Where History Comes Alive : Top Picks For International Museum Day 2025

Add as a preferred source on Google

What if a single day could transport you through millennia-without a plane ticket or passport? That's the promise museums offer. More than just buildings with artefacts, they are dynamic spaces where history, culture, art, and imagination collide. And on May 18, to mark International Museum Day, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is throwing open the doors to all its protected monuments and museums-for free.

So yes, you could stroll past the marble poetry of the Taj Mahal, explore the ancient Buddhist ruins of Sarnath, or stand in awe beneath the sculpted ceilings of Elephanta Caves-without spending a rupee. But beyond these architectural marvels, there are quieter treasures waiting indoors: India's museums. From colonial cabinets of curiosity to immersive digital galleries, these spaces hold stories not just of kings and warriors, but of weavers, travellers, children, and thinkers. Whether you're drawn to miniature paintings or steam engines, there's a museum that speaks to your curiosity and this is the perfect time to listen.

Museums are far more than just repositories of the past, they're storytellers, educators, and cultural bridges. With thoughtfully curated exhibits and evolving programming, they help us make sense of who we are and where we've come from. India's museums, in particular, bring together a patchwork of epochs and influences from prehistoric artefacts to royal costumes and global art.

Legacy Institutions With Timeless Appeal

Photo Credit: PTI

The National Museum, New Delhi

One of the country's largest museums, this New Delhi institution offers a panoramic view of India's cultural evolution-featuring everything from Harappan relics to rare Mughal paintings and ancient manuscripts.

The Indian Museum, Kolkata

Established in 1814, it's India's oldest museum and among Asia's most significant. Housing fossils, mummies, coins, sculptures, and a vast array of historical treasures, it's a multidisciplinary marvel.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai

Formerly the Prince of Wales Museum, this Mumbai gem boasts over 50,000 objects and stunning Indo-Saracenic architecture. A favourite among curators, it's known for both its encyclopaedic collections and engaging programming.

Beyond the Big Names: Hidden Treasures Across India

Photo Credit: PTI

The Calico Museum of Textiles, Ahmedabad

A haven for textile lovers, it captures the depth and beauty of India's weaving, dyeing, and embroidery traditions through centuries.

The Government Museum, Chennai

Noted for its Bronze Gallery and Chola-era artefacts, it remains one of southern India's most significant cultural institutions.

Jaipur City Palace Museum

Tucked inside a royal residence, this museum showcases Mughal and Rajasthani miniatures, ceremonial armour, and textiles that once adorned the halls of kings.

National Rail Museum, Delhi

A favourite among families, it combines nostalgia with education, offering everything from steam engines to toy trains.

Underrated Icons : Museums Worth Visiting

Dorjee Khandu Memorial Museum, Arunachal Pradesh

A modern, balanced space dedicated to the late political leader, it's been recognised for its thoughtful design and locally driven vision.

Mehrangarh Fort Museum, Jodhpur

Admired for its minimalist displays and richly detailed artefacts, this museum inside a fortress brings Rajput heritage vividly to life.

Photo Credit: PTI

Reclaiming the Past, One Visit at a Time

India's museum landscape is as diverse and layered as the country itself. This International Museum Day, the ASI's open invitation isn't just about waiving entry fees-it's about opening minds. Whether you wander through a centuries-old fort museum, marvel at Mughal miniatures, or step into a virtual archaeology tour, you're not just observing history-you're participating in it. These institutions don't merely preserve the past; they provoke questions, inspire creativity, and connect generations. So, take the day to explore a museum near you-you might just discover a new chapter in your own story.