8 Best Museums in Chandigarh to Visit

The City of Chandigarh is known as one of the cleanest and most beautiful cities in INDIA. And is a  famous tourist destination. But whenever any tourist or resident searches for places to visit in Chandigarh suggestions generally include Rock Garden, Rose Garden, Sukhna Lake, and   Sector 17 in Chandigarh. Further, recently, shopping multiplexes like Elante Mall, North Country Mall etc are also been added to the list. But people rarely suggest or know Museum in Chandigarh to visit.  I will be honest, I have been staying in the city for a while now. I was also not aware of the existence of some of these museums. Before visiting these museums personally and writing this blog. I myself had no idea that Chandigarh in fact has these many museums.

Maybe because the Museums in Chandigarh are not marketed or promoted to the young people properly. Consequently, museums are underrated and less talked about among people.

Listen to this blog

Museums in Chandigarh: let the adventure begin

Each museum has its own unique charm and has different things, and objects conserved and preserved. Each of them has new art and creativity to showcase, and a whole new story to tell to visitors. And certainly are unexplored by so many people. Furthermore, they are filled with creativity, art, adventure, story and whatnot and are ready to be explored. So, naturally, I pack my bag, plan the whole day out and leave my place to explore these wonderful yet secret places. So join me in this adventure to explore the unexplored. Let’s dive into the world of art, history, and culture. As I share my visit to the 8 best museums in Chandigarh. Let’s begin the adventure but before this, a fair warning: buckle up, because this is one wild ride!

Government Museum and Art Gallery in Chandigarh

Our first stop was the Government Museum and Art Gallery, a place that truly made my heart skip a beat. The museum houses a mesmerizing collection of art and historical artefacts, ranging from sculptures to ancient manuscripts. However, the highlight for me was the miniature paintings of various regions and schools like Pahari and Rajasthani paintings. Furthermore, the rock idols, metal idols and Gandhara school sculptures were also very sophisticated and attractive.

Address: Sector 10C, Chandigarh (U.T.)

Major attractions at government Museum and art gallery :

Gandhara school painting, Pahari and Rajasthani Miniature paintings, Ancient Rock Idols, Coins, Metal idols, Child Art Gallery, Souvenir Shop

Entry fee at government Museums and art gallery :

Person Above 18 years – Rs. 30,

Camera Ticket – Rs. 30, Children Below 18 years/School Groups – Free

Open AND Timing: Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Monday, timing 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM

The Natural History Museum in Chandigarh

We continued our adventure at the Natural History Museum as my second stop. Now, I have to admit, I’m a science student myself. This place takes me back to my school days, especially biology classes. Where we used to study the origin and evolution of life on Earth. Furthermore, the museum’s exhibits were a fascinating journey through the evolution of life on Earth. I marvelled at the fossils, gazed at the beautifully preserved insects, and even learned about the biodiversity of the region. Obviously, the major attraction of this museum for me was the dinosaurs gallery with real fossils and the Evolution of Life gallery. while I was exploring these galleries I felt that I was watching Jurassic Park movie live in front of me. And it felt like who knew that a museum about rocks and bones can be so captivating?

Address: Sector 10C, Chandigarh (U.T.)

Major Attraction at The natural History Museums in Chandigarh :

The museum is organized into 5 galleries, 2 Storeyed Cyclorama- Depicting the evolution of Life on Earth, a Dinosaur Gallery- Real fossils, the Evolution of Man from hominid cousins and Ancestors, a Collection of Astronomy and geology,

Entry Fee for the Natural history museums in Chandigarh

Person Above 18 years – Rs. 30
Camera Ticket – Rs. 30
Children Below 18 years/School Groups – Free

Open and timing:

Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Monday, timing: 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM

The Museum of Evolution of Life:

My final destination in the Sector 10 museum was the Museum of Evolution of Life. This museum talked about the history of humans in India from the Indus Valley civilization to modern humans. we took a walk through the pages of human history. In addition to this, the museum showcases the origin of life from single-cell organisms to complex multicell organisms. The life-sized replicas of early humans and their tools were a thrilling way to understand our ancestors’ journey. I was particularly intrigued by the Neanderthals and their daily life. It was like travelling back in time; for a moment. The other highlight for me, though, was the dinosaur section their type and theory about their extinction. I felt like a kid again, standing in awe of creatures that once roamed our planet.

