Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum, State museum in Itanagar, India.
The Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum is a state museum in Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, displaying traditional tribal artifacts, clothing, jewelry, and tools from communities across the state. The collection is spread across two exhibition floors and also covers archaeological finds from excavation sites in the region.
The museum opened on January 15, 1990, with the aim of documenting the heritage of the many tribal groups of Arunachal Pradesh. Over the years, it expanded its collection to include archaeological finds that trace early human settlement across the state.
The ground floor displays wooden carvings, religious objects, and traditional art forms that were actually used in ceremonies and daily life by communities across Arunachal Pradesh. Walking through this section gives a direct sense of how craftsmanship and ritual are still deeply connected in the region.
The museum has a handicrafts workshop and shop where visitors can buy traditional items made by local artisans on-site. Since the displays cover two floors, it is worth setting aside enough time to go through each section without rushing.
After reaching the summit of Mount Everest in 2011, mountaineer Tapi Mra from Arunachal Pradesh donated his complete expedition gear to the museum. This personal equipment sits alongside the tribal collections, connecting the state's ancient traditions with a very recent story of individual achievement.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
