5 of the Oldest Museums in Delhi
Delhi is one of the oldest city of India and city that experiences highest footfall from all across the globe. The culture that the city represents is also a reason for attracting people. Further, the museums are also a place where one can find the rich culture. Here is the list of the top 5 and old museums in Delhi that are worth visiting. These museums not only provide evidence of rich past but also the cultural richness of India and Delhi in particular.
Crafts Museum
Crafts Museum is one of the best museums to visit and explore an exclusive collection of crafts and artifacts. It was designed by an architect known as Charles Correa. This museum has a wide collection of tribal art, old toys, fine saris and textiles. Major attractions in this museum are wooden temple carts that were once used to carry the statues of deities during festivals. Constructed to mirror a real village, you can see men and women at work, too.
Attractions: Wooden Carvings, Paintings, Metal Ware, Indian crafts, Mud Huts, Terracotta Horses, etc., reflecting the rural ambience and old-world charm of India.
Location: At the corner of the Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
Gandhi Smriti Museum
Gandhi Smriti formerly known as Birla House or Birla Bhawan, is a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. A national shrine and hundreds of pilgrims flock here each year to pay their respects.
The walls bear belongings of Mahatma Gandhi showcased beautifully. Inside the shrine to Ghandi you’ll find an eternal flame. Across from the shrine is the national museum where you’ll find some of Ghandi’s photographs, personal belongings, and the clothes he was wearing when he was killed. There is also a garden prayer ground where you may visit to pay tribute to the father of the nation.
Attractions: Photographs, Personal Belongings, Dolls Houses, Terracotta Dolls, etc.
Location: 30, January Road, New Delhi
National Rail Museum
The 10-acre National Rail Museum is home to more than 75 railway cars and engines, including the Fairy Queen. A toy train offers rides around the site on regular days. Inside the museum you’ll learn about how the railway was built and how it has evolved.
Attractions: Signalling Equipments, Historical Photographs, Static & Working Models, antique furniture, Prince of Wales Saloon, Maharaja of Mysore’s Saloon, Fairy Queen, Fire Engine, etc.
Location: Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
National Museum
The National Museum in New Delhi is one of the largest museums in India. It has around 200,000 works of art, both of Indian and foreign origin. The first thing you’ll see upon entering the museum is a 13th century statue of the sun god Surya. Deeper within the museum’s walls you’ll find a large collection of artifacts and sculptures showing ancient life in the Indus Valley.
Attractions: Life Size Model of Dinosaur, Natural History, Environment, Ecology, Stuffed Birds and Animals.
Location: Janpath, New Delhi
Nehru Memorial Museum
The Nehru Memorial Museum is a museum and library in New Delhi, India. This incredible mansion was originally built to serve as the home of the British Indian Army’s commander and later became the home of the first prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. A few of the rooms inside the mansion have been historically preserved and there are a number of informative displays outlining Nehru’s life as well as his role in the Independence movement.
Attractions: Photographs & Newspaper Clippings from the Independence Movement, High Ceilings, Beautiful Gardens, etc.
Location: Teen Murti Bhawan, New Delhi