Address: Sector 10C, Chandigarh (U.T.)

Major Attraction at Museum of Evolution for life in Chandigarh :

2 Storeyed Cyclorama- Depicting the evolution of Life on Earth, a Dinosaur Gallery- Real fossils, the Evolution of Man from hominid cousins and Ancestors,

Entry Fee at evolution for life museums in Chandigarh :

Open and timing: Tuesday to Sunday,

Person Above 18 years – Rs. 30
Camera Ticket – Rs. 30
Children Below 18 years/School Groups – Free

closed on Monday, timing: 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM

High Court Museum in Chandigarh

My first museum to visit in Sector 1 is the High Court Museum. This museum is located on the premises of Punjab and  Haryana High Capitol Complex Sector 1 Chandigarh. The creation that left a deep impression in my memories is the recreation of the old courtroom with all authentic equipment like a typewriter, pen stand etc. This recreation certainly helps visitors to envision and understand how courtrooms looked like or functioned back in the old days. Additionally, It also helps me in tracing the evolution of the courtroom in the country. And seeing how much technology and modernization have changed the present courtroom structure.

Address :

Capitol Complex Sector 1, Chandigarh, 160001

Major Attractions at High court Museums in Chandigarh :

Landmark judgements, Original copy of the constitution of India, Handcuffs of Nathuram Godse, Collection of stamps and seals used in High Court, Recreated Mini Courtroom, Display of court weapons.

Rag Doll Museum in Chandigarh

My next stop in Sector 1  of Chandigarh was a museum in Rag Doll Museum in Rock Garden Chandigarh. This museum is a tribute to legendary Indian artist Sh. Nek Chand. What left me surprised about this museum in Chandigarh was the clothes dolls. The clothes doll used in the museum depicts and showcases the rural and village life of India, like their customs, beliefs dressing sense, Chaupal, bull cart, mud house etc. I genuinely loved how the artists were able to capture minute details of rural life and convert them into this artistic masterpiece. That gives visitors a glimpse of rural India in one place.

Address Sector 1, Rock Garden Chandigarh, 160001

Entry Ticket for Rag doll museum in Chandigarh :

Person Above 18 years – Rs. 30

Children Below 18 years/School Groups – Free
Open and timing: Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Monday,

Timing: 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Camera Ticket – Rs. 30

The Le Corbusier Centre and Museum in Chandigarh

My next stop was the Le Corbusier Centre and Museum in Chandigarh, and let me tell you, it’s a treasure trove of architectural marvels. The place pays homage to the genius of Le Corbusier, the visionary architect behind the city’s unique urban design. As I walked through the centre, I was transported into a time when concrete, steel, and glass were more than just building materials. But they were also tools to shape the future. The miniature models of Chandigarh’s iconic structures left me in awe. And I couldn’t help but appreciate the man who dared to dream big.

Address: Sector 19B, Old Architect Building Madhya Marg, Chandigarh, 160019

Major attraction at The Le Corbusier Centre and Museum in Chandigarh :

Insight of Urban Planning, Photographs, models, sketches, Modern sculptures and installations, Furniture, Souvenir Shop.

Entry Fee the Le Corbusier Centre Museum in Chandigarh :

Person Above 18 years – Rs. 20
Camera Ticket – Rs. 50
Children Below 18 years/School Groups – Free

Open and timing: Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Monday,

Timing: 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM

International Dolls Museum in Chandigarh

If you’re looking to relive your childhood dreams, the International Dolls Museum is the place for you. As I entered, I was greeted by a mesmerizing collection of dolls from all over the world. Each doll told a unique story about its country, culture, and traditions. From the elegant Japanese Geisha dolls to the flamboyant Carnival dancers from Brazil. I felt like I had embarked on a global tour right in Chandigarh.

Address:

Udyog Marg Sector 23B, Chandigarh (U.T.)

