When we hear the words “Delhi” and “museum” in one sentence, we effortlessly think of National Science Centre, National Rail Museum, Red Fort Archaeological Museum, or even Shankar’s International Dolls Museum, right? That’s quite natural considering these museums are pretty famous and boasts of a humongous number of visitors— not just from India, but from abroad as well.
However, did you know that there are quite a few other museums in Delhi, which are equally mesmerizing yet highly underrated? Now if you are a museumgoer, I’d like to believe you may have already visited the below-mentioned museums, however, if you haven’t, then this post is for you as well for all those who are looking forward to exploring the not-so-popular corners of Delhi, specifically New Delhi.
So here are 5 underrated museums in New Delhi, you may want to fall in love with this year:
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National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy
Located In: Bhairon Marg, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
Nearest Metro Station: Pragati Maidan metro station
Major Attractions: The museum boasts a wide variety of collections exhibited in five of its galleries, which are— Bhuta Sculpture Gallery, Folk & Tribal Craft Gallery, Cultic Craft Gallery, Court Craft Gallery, and Textile Gallery. The museum also has a village complex that comprises 15 structures, offering you a state of tranquillity away from the chaos. Photography is permitted inside the museum.
Opening Hours:
Galleries 09:30 am to 6:00 pm (Monday closed)
Administration and Library 9:30 am to 6:00 pm (Saturday & Sunday closed)
Entry Fee:
Indian Visitor: Rs.20/-
Foreign Visitor: RS.200
Sulabh International Museum Of Toilets
Located In: Sulabh Bhawan, RZ-83, Palam – Dabri Marg, Mahavir Enclave, New Delhi
Nearest Metro Station: Palam metro station
Major Attractions: Despite being the only bizarre one on the list, this museum established in 1992 by Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak is dedicated to the global history of sanitation and toilets as well as to throwing some light on the problems of the sanitation sector in the country. The museum has exhibits from 50 countries, showcasing the evolution of toilets from 3000 BC to the 20th century, i.e. Ancient, Medieval and Modern. Photography is allowed inside the museum.
Opening Hours:
10 am – 6 pm (Monday to Saturday)
10 am – 5 pm (Sundays and Holidays)
Entry Fee: Free
Sanskriti Kendra
Located In: Anandagram, Mehrauli-Gurgaon Rd, Aya Nagar, New Delhi
Nearest Metro Station: Ghitorni metro station
Major attractions: Established in 1978, Sanskriti Kendra focuses on the preservation and revitalization of Indian traditional arts and culture in contemporary times. Sanskriti Kendra has a set of three museums namely, The Museum of Everyday Art, Museum of Indian Terracotta, and Textile Museum which showcases the aboriginal heritage, craftsmanship, aesthetics, cultural practices, and traditions of India.
Opening Hours:
10 am – 5 pm (Monday to Sunday)
Entry Fee: Free
Museum of Illusions
Located In: Rajiv Chowk, Connaught Place, New Delhi
Nearest Metro Station: Rajiv Chowk metro station
Major Attractions: Everything about this place is mind-twisting. Let it be the vortex tunnel, the color room, the anti-gravity room, the Ames room, the clone table, the photo illusions, and the optical illusions among many other kinds of mind-bending illusions, this place does justice to its name by giving it all to you. Don’t forget to carry your camera with you.
Opening Hours:
11 am – 8 pm (Monday to Friday)
11 am – 9 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Entry Fee: Monday – Friday (Adults: ₹650, Children (3+): ₹520)
Saturday – Sunday (Adults: ₹690, Children (3+): ₹550)
Ghalib Academy
Located In: Nizamuddin West Slum, Nizamuddin West, New Delhi
Nearest Metro Station: JLN Stadium metro station
Major Attractions: Established in 1969, this museum is dedicated to the 18th century Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib. The Ghalib museum proudly exhibits a wide range of collections, from the handwritten poems and letters of Mirza Ghalib to his calligraphy and other artworks. Photography is not allowed inside the museum.
Opening Hours:
11 am – 6 pm (Monday to Saturday)
Entry Fee: Free
The opening timings, as well as the ticket price, may vary slightly due to the ongoing pandemic, however, we can assure you that your experience with these museums would be a memorable one.
(Image source: from the Photogallery of the respective museums)
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