National Museum

The National Museum in New Delhi is a major national cultural institution housing wide-ranging collections of Indian art, archaeology, and decorative arts. It presents material covering prehistoric times through the modern period and serves research, conservation and public education roles.

Exhibition areas include archaeological galleries, sections for medieval and modern Indian art, and spaces for rotating special exhibitions and educational programmes. The museum’s holdings represent material from across the subcontinent and include sculpture, inscriptions, textiles and paintings.

The museum was established in the mid-20th century as part of post-independence cultural institutions in the capital and has grown its collections through acquisitions, state transfers and archaeological finds. It functions as a key national repository and public exhibition space for India’s heritage.

Located in New Delhi within the administrative capital area, the museum sits near central government and cultural precincts and is accessible from central city transport links.

• Scope of collections: The museum holds a broad national collection spanning several millennia and is a primary public repository for India's archaeological and artistic heritage in the capital.

What to See #

• Archaeology galleries: Galleries covering prehistoric to medieval archaeology that display sculpture, inscriptions and material culture from across the subcontinent.
• Indian art collections: Galleries devoted to medieval and later Indian art including sculpture, paintings, textiles and decorative arts from different regions and periods.
• Temporary exhibitions and conservation: Special exhibitions area and conservation labs that support rotating displays and the care of the museum's collections.