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A Day in Delhi’s Museums: From Ancient Artifacts to Modern Marvels


Delhi is one of the fewest places in the world that witness a coexistence of history and modernity. This coexistence is well-evident in the architectural marvels of the city. 
Among the many architectural attractions of Delhi, the museums stand unrivaled. They are symbolic traces of journeys made through time, creativity, and colonial heritage. In this article, we have compiled a list of the most significant museums in Delhi that one shouldn’t miss during a museum day out.


National Rail Museum
In the afternoon, one can head to the National Rail Museum situated in Chanakyapuri. It has an impressive collection of locomotives, carriages, and simulators. 
While these are indoor exhibits, the outdoor exhibit showcases the iconic engine as well as the carriages used by the Indian princes and the royalty. It is, indeed, an engaging visit for the visitors.
Children can take the miniature train ride which is a highlight of this museum. So, if you are a train enthusiast or simply inquisitive about trains, this place is bound to leave you impressed.

The National Museum
Located in the heart of Janpath, we recommend you start your day with this particular museum. Housing more than 5,000 artifacts dating from the Indus Valley civilization, this museum is a paradise for history buffs. As a visitor walks through the insightful galleries of the museum, one sees and reads about the seals, the pottery as well as the figurines dating back to the same period. Its collection of sculptures, textiles, and miniature paintings exhibit the diversity of Indian cultural values. It also features a Buddhist gallery, exhibiting the relics, stupas, and statues that were built ages ago.
With interactive exhibits and crystal-clear audio guides, the National Museum brings history to life for its visitors.

National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA)
Just a short auto-ride away from the National Museum is the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA). Situated near India Gate, its building is a reminder of the colonial era. NGMA exhibits the evolution of various arts in India from the mid-19th century up to contemporary times. 
The galleries, here, are adorned with the paintings of renowned Indian artists including Rabindranath Tagore, Amrita Sher-Gil, and Raja Ravi Varma. From the subtle countenance of the British-era portraits to the bold figures made by the modern masters, the NGMA is a tribute to the evolution of Indian art. In addition to this, one can spot some temporary installations too to enhance their immersive experience. 
The best part of this museum is that it comes with guided tours as well as a café wherein visitors can take a quick break and reflect on the enlightening exhibits they have just witnessed.

Crafts Museum
Next on the list is the Crafts Museum which is located in Pragati Maidan. It’s a detour into the handicrafts of India. The most interesting aspect of this museum is that it resembles a village – the open-air setting, the mud huts, and the folk art often transport the visitors into the heart of rural India.
Inside the museum, one can explore through the woodwork, the pottery, and the textile sections. In the textile section, one can glance at the array of weaving styles prevalent in India, varieties of sarees as well as embroidery patterns.
The icing on the cake is the live exhibit of artisans at work in one of the interactive spaces of the museum. Visitors can see live demonstrations of pottery making, block printing, souvenir making, and many more.

Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum
To shift your focus to something different, we suggest you visit the former residence turned memorial of the former Prime Minister of India – Mrs. Indira Gandhi. Situated on the Safdarjung Road, this museum offers an intimate glimpse into the former PM’s life. Parallelly, it throws light on the 
Adorned with newspaper clippings, photographs, and personal belongings, this museum traces her journey into the world of politics. Her tragic assassination on the pathway has also been made public here but within a glass enclosure. This museum is a must-visit for visitors who have a deep interest in the modern history of India.

Shankar’s International Dolls Museum
Located near ITO, this was founded by the famous cartoonist K. Shankar Pillai. It has an impressive collection of 6,500 dolls with their origins tracing back to 85 countries.
In the Indian section, one can find dolls dressed in the traditional Indian attire from different states. On the other hand, the international section reflects the traditional outfit of the source country.
The highlight of this museum is its playful ambiance that can impress anybody young at heart.

Sulabh International Museum of Toilets
With a thought-provoking stop like this, we suggest you wrap your day. This unusual museum is dedicated to the evolution of sanitation and that too across an array of cultures. Situated in Palam, this place blends serious social commentary and humor in highlighting the role of toilets in our lives.
From the archaic chamber pots to the British commodes, this museum offers insights into hygiene and culture. Although unusual, it does emerge successful in highlighting the importance of sanitation. This makes one’s museum visit both entertaining and educational.

The Bottom Line
From the archaic pottery of the National Museum to the train locomotives of the National Railway Museum, a day spent exploring various prominent museums of Delhi renders one with a kaleidoscopic perspective. Each of these museums narrates a unique tale.
Whether you are a curious traveler or identify as a history lover, whether you are into art and culture or are a train enthusiast, the array of museums in Delhi has something or the other for anyone and everyone. These museums can be rightly called the windows of the nation’s past, present, and a promising future.
So, the next time you land in Delhi, don’t forget to reserve a separate day for your museum adventure. One will not only gain a deeper understanding of the city but will also make some unforgettable memories during the museum trail. Get set, learn, and have fun!
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