The Partition Museum in Delhi is now open for visitors. It presents a poignant portrayal of separation with meticulously preserved artefacts and evocative images. As we commemorate the 76th year since Partition, the fading memories of this tumultuous period emphasize the urgent need to keep them for future generations.
Inaugurated on May 18 by Delhi Art & Culture Minister Atishi, the museum showcases a collection of photographs, sculptures, newspaper clippings, and memorabilia reflecting the events from the 1947 Partition.
The project was undertaken as part of the 'Adopt a Heritage' scheme by the Union Ministry of Tourism to preserve and maintain important cultural and historical landmarks throughout India. The restoration has been done by the Delhi government in collaboration with The Arts and Cultural Heritage Trust (TACHT).
Located at the Dara Shikoh Library Building (DSLB) on the Ambedkar University campus in Kashmere Gate, this museum is the second of its kind worldwide, with the first established in Amritsar in 2016 by The Arts and Cultural Heritage Trust. The DSLB, initially belonging to Dara Shikoh in the late 1600s, who was the son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, later became the residence of David Ochterlony, the British resident in Delhi.
Inside The Museum
Seven galleries The museum features seven dedicated galleries that provide insights into the Partition and the fight for Independence. Each gallery focuses on a specific historical period, phase, or event. The first gallery covers the period from 1900 to 1947, highlighting significant moments in the decades leading up to Independence. The second gallery documents the process of migration during that time.
The museum includes a refuge gallery that sheds light on mass displacement, showcasing artefacts such as ration cards and the joint India-Pakistan passport issued during the Partition. Additional galleries delve into the building of homes and relationships in India, documenting the order amidst the chaos of migration caused by the Partition. A 'Gallery of Hope and Courage' also exhibits photographs, mementoes, and personal experiences of individuals revisiting their ancestral properties and places in Pakistan.
Virtual reality experience The museum will also include a virtual reality experience, personal belongings donated by eyewitnesses of the Partition, and a souvenir shop. Additionally, the library will function as a cultural hub, hosting exhibits that explore various aspects of the city and its history.
Visiting The Museum
You can visit the museum by obtaining free tokens through the official website. The museum operates from Tuesday to Sunday, opening from 10 am to 5 pm. It remains closed on Monday.