Delhi takes its museums seriously – offering more than 30 places where you can indulge your curiosities. Here, you can find museums that offer a glimpse of history, display the lives of important people, tell the wonders of science, dazzle with modern plus traditional art and craft, or just showcase a widely curated exhibition of dolls (and even toilets!). But with so many options, which are the best museums in Delhi?
To answer that question, IamNavigato has handpicked ten of the must-visit museums in Delhi. These places provide a memorable experience – perfect for an escape from a hot summer day or a slow, showery morning.
10 Best Museums in Delhi
So, put on your walking shoes, grab your reading glasses, and get ready to explore.
| Sr. No. | 10 Best Museums in Delhi | Tickets |
| 1 | National Museum | INR 20 for Indians & INR 650 for foreigners |
| 2 | National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) | INR 20 for Indians & INR 500 for foreigners |
| 3 | Shankar’s International Doll’s Museum | INR 30 for adults & INR 13 for children |
| 4 | National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy | INR 20 – 300 |
| 5 | Partition Museum | Indian Nationals – INR 10, Foreign Nationals – INR 250, children (5 and below) – Free, & Partition Survivors – Free |
| 6 | National Rail Museum | Adults INR 50 (weekends ₹100) & children INR 10 (weekends ₹20) |
| 7 | National Science Centre | INR 80 – all rides and activities are separately priced |
| 8 | Museum of Illusions | Adults (12+) – ₹590, Child (3-11) – ₹550.00, Senior (60+) – ₹500.00, & Foreigners (Adult/Child) – ₹850.00 |
| 9 | Indian Air Force Museum | Adult – ₹30 & children – ₹15 |
| 10 | Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum | Free |
1. National Museum
Stepping into the National Museum in Delhi is like using a time machine. With over two lakh objects, this three-floor building holds more than 5,000 years of Indian history and culture. That is why one minute you are staring at a 2nd-century Gandhara Buddha statue and the next moment you’re face-to-face with the relics from the Mauryan Empire, taking you back to the age of Emperor Ashoka.
The museum’s vast collection covers everything from archaeology and arms to textiles, manuscripts, and tribal art. It is a vault – quite literally as it holds precious jewelry, artwork lined with real gold, and artifacts studded with precious stones. However, the highlight of this museum in Delhi is the Ajanta and Ellora interactive gallery, where you can explore the ancient caves in real-time.
Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
Address: Janpath Rd, Rajpath Area, Central Secretariat, New Delhi, Delhi 110011
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/id22n3QX3kctTwpS6
2. National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA)
Just a short walk away from the National Museum is the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) which offers just as stellar experience but in an entirely different area – art. As soon as you step inside this museum in Delhi, you’ll be greeted by artworks from Raja Ravi Varma, Amrita Sher-Gil, M.F. Husain, and Tyeb Mehta – 150 years of Indian art collected in a single space.
Not just paintings, you will find here sculptures, installations, and multimedia works that add depth and perspective. Don’t worry if some pieces go beyond your head. There are guides/audio guides ready to offer an in-depth insight into every artwork. And before you leave, stop by the museum shop or café to pick up a souvenir with a hot brew.
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Address: Jaipur House, Shershah Rd, near India Gate, Delhi High Court, India Gate, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/doRwojycWj9iwWNv5
3. Shankar’s International Doll’s Museum
For children or those who are a child at heart, there is no better museum in Delhi than the Doll’s Museum. This enchanting (and at times mildly creepy) place houses 6,500 dolls from 85 countries. As the story goes, the legendary cartoonist K. Shankar Pillai got the inspiration for opening this place in 1965 after a Hungarian diplomat gifted him a doll.
Today, you can see dolls dressed as Japanese Geishas, Russian Cossacks, and Indian folk dancers – most of them gifted to the museum by people around the globe. Some of them are so detailed that you’d swear they might blink when you’re not looking. It’s a magical spot for kids, families, and anyone who enjoys culture with a touch of the uncanny. Just be sure to visit the place during the day.
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Address: ITO 4, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, beside Central Bank Nehru House, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Vikram Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi, 110002
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DM2fzeKwaLgRtVKh6
4. National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy
The National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy is a treasure trove of India’s rich and diverse craft traditions. Spanning over 20,000 square meters, this museum in Delhi is a vibrant tapestry of textures, colors, and stories.
It houses an impressive collection of over 30,000 artifacts, including textiles, metalwork, wood carvings, and tribal art from across the country. Whether delicate Pashmina shawls of Kashmir or the vibrant Bandhani fabrics of Gujarat, each piece tells a story of India’s cultural heritage.
Don’t miss the Village Complex, a unique open-air exhibit featuring life-sized replicas of traditional dwellings and shrines from various Indian states. It’s like taking a walk through rural India without leaving Delhi.
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday 9:30 AM to 6 PM
Address: Bhairon Marg, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aZDhbgBFvjpZdMBk7
5. Partition Museum
The Partition Museum of Delhi shows the pain of a generation through artistic means. First opened in Amritsar, this new location in Delhi also offers a powerful experience.
The museum’s soul-stirring exhibition offers a new take on the horrors of 1947, which is what sets it apart from the other museums in Delhi. It’s an emotional experience rather than a mere show. Visitors can see historic photographs, treasured belongings that refugees brought across the drawn borders, official records that signaled the event, and films that feature the experiences of the survivors.
