9 Museums In Chandigarh You Must Visit

Chandigarh, the capital city of the northern Indian states of Punjab and Haryana, is not only renowned for its modern urban planning and architectural marvels but also boasts a rich cultural heritage. Nestled amidst its bustling streets are several museums that offer a captivating journey through time, unveiling the city's fascinating history, art, and diverse heritage. From showcasing ancient artifacts to contemporary art exhibits, these museums in Chandigarh provide a delightful blend of educational insights and aesthetic pleasure. If you're a history enthusiast, an art connoisseur, or simply looking to delve deeper into the cultural tapestry of this vibrant city, we have curated a list of seven must-visit museums in Chandigarh. Embark on a mesmerizing exploration as we unveil the treasures that await within these cultural havens. Let's dive into the captivating world of Chandigarh's museums, where history, art, and heritage come alive!

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The Government Museum and Art Gallery

Government Museum and Art Gallery, Chandigarh, is a premier museum of North India having collections of Gandharan sculptures all received from the Lahore museum at the time of partition, sculptures and terracotta heads from ancient and medieval India, early and late medieval metal sculptures, Pahari, Rajasthani and Mughal miniature paintings, 18th and 19th-century manuscripts, ancient rock idols, metal idols and coins from various eras of Indian history. The museum also has a textiles section displaying textiles from all over the Indian subcontinent, a collection of artwork by prominent artists, and other artifacts.

|Timings: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Mondays - Closed) | Entry Fee: Rs. 30 |

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Le Corbusier Centre

Once the workplace of the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, this historic building traces the city's heritage. This centre exhibits his life, his work, and all his contributions so that tourists and future generations can acquaint themselves with the rich cultural heritage of the city. Since Le Corbusier worked from this office while conceptualizing the city, the main aim of this centre is the preservation, interpretation, research, and display of his works and his legacy. The center displays his literary and artwork and is a dedication to the contributions done by Le Corbusier to make Chandigarh - the city beautiful. The museum is a sign of the harmonic union of Le Corbusier's architecture, paintings, sculptures, furniture propose,s and writings which are exclusive and probably the only accessible structure in humanity.

| Timings: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Mondays - Closed) | Entry Fee: Free |

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International Dolls Museum

Built-in 1985, The International Dolls Museum in Chandigarh was initially set up as an entertainment hub for kids. But due to an amazing variety display of dolls from around the world, the Museum gained an international audience. This appeal to the international audience turned the Doll Museum into a major tourist attraction of the city and made it a one of its kind museum in Chandigarh. The museum showcases a collection of 250 different kinds of dolls and puppets from 25 different countries. The wide range of dolls on display at the museum are from around the world including, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Korea, Spain, and Russia. Apart from all the tribal dolls depicting the culture of various tribes of India, bridal dolls showcasing wedding dresses of Indian states, and International dolls from all over the world the museum also displays Indian cultural models from different cities. It also displays narrative scenes depicting stories from mythology, history, and fairy tales like Ramayana, Mahabharata, Snow White, and Aladdin, making it one of the best doll museums in India.

| Timings: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Mondays - Closed) | Entry Fee: Rs. 20 |

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Rag Doll Museum, Rock Garden

The Rag Dolls Museum was opened in memory of the legendary creator Sh. Nek Chand on his second death anniversary. Sh. Nek Chand was an Indian artist who built the Rock Garden of Chandigarh and this museum is an integral part of the same. The museum comprises 200 rag dolls made from the cloth scraps collected by the late Sh. Nek Chand from tailors' shops from across the city during the 1970s. To provide the backdrop to these dolls, village scenes from Rural India like chaupal, huts, trees, swings, bullock carts, well, handpumps, etc., were created. The installation of unique mud huts with ornamental decorations, and artificial trees with spreading branches provide the necessary ethnic context for the dolls. Day-to-day activities of the villagers like women spinning the charkha, cooking, enjoying conversations with each other, and celebrating festivals and weddings, dressed in colorful clothes and their day-to-day jewelry are showcased through these dolls in this museum. Similarly, men are clad in dhoti, kurtas, and pagris, and are shown smoking hukkas, discussing village affairs in the chaupal, meditating under the trees, and dancing in wedding processions. It is said that these scenes were created to sensitize the new urban generation about the villages and the lifestyles and other concerns of the rural people so that they can learn to appreciate their legacy.

| Timings: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM | Entry Fee: Rs. 30 |

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Chandigarh Architecture Museum

