Delhi: Delhi Metro Rail Museum
This not-very-old museum will educate you about every Dilliwalla’s favourite ride. Right from Delhi Metro’s genesis to its planning and construction, the museum showcases exhibits related to the development, management, and work culture of the transit system. On display are models of metro trains, stations, automated fare collection systems, and tunnel boring machines. Numerous photographs chronicle the story of the Delhi metro project, and the problems faced by DMRC while constructing deep stations like Chawri Bazaar. You can buy Metro memorabilia, key chains, and other souvenirs from the museum.
Where: Patel Chowk Metro Station (Yellow Line)
Open: All days, except Monday
Timings: 10 am – 4 pm
Entry: By Metro smart cards and tokens
Museums to visit in Delhi: APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial (Museum)
Tucked on the rear side of the popular culture and food hub Dilli Haat, is a museum dedicated to our beloved former president, Late Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. The memorial-cum-museum houses Kalam’s personal belongings and possessions. These were brought from Rameshwaram, his birthplace, especially for this museum. You can watch the audio-visual presentation on the life, career, and achievements of the ‘Missile Man’. There are also several of his paintings on display, along with a collection of books written by and about the life of Dr. Kalam. Attached to the museum is a souvenir shop where you can buy collectibles.
Where: Dilli Haat, Gate no. 2, INA
Open: All days
Timings: 11 am – 9 pm
Entry: Free
