Museum project design holds great value when it comes to learning about the past, civilizations, history, and culture of a place. They are treasures of varied communities that can provide knowledge and entertainment at the same time. Museum design can also interpret the context through the architectural language of the city.

There are more than 170 museum designs across India that we know little about. Here are 20 must-see museum designs in India that showcases a vast amount of culture, history, civilization, and much more:

The Museum of Art and Photography – Bangalore

The Bangalore-based private museum opened its door this year to visitors. As the name depicts, the five-story museum houses pre-modern, modern, and contemporary art along with photography. The building is designed by local architecture firm Mattew and Ghosh, featuring four art galleries, an auditorium, a conservation center, and a research library. 

Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum – Bhuj

Situated on the Bhujiyo hill in Bhuj, Gujarat, India, is the museum. The museum is a part of the larger Smritivan earthquake Memorial masterplan, which was made to commemorate the 2001 earthquake of which Bhuj was the epicenter. The journey of the museum is anchored by Bhuj and the distinctive heritage, culture, and crafts of the Kutch region, as well as by the region’s numerous villages and animal reserves.

Art House, NMACC – Mumbai

The recently opened Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Center is one of the most anticipated buildings including exhibition spaces, theatres, and display areas. Art House is a 16,000-square-foot exhibition space. The space also lends itself well to tech programs, workshops, and educational events. Keeping community building and collaboration at its core, the Art House encourages new talent and enables India to see the world through a wider cultural lens.

Indian Museum in Kolkata – West Bengal

Indian Museum in Kolkata is the largest and one of the oldest museums in the country. Founded in 1814 at the cradle of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, The Indian Museum is a multipurpose museum across Asian-Pacefic terrain as well. The Museum Directorate has three main cultural sections namely, Art, Archaeology, and Anthropology together with eight co-ordinating service units such as Preservation, Publication, Photography, Presentation, Modelling, Education, Library, and Security.

Siwalik Fossil Park Museum – Himachal Pradesh

Siwalik Fossil Park covers 1.5 sq. km. Of area in the Markandi Valley, Sirmur district of Himachal Pradesh. The park consists of valuable pieces dating 2.5 million years old vertebrate fossils from Siwaliks. The park is named after the village, Suketi, where the fossils were found. Scientists believe that the valley was formed twenty-five million years ago showing the evolution of mankind. 

Sulabh International Museum of Toilet – Delhi

One of the most interesting museums in India is the Sulabh Internation Museum of Toilets, showcasing Western commod evolution from 2500BC to date. The exhibits provide insights and developments relating to technology, social customs, toilet etiquette, and prevailing sanitary conditions of different times. 

National Rail Museum – Delhi

National Rail Museum is one of the most important spaces that retain India’s vast heritage. Spread across 11 acres of land, this museum design in Delhi showcases the history of 166 years of royal saloons, wagons, carriers, and engine developments. The museum displays original and life-size exhibits that are well-maintained. 

Archeological Museum in Lothal – Ahmedabad

Lothal, located in present-day Gujarat, India, is an ancient city that dates back to the Harappan civilization, one of the earliest known urban civilizations in the world. With its well-planned city layout, advanced drainage and water management systems, and evidence of maritime trade, Lothal is considered a remarkable archaeological site that sheds light on the social, economic, and technological advancements of the Indus Valley civilization.  

During the archeological expedition conducted on the site, nearly 5000 items were collected and displayed later at the museum. 

Kite Museum – Ahmedabad

The Kite flying festival is one of the biggest in India, especially in Gujarat, where the museum takes place. Bhanubhai Shah, who was a kite collector, donated his kites to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, hence the development of the Kite Museum. The museum houses an inspiring collection of kites and the materials to make the kite.  

Calico Museum – Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad is a perfect place to experience culture, history, and modern architecture all in the same place. Calico Museum design is one of the many museums in Ahmedabad, retaining the rich culture of the heritage city. Calico is a premiere museum with a variety of textiles and manufacturing processes. 

