Museums play a pivotal role in society, serving as repositories of knowledge, cultural artefacts, and historical treasures. By safeguarding cultural treasures, museums ensure that diverse cultures, traditions, and identities are not lost to time. Museums serve as vibrant community spaces, offering opportunities for social interaction, creativity, and empowerment.

India boasts a plethora of modern museums that cater to history, archaeology, art and science. Here is the list of modern museums in India to look out for in 2024. They feature contemporary design language, impeccable concepts and a wider perspective towards museum designs.

Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum, Bhuj by Vastushilpa Sangath 

Situated on the Bhujiyo hill in Bhuj, Gujarat, India, is the museum. The museum is a part of the larger Smritivan earthquake Memorial masterplan. It was made to commemorate the 2001 earthquake of which Bhuj was the epicentre. 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.

Museum of Socialism – Jayaprakash Narayan Interpretation Center, Lucknow by Archohm 

The JPN Museum is a gateway framing the centre placed as a wedged-shaped monument with a massive arch carved out of the mass. It’s nine-metre height and twenty-metre ambitious span are attempts to push the limits of structural design and construction. Its stepped roof terminates in a pavilion that gifts a panoramic view of the R.M. Lohia Park and the Convention Centre. 

Virasat-e-Khalsa Museum, Punjab by Moshe Safdie Architects

A remarkable testament to the vibrant Sikh heritage and spiritual legacy, the Virasat-e-Khalsa stands proudly in the sacred town of Anandpur Sahib. Designed to preserve the profound legacy of the Khalsa, this museum celebrates Punjab’s history and culture. Its architecture and exhibits reflect the timeless teachings of the 10 Sikh Gurus. 

Museum of Meenakari Heritage, Jaipur by Studio Lotus

Studio Lotus’ design for the brand’s flagship store and Museum of Meenakari in Jaipur is a nod to the region’s vibrant cultural heritage. The identity of the building is shaped by multiple historical influences of the region—Rajputana, Mughal, and Art Deco. It is to create a unique composite distinct from any particular style. This new vocabulary mirrors Sunita Shekhawat’s own design approach to her jewellery. It is rooted in tradition, crosses over seamlessly into European and other contemporary iterations.

The Bihar Museum by Maki and Associates + Opolis Architects

The museum boasts a diverse array of regional treasures and features spaces for events and education. Thereby fostering a renewed sense of pride and connection to Bihar’s illustrious history. Its exterior is distinguished by the extensive use of weathering steel, a robust material that harmonizes with its surroundings. It provides a dignified contrast to the lush greenery. This choice of material not only pays homage to India’s historic advancements in metallurgy but also acknowledges Bihar’s significant role in the nation’s steel industry, thanks to its abundant natural resources. 

Museum Of Art & Photography (MAP), Bangalore by Mathew and Ghosh

The Bangalore-based private museum opened its doors 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 centre, and a research library. 

Art House NMACC, Mumbai by Richard Gluckman

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. However, 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.

Kolkata Museum of Modern Art, Kolkata by Herzog & De Meuron

The recently established museum endeavours to embrace the city’s esteemed cultural heritage with the ambition of evolving it into India’s “Art City.” Through a variety of initiatives including upscale galleries, art restoration centres, artist studios, and an open-air performance venue, the museum aims to empower local artists, enabling them to actively contribute to the development of their community.

Kiran Nadar Museum of Arts, Delhi by Sir David Adjaye + S. Ghosh & Associates

Established at the initiative of the avid art collector Kiran Nadar, the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) opened its doors to the public in January 2010, as the first private museum of art exhibiting Modern and contemporary works from India and the sub-continent. Located in the heart of New Delhi, India’s capital city, KNMA as a non-commercial, not-for-profit organization intends to exemplify the dynamic relationship between art and culture through its exhibitions, publications, educational, and public programs.

Hampi Art Labs, Karnataka by Sameep Padora 

The establishment of the art centre designed by Sameep Padora associates (sP+A) is inspired by the historical importance of Vijayanagar, the former capital of the Vijayanagar Kingdom. It reflects an era when art, architecture, and literature thrived during the 14th to the 16th centuries.

Pradhanmantri Sangrahalay, Delhi – Sikka Associates Architects

The Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya is a tribute to every Prime Minister of India since Independence and a narrative record of how each one has contributed to the development of our nation over the last 75 years. The Sangrahalaya is a seamless blend which begins at the renovated and refurbished Nehru Museum building, now completely updated and technologically advanced displays on the life and contribution of Shri Jawaharlal Nehru.

Manshakti Mindgym Museum, Lonavala by Design Workshop

Mindgym by Manshakti Ashram was designed and completed in 2019 by Pune-based Shabbir Unwala, founder of Design Workshop. This is a space that “enhances concentration, creativity and coordination (all matters of the mind) by prioritising movement and natural light”. Unwala says each of these requisites was realised seamlessly “by taking the Hindu symbol of spirituality- a form which made it possible to introduce a circular movement ”.

Payana Vintage Car Museum, Mysore 

The Payana Vintage Car Museum, on the outskirts of Mysuru, is an innovatively designed museum that showcases a collection of automobiles curated over the last five decades. The museum, situated on the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway, features a facade resembling the silhouette of a car tyre.

Indian Music Experience Museum, Bangalore by Architecture Paradigm

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. Thus, for all music lovers, this place is a must-visit to add to your bucket list. 

Museo Camera Centre for the Photographic Arts, Gurugram 

Museo Camera is India’s first Centre for the Photographic Arts. The permanent exhibition is derived from Aditya Arya’s collection. He is an eminent Indian Photographer and visual historian, as well as the Founding Director of the Museum. The museum houses over 3000 objects including rare cameras, equipment and photographic ephemera. These antique cameras have been collected from more than 100 countries.