If you are one of those history geeks that love to know each and everything about the past and has a unique love for old items and collectables, then New Delhi is a paradise for such a visitor. New Delhi is home to several museums each dedicated to a different field or theme and some are very unique and ingenuine. There are museums on topics such as science, history, art and crafts, Metro, Bollywood, Wax figurines etcetera. These museums are the best places to know about our country's rich heritage as well as contemporary art and modern marvels. So dive into this article that brings forth the 10 best museums in Delhi that are worth a visit for the history aficionado in you.
1. National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy
Themed over the Indian art and craft from the roots of India, i.e. our villages, the National crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy located on the Bhairon Marg in Pragati Maidan is a perfect place to get to know about local arts and artisans that have roots in India. There are several zones in the museum each dedicated to a different theme or event such as the galleries, the village complex, art and crafts room, traditional performances and a publication section. If you have a knack for Vocal for Local, perhaps you will love this place.
2. National Philatelic Museum
I had heard of a hobby known as stamp collection and I used to wonder if that even classifies for a hobby. But I have been proved wrong by the National Philatelic Museum. Situated in Dak Bhavan near Sardar Patel Chowk on Sansad Marg, the Museum is managed by the Department of Posts. They have beautifully showcased many stamps that were launched by the government after our Independence. Not only this, the classification of the stamps and the way they have been displayed is also very appreciative. There are different sections for sheetlets, themes, stamps from various countries. The most prized glance you can have here is at the Sindh Dak, a stamp from 1854, the first stamp of Indian Post. There is also a different section for stamps used before Independence. The place is compelling enough to get you out from your hotel in Delhi and you will surely not regret visiting this museum.
3. Metro Museum
Located at the Patel Chowk metro station in Ashoka Road, Sansad Marg Area, the Metro Museum is the only one of its kind and it depicts how the DMRC brought about the Delhi Metro into existence. The informational quotient of this museum about its subject i.e. Delhi metro is very high. The only museum to be built inside a metro station, this one has a range of displays that include the photographic journey of the metro's conception and execution. You can also find several models of trains that are important to understand why the metro is as it is today. It is really a very unique museum and if you want to understand everything about the Delhi Metro, visit this museum and get to know everything in detail about the Metro. If you are looking for good accommodations nearby you can stay in hotels in Connaught place.
4. Madame Tussauds Delhi
Madame Tussauds is a well known International chain of Museum that makes wax figurines of great people through the history of Mankind, contemporary celebs, people who have done extraordinary things in their respective fields be it sports, acting, politics etc. Situated near the Regal Theater in Connaught Place, the Madame Tussauds Museum is one of the museums that experiences heavy footfalls. The museum remains open from 10 AM to 6 PM. You don't have to worry about the crowd as the tickets can even be booked online. You can also stay in several beautiful hotels in Connaught place nearby.
5. Red Fort Museum
Located inside the Red Fort, the museum houses a variety of things dating back to the Mughal era. The museum is managed by the Archeological Survey of India and houses some of the most beautiful and prized historical artefacts and paintings. The museum closes on every Monday and National Holiday so plan your visit accordingly. You will find several interesting items such a Mughal and Rajput soldiers armour, the swords, various knives, replicas of boats and vessels used in those times and many other things. The red fort is located near Chandani Chowk and you would love to stay nearby. You can stay in hotels in Paharganj or hotels near New Delhi railway station.
Dont forget to check out the food in Delhi while near Red Fort. Check out this Foodie's Guide: The list of 11 best food joints in Chandni Chowk
6. Indian Air Force Museum
The Indian Air Force museum is housed inside the Palam Air Force Station in Delhi. The museum records and displays all the significant events of the Indian Air Force and displays it in the museum. The museum has some historic photos of the force since its inception in 1932. Beginning from the aircraft and weapons used to the uniforms, everything is on display at this very informative museum. Some aircraft and airforce inventory are also open for the visitors. The museum is closed for the general public on every Monday and Tuesday so plan your visit. If you are visiting Delhi you might want to stay in hotels near Delhi airport and you would be close to the museum as well.
7. National Gallery Of Modern Art
Situated at Shershah Road Near India Gate Jaipur House, the National Gallery of Modern Art is a premium facility for its kind and its galleries are home to more than 14000 Indian as well as foreign art pieces. The museum is frequented by tourists all round the year and promotes modern art. Modern art is considered a silent depictor of social issues. This museum is a perfect place for art lovers to understand Indian history and contemporary society simultaneously. Artworks in the form of sculptures, paintings and graphics can be found on display and its extensive collection makes it one of the largest art galleries in the entire world. The museum remains closed on Mondays so plan your visit accordingly.
8. National Rail Museum
The Indian Railways has one of the largest networks in the whole world and it carries the most number of passengers and cargo when compared to anywhere else. Built at the time of British, the Railways have evolved fruitfully and today serves India in many ways. Located in Chanakyapuri, Delhi, the National Rail Museum depicts the history of railways in India. Inaugurated on February 1st, 1977, the museum has since then very beautifully housed and displayed the evolution of Indian Railways from its steam engine avatar to the modern-day electric locomotive. There are imitative models of both the diesel engine and steam engine. While some of the models are just too old, some are still in working condition and seeing those historical machines is really a delight. There is also a mini-train in the museum complex which attracts a lot of tourists, especially children. The museum remains closed on every Monday and National Holiday. It opens from 10 AM till 5 PM so plan your visit accordingly. You can also visit the iconic India Gate nearby.
9. National Science Centre
The National Science centre came into being in 1992. This museum was made with the aim of inducing scientific temper and curiosity among students. The museum comes under the aegis of National Council of Science Museums and is the best museum which is managed by the council without an iota of doubt. The exhibit spans across four floors and is one of the largest in the world. There are many wonderful items such as the Energy Balls, the magic tap, the one-handed harp etc which use simple scientific theories to produce a magical effect which leaves a lasting impression on the minds of students. Situated at the Bhairon Road near Pragati Maidan, the museum is a favourite among students and they make up around 65% of the visitors. The museum also aims to teach the visitors about sustainable ways of living and so is a must-visit.
10. Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Memorial
No visit to Delhi's museum can be complete without a visit to this museum that honours the life and work of Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam who is not merely a scientist but a hero to the millions of Indian who dream of success. The 11th president of India, more fondly known as the Missile Man is the one who revolutionized space programs in India. He was also one of the scientists who played an active role in making India a nuclear power. How this little boy from Rameshwaram born into a Mallah family worked his way to the highest position in India just by his love for science and his dedication towards doing something for India and humanity at large. The museum honours such an extraordinary man by depicting his life and his work in the form of pictures and documents. You can even find some of his personal belongings that will give you a view into how down to earth this son of India was. If you truly respect this National hero, a visit is must to this fantastic Museum.
Hope this tour will be able to satisfy some of your queries about history, science, art and many other things.