National Museum

The National Museum is a large history and art museum in New Delhi that spans several floors and displays works from prehistoric times to the modern period. The halls are organized by era and theme, allowing visitors to walk through centuries of Indian art and heritage.

An exhibition of Indian art in London in 1949 led to the founding of this institution, which was initially housed in temporary quarters. Eleven years later, the collection moved to the current building at the intersection of Janpath and Maulana Azad Road.

The museum takes its name from the desire to represent the nation's diverse artistic traditions under one roof, bringing together works that were once scattered across royal courts and temples. Visitors today can see textiles and sculptures that were part of everyday rituals, now displayed to show how artistic forms evolved across different regions.

The entrance is located at a busy intersection in the center of the city, and the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. Visitors should plan several hours to see the main galleries.

The archives hold thousands of manuscripts in many languages, including old medical texts and astronomical treatises. A dedicated institute within the building has been training specialists in art history for decades.

Location: New Delhi

Inception: August 15, 1949

Architects: Ganesh Bhikaji Deolalikar

Official opening: August 15, 1949

Address: Janpath

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-18:00

Phone: +9101123019272

Website: http://nationalmuseumindia.gov.in

GPS coordinates: 28.61181,77.21926

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:05