There’s so much that we already know about our beloved India. And yet, there is so much more that we still don’t. These unique museums in Delhi could help.
In a country as diverse as ours, it often gets a tad difficult to have every incredible experience it offers. Being the citizens of the world’s largest democracy, we must develop a better understanding of India and the things that make it. Museums are one of the best ways to enrich ourselves with new knowledge.
If you are someone who loves visiting museums, these lesser-explored museums in Delhi must be on your list. From India’s electoral system to its police force to its Supreme Court, these museums allow you to form a better understanding of the Indian democracy.
Check out these 6 underrated museums in Delhi to know India better
Parliament Museum
View this post on Instagram
Located in the library of the Parliament House, the Parliament Museum was inaugurated in 1989. On display here is an incredible collection of historical facts about the development of the Indian democracy and the institutions that contributed to it.
The museum uses hi-end technology to give visitors a one-of-its-kind experience through lights, sounds, audio-visuals, and animations. Visitors are left fascinated as they watch the story of landmark moments in India’s history being recreated through well-designed tableaus. The museum lies a little ahead of Central Secretariat.
Open from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Closed on Sundays and Mondays
Entry fee: INR 15 for adults, free for children
Photography: Strictly prohibited
Supreme Court Museum
The Supreme Court has been a great guardian to the Indian constitution. Divided into two galleries, the museum takes visitors through the fascinating history of India’s great judicial system. While the first gallery showcases the evolution of the judiciary in India, the second is dedicated to the exhibits from the Supreme Court and other high courts.
The museum is a treasure trove of archival materials having original records of landmark trials, judgments, and other important documents and exhibits relating to India’s judicial system. From silver maces to wigs worn by judges to photographs and manuscripts, the museum displays a wide array of exhibits. Of special note among all exhibits are Harappan seals, an Ashokan edict from Gujarat, and a 9th-century Copperplate from Nalanda.
Open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Closed on Monday and other SC holidays
Entry: Free
Photography: Strictly prohibited
National Philatelic Museum
View this post on Instagram
We have a lot to thank our Indian postal services for. The National Philatelic Museum, located in Dak Bhawan, is a paradise for stamp collectors. It showcases blow-ups of all the commemorative postage stamps that have been issued by the Department of Post since 1947. All the stamps are arranged thematically in chronological order. From science and technology to flora and fauna to art and culture, there are stamps for every theme with nice write-ups about them. There are impressive tableaus too, which narrate the tale of the evolution of the Indian Post.
The museum also has an audio-visual facility and an amphitheatre to make the experience more immersive for school children, who usually come here with their school staff for guided tours. Workshops are also held for school children and other groups of visitors. There’s a souvenir shop too, where you can buy philatelic ancillaries brought from all corners of India. You can even get your personalised stamp printed in just 15 minutes. It’s called My Stamp.
Open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Closed on Saturdays and Sundays and other postal and national holidays
Entry: Free
Where: Near Patel Nagar Metro
Election Museum
View this post on Instagram
This museum-cum-educational centre is an amazing way to learn about India’s electoral journey through photos, archives, old video footage, artefacts, and documents. Once a part of the St. Stephen’s college building, the museum came into being in 2016. From ballot boxes to EVMs and EVMs with VVPAT, the museum houses a large number of exhibits related to the grand process of elections in the world’s largest democracy.
There are special interactive booths too. One of them is the voter’s pledge corner, where you can pledge to vote and take a selfie to remember your visit. Election results from various decades and lists of candidates are also displayed in the museum. The section about Mahatma Gandhi’s idea of democracy is a prime highlight of the museum.
Open from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Closed on Saturdays and Sundays, and gazetted holidays
Entry: Free
National Police Museum
Whenever we find ourselves in an hour of need, danger, crisis, and difficulty, our Police is there for us within a matter of a few minutes. To pay a tribute to our courageous police force and their sacrifices, the government has set up the National Police Museum at the National Police Memorial in Chanakyapuri. Divided into 5 parts, the museum takes visitors through the history and evolution of policing in India.
On display here are weapons, medals, uniforms, emblems, insignias, and a wide range of exhibits. Photos and videos narrating the tale of martyrdom and courage will leave you both proud and emotional. Also showcased are installations featuring murals, graphics, illustrations and sculptures. A section of the museum also houses books written by police officers.
Open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
Entry: Free
APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial Museum
Only a few personalities in India have managed to make a place in every Indian’s heart. Former President Dr. Abdul Kalam is one of the most-respected personalities to have blessed India by being born on its land. The great scientist’s motivational life story continues to inspire millions of young minds across the country. A visit to the Kalam Memorial will take you through his incredible journey and important life lessons that he has left behind for generations to come.
Established by the Delhi Government in 2016, the museum houses Dr. Kalam’s personal belongings like his clothes, office items, books, etcetera. The walls of the museum are covered with paintings of Dr. Kalam, made by his young fans. The pièce de résistance here is Dr. Kalam’s veena that reminds visitors of his musical prowess. The stone statue of the former President with kids at the centre of the museum courtyard also deserves your special attention.
Open from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Closed on Mondays
Entry: Free
Where: Sri Aurobindo Marg
Main and Feature Image Credit: nationalpolicememorial.gov.in
Related: 8 Stunning War Memorials Of India That Celebrate The Country’s Unsung Heroes