Located in the Museum Complex, The Chandigarh Architecture Museum was established in 1997 to commemorate the historic occasion of the 50th anniversary of independent India. The objectives of the museum are to document and display the sequential planning and architectural development of the city from its inception to the present. The museum showcases a number of drawings, models, furniture, and documents from the original collection of the Architecture Department of Chandigarh Administration, and archives of the Government Museum and Art Gallery. The museum's significant, innovative features include interesting display systems such as translates, models, drawings, documents, or their reproductions on acrylic panels. Rare correspondence and other original documents and drawings are also available for public viewing. The Chandigarh Architecture Museum is now permanently and befittingly housed in a Le Corbusier-designed building which was formerly known as 'Pavilion of Temporary Exhibitions'. The design of this building is adapted from Le Corbusier's earlier design of the Exhibition Pavilion in Zurich in 1965. The building is distinctly sculptural and true Corbusian in its outlook.

| Timings: 9:45 AM - 4:30 PM (Mondays - Closed) | Entry Fee: Rs. 10 |

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Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum in Chandigarh was inaugurated in the year 1973 under the name "Museum of Evolution of Life." Originally established to showcase the remarkable journey of life's development, the museum quickly gained recognition and popularity. As a testament to its growing significance, the museum underwent rapid expansions, leading to its renaming as the Natural History Museum in 2001. This captivating museum houses a vast collection of historical artifacts, with a particular emphasis on Indian history spanning back 5000 years. From ancient artifacts to lifelike reconstructions, the exhibits offer a glimpse into the lives and cultures of our ancestors, painting a vivid picture of the diverse civilizations that have shaped our world. In addition to its focus on Indian evolution, this Museum in Chandigarh showcases the enthralling history of humankind and other life forms through a captivating display of actual fossils, remains, and paintings. The museum takes visitors on an immersive journey that spans the realms of natural history, including the evolution of plants, animals, ecosystems, meteorology, and more.

| Timings: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Mondays - Closed) | Entry Fee: Rs. 30 |

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High Court Museum

Located within the premises of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the High Court Museum in Chandigarh is a unique institution that offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the judicial history of the city. Within the museum, visitors can explore a wide range of exhibits that recount and recapitulate the historical background of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana. These exhibits offer a glimpse into landmark judgments and court records of immense importance, such as the trial of Bhagat Singh in Lahore, the arrest of Dr. Kitchlew, the creation of the post of Chief Justice, and the arrest of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. The museum also houses a collection of remarkable artifacts, including Nathu Ram Godse's handcuffs and a copy of the original Constitution of India, signed by the Constituent Committee. Furthermore, the museum recreates an old courtroom within its premises, complete with authentic equipment such as stamps, heaters, sofas, pen stands, typewriters, and calendars. This recreation provides visitors with a visual representation of how courtrooms appeared during that era, allowing them to envision the atmosphere and ambiance of legal proceedings from the past.

| Timings: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Sundays - Closed) | Entry Fee: Free |

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National Gallery of Portraits

The National Gallery of Portraits in Chandigarh stands as a prominent and beloved art museum in the city. Established in 1977 and situated in the heart of Chandigarh, this museum has garnered popularity for its remarkable collection of artwork and historical artifacts. The museum's primary focus is on portraying the portraits of Indian freedom fighters, capturing their courage, determination, and contributions to the struggle for independence. The collection encompasses a wide range of artistic mediums, including rare documents, portraits, sculptures, ceramic murals, books, photographs, and paintings. These artworks offer glimpses into the lives and sacrifices of those who fought tirelessly to free their nation from British rule. Each piece tells a compelling story, illustrating key players and significant events that shaped India's journey toward freedom. The gallery also features a portrait of the iconic Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi, a cloth painting depicting the magnificent Taj Mahal, a diorama portraying the burning of foreign cloth during the Swadeshi movement, and paintings capturing the tragic events of Jallianwala Bagh.

| Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Mondays - Closed) | Entry Fee: Free |

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Indian Air Force Heritage Museum

Indian Air Force Heritage Museum stands as a remarkable embodiment of the rich history and enduring legacy of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Within its walls, a captivating collection of artifacts, murals, and 3D dioramas showcases the evolution of the force since its inception, paying tribute to the heroic deeds of the IAF and the country's technological progress in aircraft and equipment. The heritage centre offers a total of eight attractions, including impressive aircraft models and weapon displays. Among these attractions, the most notable is the flight simulator, providing visitors with an immersive experience of IAF operations. Informative exhibits, featuring aero engines, aircraft, kiosks, and other air force artifacts, as well as machines and fixtures, are also on display. Films highlighting the achievements and personalities of the IAF complement the exhibits, while knowledgeable guides are available to assist visitors. Additionally, a souvenir shop allows visitors to take home a piece of the IAF's legacy.

| Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Mondays - Closed) | Entry Fee: Rs. 50 |

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