India boasts a vibrant history and diverse cultural heritage, making its museums a treasure trove of unique collections and fascinating exhibitions. Among these are various quirky museums that showcase the country's rich past and distinctive cultural aspects. These institutions highlight India's creativity and artistic talents, offering visitors a glimpse into the captivating history and traditions of the nation. Each museum provides a unique experience and insight into Indian society, attracting visitors with unusual themes and exhibits. Here are five of the quirkiest museums in India.
The Indian Museum, formerly known as the Imperial Museum of Kolkata, is a prominent museum in central Kolkata. Founded by the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1814, it is the ninth-oldest museum in the world and the oldest and largest in Asia. Additionally, it boasts the most extensive collection in India. When you visit, you will encounter a diverse collection of antiques, armour, ornaments, fossils, skeletons, mummies, and Mughal paintings. The museum features six sections comprising thirty-five galleries that showcase cultural and scientific artefacts, including Indian art, archaeology, anthropology, geology, zoology, and economic botany.
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM (Tuesday to Sunday). Note: The museum remains closed on Mondays and holidays.
Entry: INR 75 for adults, INR 20 for children, and free for children below 5 years.
The Sulabh International Museum of Toilets, located in Delhi, is one of the most unusual museums in the world. Established in 1992 by social activist Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, also the founder of the Sulabh Sanitation and Social Reform Movement, the museum focuses on the history of sanitation and toilets. The museum's primary goal is to raise awareness about sanitation issues in India. It features exhibits from 50 countries, showcasing sanitation artefacts that date back to 3000 BC and continue through the end of the 20th century. These displays are arranged chronologically into ancient, medieval, and modern periods. The museum's exhibitions cover toilet-related technology throughout human history and include a unique collection of poetry related to toilets.
Timings: 10:30 AM to 5 PM. Entry: Free
The military aviation museum, founded in 1998, is located near Bogmalo in Goa and initially showcased a collection of six aircraft. It focuses on the history of the Indian Naval Air Arm and is divided into two main areas: an outdoor exhibit and a two-story indoor gallery. Inside the gallery, visitors can explore various naval armaments, including bombs, torpedoes, autocannons, sensors, and the evolution of uniforms worn by the Indian air and naval forces. The outdoor display features large INS Vikrant and INS Viraat models, along with several aircraft engines.
Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM for Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Monday.
Entry: For civilians, adults INR 150, for children INR 75, and for ex-servicemen and their dependents, adults INR 75, for children INR 50, and free for defence personnel.
The National Museum of India, established in 1949, is one of the largest museums in the country. It houses a vast collection of artefacts from prehistoric to modern works of art. The museum features approximately 200,000 pieces, predominantly of Indian origin, and includes some international artefacts representing over 5,000 years of history. Various displays can be found throughout the museum, including manuscripts, paintings, arms and armour, and conservation exhibits.
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday (10 AM to 6 PM) and closed on Monday and national holidays.
Entry: INR 20 for adults and for foreign nationals: INR 500.
The doll museum was established in 1973 by the Shrimati Bhagwanibai Gauridutt Sekhsarai Charitable Trust. It features a collection of dolls displayed across five galleries, showcasing items from approximately 40 countries. The museum includes Indian state dolls, which are presented in traditional attire reflecting bridal wear, everyday clothing, and dance costumes. Among the highlights are Japanese dolls, including Kokeshi dolls, Namahage dolls, Kamakura dolls, Kanto Matsuri dolls, and Tanabata dolls. Most of these dolls are crafted from wood, while a few are made from whale teeth. Additionally, the museum features a section dedicated to English puppets and handcrafted wooden toys.
Timings: All days of the week, 9 AM to 5 PM.
Entry: INR 10 per person for Indians and INR 50 per person for foreigners.