Auto World – Ahmedabad

 Auto World is the biggest museum of the automotive industry and comprises vintage cars such as; Rolls Royce and Lancias. Auto World Vintage Museum houses vintage motorbikes, cars, and carts manufactured by well-known automotive companies. Visitors can find a wonderful collection of vehicles including Bentley, Lagonda, Rolls Royce, Cadillac, Austin, Jaguar, Mercedes, and Auburns. 

Naval Aviation Museum – Goa

  Amongst various museums across India, Naval Aviation is a vital one. The museum comprises a prized collection of fourteen vintage aircraft along with their engines, armaments, and much more for aviation fanatics. One of the must-see displays is the “engine bay” area of the rarest aviation engines from the World War Era. 

National Museum – Delhi

  The National Museum Of Delhi has a deep history from its beginning. The Museum holds selected artifacts of Indian art and culture, showcased first in 1947-48. Since its success, the National Museum has come to light. The museum’s vision is to collect art and artifacts of cultural significance and display, protect, preserve, and interpret it. 

Black Magic and Witchcraft Museum – Assam

As crazy as it sounds, there resides a black magic museum in the Mayong village in Assam. Mayong is well-known as a spooky black magic land and the witchcraft capital of India. There have been many findings of magical remains, artifacts, and manuscripts that were best displayed as being in a museum. The government of Mayong opened the museum in 2002 to visitors. 

Nimhans Brain Museum – Bangalore

As the name suggests, the Nimhans Brain Museum houses a collection of human brains along with a few animal brains too. It is part of the National Mental Health Institution in Bangalore. The collection showcases brain health in various stages to generate awareness in public. The guided tours also let visitors touch the brain to make the experience more engaging and comprehensive. 

Salar Jung Museum – Hyderabad

Salar Jung Museum is located on the Sothern bank of the river Musi in Hyderabad. The museum is one of the biggest in India, housing 39 galleries along with a chemical conservation lab, education wing, display sections, and more. Salar Jung consists of vast collections of classical masterpieces from Europe, Asia, and far Eastern countries. 

The clock collection is the most visited section of the museum, featuring ancient sundials in form of obelisks, and a range of huge monumental clocks from France, England, Switzerland, Germany, Holland, etc. 

Music Experience Museum – Bangalore

 Music Experience Museum is India’s first interactive museum design, located in Bangalore. Being part of the advancing technological India, this museum is a big deal to showcase various exhibitions interactively. Besides exhibitions, the museum also focuses on conservation, education, audience development, and community outreach. For all music lovers, this place is a must-visit to add to your bucket list. 

Government Museum – Chennai

The Government Museum design is also one of the largest in India, comprising six buildings, spread across a huge land. The exhibits vary from anthropology, archeology, zoology, botany, geology, and much more. They also have a conservation lab, art galleries, and educational areas. 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Museum – Mumbai

 Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum was formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India. The Museum is a fine example of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, taking the attention of visitors at first glance. The museum has a gigantic collection of 70,000 historical works of various materials and techniques. Also, the exhibits reflect the history of the human race from the stone age to the current times. 

Dr. BHAU Daji lad Museum – Mumbai

Bhau Daji Lad Museum is the oldest and most historical museum in Mumbai. The museum is situated in a formerly known treasure house, established in 1855, in Byculla East. It is a must-visit place to not only explore this beautiful residence but also, to browse through intriguing art pieces and paintings. The most striking exhibits are the miniature models of people around the country in their cultural backgrounds. 

Shankar’s International Doll’s Museum – Delhi

Kesava Shankar Pillai was a famous Indian cartoonist, known for his outstanding doodle and caricature works. Once, a Hungarian diplomate gave Shankar a doll as a gift, which later turned his curiosity. It has become one of the most renowned museum design showcasing dolls from all around the globe, preserving gifts from many world leaders. 

Which museum would you like to visit?