International Museum Day: The 5 best museums in India
Museums are the windows to a country's traditions, heritage, and history. And when it comes to India, there is a lot for you to peep into. As we celebrate International Museum Day on May 18 this year, let us take a look at the top five museums in India that are a treasure trove of its rich values, authentic culture, and intriguing tales.
Indian Museum, Kolkata
This museum, which Dr. Nathaniel Wallich, a prominent Danish botanist, created back in 1814, comprises over 35 halls with exhibits about archaeology, anthropology, art, economic botany, zoology, and geology. A uniquely styled and being one of the oldest museums in the world, it offers visitors rare armors, fossils, skeletons, antiques, ornaments, Egyptian mummies, and contemporary paintings from the Mughal era.
Rail Museum, Delhi
This 10-acre museum with a railway theme is home to about 100 life-size trains from both ancient and modern-day India. The top galleries of the museum house a variety of signaling devices, operational models, old railway décor, and antiquated photos. The 1928 Electric Locomotive, historic train saloons used by kings of the realm, and the 1914 fire engine are among other attractions.
Government Museum, Chennai
Established in 1851, this museum in Egmore, Chennai exhibits different varieties of geology, zoology, anthropology, and botany. Also called the Madras Museum, it features great exhibits that highlight the Chalukyas, Chola, and Vijaynagar eras of south India. Apart from this, the museum theater regularly stages Shakespearean plays. There is also a separate gallery for children to explore.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Museum, Mumbai
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Museum (earlier known as the Prince of Wales Museum) in Mumbai, which is situated next to the Gateway of India, was built at the beginning of the 20th century. It is divided into three major sections - archaeology, natural history, and art, and each section displays a range of artistic creations from the Gupta and Chalukya eras.
Albert Hall Museum, Jaipur
One of the oldest museums in Rajasthan, this museum is famous for its collection of carpets, marble artworks, ancient coins, antiques, pottery, and so much more. Egyptian mummies are featured in a separate exhibit here. Exhibits from the 19th century can be seen in the galleries of jewelry and clay art. The collection of old musical instruments used in India has been displayed separately.
