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 unique 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 in Delhi is one of the world’s most unique museums. Founded in 1992 by social activist Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, who also established the Sulabh Sanitation and Social Reform Movement, the museum highlights the history of sanitation and toilets. Its main aim is to raise awareness about sanitation challenges in India. The museum showcases artefacts from 50 countries, dating from 3000 BC up to the late 20th century, arranged chronologically across ancient, medieval, and modern periods. Exhibits cover the evolution of toilet technology throughout human history and include a rare collection of poetry related to toilets.
Timings: 10:30 AM to 5 PM.
Entry: Free
Established in 1998 near Bogmalo in Goa, the Naval Aviation Museum is dedicated to the history of the Indian Naval Air Arm. Originally displaying just six aircraft, it has since expanded into two main sections: an outdoor exhibit and a two-storey indoor gallery. Inside, visitors can explore naval armaments such as bombs, torpedoes, autocannons, and sensors, along with displays tracing the evolution of uniforms worn by Indian air and naval personnel. The outdoor section showcases aircraft engines and large-scale models of iconic aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant and INS Viraat.
Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM from 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.
Established in 1949, the National Museum of India is one of the country’s largest and most comprehensive cultural institutions. It holds a vast collection of nearly 200,000 artefacts, primarily of Indian origin, spanning over 5,000 years of history—from prehistoric times to modern art. The museum’s diverse galleries showcase everything from ancient manuscripts and traditional paintings to arms and armour, alongside dedicated exhibits focused on conservation and heritage preservation. International artefacts add further depth to its extensive displays.
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.
Established in 1973 by the Shrimati Bhagwanibai Gauridutt Sekhsarai Charitable Trust, the Dolls Museum houses an eclectic collection spread across five galleries, with exhibits from around 40 countries. The Indian section features dolls dressed in traditional attire—ranging from bridal wear and everyday clothing to classical dance costumes—offering a glimpse into the country’s diverse cultural tapestry. Among the international highlights are Japanese dolls such as Kokeshi, Namahage, Kamakura, Kanto Matsuri, and Tanabata dolls, many of which are carved from wood, with a few crafted from whale teeth. The museum also includes a selection of English puppets and intricately made 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.