There are also immersive exhibits like a recreation of a train compartment and postcards that allow you to write back to the past. All of these offer a tangible connection to the troubled history of this landmark event.
Timings: Tuesday-Sunday 10 am – 5 pm
Address: Partition Museum, Ambedkar University, Dara Shukoh Library, Lothiyan Marg, Delhi, 110006
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rfwGP4SEhx6YoNNT7
6. National Rail Museum
The National Rail Museum keeps you curious to learn more even if you are not a train person. With over 100 life-sized exhibits (including steam, diesel, electric locomotives, saloons, and coaches), this 11-acre museum in Delhi keeps you on the move. You can hop on the Joy Train for a mini tour of the museum grounds or try your hand at the coach and steam simulators for a real taste of what railway operators felt like. For a truly royal experience, ride the Patiala State Monorail, a unique exhibit dating back to 1907.
While inside, interactive galleries featuring railway artifacts, historical photographs, and models depicting the evolution of Indian Railways allows you to take a look into this magical world.
Timings: Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 5 pm
Address: Service Rd, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5Kh35tNux4PvnV6y9
7. National Science Centre
You might think Delhi is packed with museums showcasing the country’s art, culture, and history, but what about the world of science? The National Science Centre fills that gap, offering an engaging and accessible exploration of scientific wonders.
One of the standout attractions in this museum is the Energy Ball, where visitors can observe the transformation of energy as a colorful ball rolls down various paths interacting with musical instruments and mechanical devices along the way. Other than that, this place also offers a look at the prehistoric era, fun 3D fantasy rides, and more.
Whether you’re a student, educator, or simply a science enthusiast, this museum in Delhi offers a captivating exploration of the world around us, making learning an adventure.
Timings: Daily 9:30 am-6 pm except certain public holidays
Address: Bhairon Marg, near Gate No.4, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uzcEToLrofefX7W96
8. Museum of Illusion
This museum in Delhi is a playground of curiosities, offering over 80 exhibits that will test the limits of your mind. With displays like Infinity Room where reflections make you feel like you’re stuck in an endless loop or the Reverse Room where gravity does not seem to exist, you can have a fun time with your friends and family.
The Beuchet Chair will make you look like a giant one minute and a tiny speck the next – perfect for some hilarious photos. The Vortex Tunnel will spin you around in circles, and the Head on a Platter illusion is exactly as weird and fun as it sounds.
So, if you want to have a fun time with your loved ones where you can laugh at each other, there is no better place than this museum.
Timings: 11 am – 8 pm
Address: A Block, A 30-33 1st Floor, Rajiv Chowk, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/i7m9HqYDVKMRWS556
9. Indian Air Force Museum
In the Southwest Corner of the city is a one-of-a-kind museum that offers a rare look at the aeronautical marvels of the country. This museum in Delhi is a treasure trove of aerial artifacts as well as war trophies celebrating our military might. Here, you can see the fierce warbirds like Gnat fighter aircraft, MiG-25R, Sukhoi Su-7 as well as gentle giants like Antonov An-12 BL-727.
With four hangars (or galleries) showcasing decommissioned engineering wonders alongside other fascinating artifacts, this museum is sure to leave you with a deep sense of national pride.
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Monday & Tuesday)
Address: H4F8+JM4, Palam, New Delhi, Delhi 110010
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6ZbNoRkKMKhPKVy76
10. Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum
You can find many museums in Delhi that commemorate various memorable personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, or Lal Bahadur Shastri but none offer as powerful an experience as the Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum.
This museum is devoted to her life, showcasing her personal items, including the blood-stained sari she wore at the time of her assassination in 1984. In the garden, a glass-covered walkway marks the path of her final steps before she was tragically shot by two security guards. Several rooms within the house have been preserved exactly as they were, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the family.
Timings: 9:30 AM to 5 PM (Tuesday to Sunday). Monday closed.
Address: 1, Safdarjung Rd, Safdarjung Lane Area, Delhi Gymkhana Club, New Delhi, Delhi 110011
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zJiojxsPmV2yYMtp8
The Bottom Line
While there are many other gems in or outside the city of Delhi (like the Heritage Transport Museum or the Ghalib Museum), this list offers you the best museums in Delhi. So, whether you are an art lover or a history buff, this list will give you the perfect excuse to explore the most unexplored attractions of Delhi.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the best museum in Delhi?
A. The “best” museum in Delhi depends on your interests! If you’re into history, the National Museum offers a deep dive into India’s rich past. For modern art lovers, the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) is a must-visit. If you’re fascinated by aviation, the Indian Air Force Museum is quite unique. Each museum offers something special, so it’s worth exploring according to your interests.
Q. Which Museum is free in Delhi?
A. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum and Gandhi Smriti Museum offer free entry on certain days. However, it’s always a good idea to check in advance for any specific days or events where you can visit without a ticket.
Q. What is the ticket price for the Museum of Illusions New Delhi?
A. The entry fee for the Museum of Illusions in New Delhi is typically ₹590 for adults and ₹550 for children.
Q. What is the entry fee for the Delhi National Museum?
A. The National Museum in Delhi has an entry fee of ₹20 for Indian visitors and ₹650 for foreign nationals.
Q. Which is the largest museum in Delhi?
A. The National Museum is the largest museum in Delhi. It houses over 200,000 works of art, covering diverse collections including archaeology, textiles, and sculptures.
