The capital city of
Delhi is not only a treasure house of historical monuments, but also boasts of having some of the some of the finest museums and galleries exhibiting some precious collections of art, artifacts and finds from the prehistoric and historic periods. Though these are lesser-visited sites, they provide a glimpse into India's history, its traditions, art, culture and much more. These places are specially important for those travelmasti visitors who are interested in history and civilization. Its a treat unparalled if curiosity demands quenching.
National Museum : Located just south of Rajpath, on Janpath, National Museum contains one ofthe largest and most precious collections of Indian art, terracotta and wood sculptures dating back to the Mauryan period ( Second and Third century BC), exhibits from the Vijayanagar period in south India, miniature and mural paintings, and costumes of various tribal people. The museum is definitely worth visiting and is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. There are film shows most days of the week.
National Gallery Of Modern Art : Located in Jaipur House, the gallery near India Gate at the eastern end of Rajpath, was the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur . It houses an excellent collection of works by both Indian and colonial artists. It is open daily from 10 am to 5 PM; admission is free
Nehru Planetarium : Situated at Teen Murti House the planetarium holds film shows on the solar system in English (11.30 a.m. & 3 p.m.) and Hindi (4 p.m.& 1.30 p.m.). A special show in Hindi (10.30 a.m.) is held on Sundays. Closed on Mondays and public holidays.
National Science Centre Museum : Located near Gate No.1, Pragati Maidan,the museum has working science exhibitions as well as exhibits on the history of architecture. Open 11.30 am – 7 PM Entry free. Museum is closed on monday.
Nehru Museum : The residence of the first Indian Prime Minister, Teen Murti Bhavan, has been converted into a museum. It is located on Teen Murti Rd. near Chanakyapuri.
Photographs and newspaper clippings on display give a fascinating insight into the history of the independence movement. It also forms the subject of a light and sound show along with facets of Nehru's life.The museum is open, Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 PM. Admission is free to museum.
Rail Transport Museum : This museum is Located at Chanakyapuri for a fascinating and exotic collection of India's railway engines. Museum Exhibit's include an 1855 steam engine, still in working order, and a large number of oddities such as the skull of an elephant that charged a mail train in 1894, and lost. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30 am to 5 PM and there's a small admission fee.
Doll Museum : Located on the Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Museum has a collection of over 6000 dolls from almost 100 countries of the world.
Tibet House : Located in the the Lodi Institutional Area, Lodi Rd, this museum houses a vast collection of ceremonial items brought out of Tibet when the Dalai Lama fled following the Chinese occupation. There is a shop selling a wide range of Tibetan handicrafts. Lecture/discussion sessions are held regularly. The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 1 PM and 2 to 5 PM Admission is free.
International Dolls Museum : 6000 dolls from 85 countries are on display in this museum in Nehru House on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg. Over a third of them are from India. One exhibit section comprises 500 dolls dressed in costumes worn all over the country. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5.30 PM
Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum : Located at 1 Safdarjang Road, this museum was the former residence of Indira Gandhi. On show are some of her personal effects, including the sari (complete with blood stains) that she was wearing at the time of her assassination. A crystal plaque in the garden, flanked constantly by two soldiers, protects a few brown spots of Mrs Gandhi's blood on the spot where she actually fell after being shot by two of her bodyguards in December 1984.
National Children's Museum : Kerala Road, 9 a.m.—12 noon, 2 p.m. –5 PM Tel: 3317856.
Crafts Museum : This museum contains a collection of traditional Indian crafts in textiles, metal, wood and ceramics. It is located in the Aditi Pavilion at the Pragati Maidan Exhibition Grounds, Mathura Rd. It is part of a 'village life' complex where you can visit rural India without ever leaving Delhi. Admission is free.
Gandhi Darshan : Located at Raj Ghat, the Gandhi Darshan is a display of paintings and photos about the Mahatma's life and deeds. The Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, also at Raj Ghat, has displays of some of Gandhi's personal possessions.
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