Major Attraction at International doll museums in Chandigarh :

Tribal Dolls, Bridal Dolls- Showcasing wedding dresses of Indian states, International Dolls, Narrative scenes depicting stories from mythology, history, fairy tales etc, Toy Train Models, and Shadow puppets.

Entry Fee: Person Above 18 years – Rs. 20
Children Below 18 years/School Groups – Free

Open and timing: Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Monday, timing: 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Camera Ticket – Rs. 20

National Gallery of Portraits

Finally, I reached the last museum on my list and my very last stop for the day. This museum captures and celebrates the life of our freedom fighter. And their courage, determination and sacrifice during the freedom struggle of India against the British government. The museum has a collection of books, mural paintings, sculptures, portraits, and photographs. The specific three things in this museum that caught my attention. The first one is the portrayal of the Swadeshi moment where people are burning foreign clothes and other foreign goods and the second is Jhansi ki rani laximi bai portrait fighting. And the third one is the painting capturing the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.

Address: Sector 17, Chandigarh (U.T.)

Major attractions in National gallery of portraits

Ghadar Movement, Kamagatamaru Episodes, Prints of Newspaper and photographs of the victims, Portrait of Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi, Cloth painting of the Taj Mahal, Diorama depicting the burning of foreign cloth during the Swadeshi movement, Paintings of jallianwala Bagh.

Open and timing: Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Monday,

timing: 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Entry Ticket Fee: Not applicable

 Chandigarh Architecture Museum

Next on the agenda was a journey through Chandigarh’s architectural soul. The Architecture Museum was a sanctuary for design enthusiasts. Blueprints, models, and sketches unveiled the city’s evolution from a mere concept to a concrete reality. Le Corbusier’s vision echoed through the exhibits, each structure telling a story of innovation and purpose. The museum was a portal into the mind of the city’s creator.

Address:

Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10, Chandigarh, 160011

Opening Hours: 9:45 am – 4:30 pm (Closed on Monday)

Entry Fee: Rs. 10 per person

Major Attraction at Chandigarh museum of architecture

original plans, photographs, and drawings from the early stages of architectural development . The most intriguing part of this museum is the furniture section, especially designed furniture for the city .

Fine Arts Museum in Chandigarh

An outstanding and amazing place for art enthusiasts. This museum is home to the artistic work of almost all the artists of modern India. This museum originally started with the thought that it was going to house all the historical artefacts that had been discovered by the ancient Indian History Archaeology and Culture Department.

Address :

Fine Arts Museum Chandigarh, Panjab University, Sector 14, Chandigarh, 160014, India

Entry ticket: 10  rupees per person

Opening timing

Monday to Sunday 9:00 am to 5: 00 pm.

Gandhi Museum in Chandigarh:

As the name suggest , books related to Gandhi Ji life , his work are kept in this museums . The museum is positioned in the middle of a pond.

Address :

Sector 16 A, Sector 16, Chandigarh, 160015

Timings: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Entry Fee: Free

Conclusion

Finally, my whirlwind museum-hopping adventure in Chandigarh came to an end. I am grateful that at last, I got the opportunity to explore them all. And I know am a little late and behind on exploring museums in Chandigarh but hey it’s better late than never right? Definitely, this little wild adventure of mine left me with a deep appreciation for the city’s cultural richness. Not only this I will most definitely recommend my friends and family to visit the museum in Chandigarh on weekends. When they complain that they are getting bored and Chandigarh has no new places to visit. And lastly, who knows little marketing and suggestions like this can make museums in Chandigarh become another famous destination for folks to visit on weekends.

FAQ

Q1. How many museums are there in Chandigarh?

Ans. Basically, Chandigarh has a total of 13 museums in different sectors of the city. In fact, Sec 10 of the city is famous for most number of museums in one sector.

Q 2. What is the main purpose of a museum?

To collect, preserve, and exhibit to people so they know about important aspects of history, culture, art, and civilization.

Q 3. What is the name of the top museums in Chandigarh?

Ans. Government Museum and Art Gallery, Museum of natural history, Museum of the evolution of life, The Le Corbusier Centre and Museum, National Gallery of Portraits, and Rag Doll Museum in Chandigarh.

Q 4. Dinosaur museums in Chandigarh?

Ans. The Natural History Museum and the Museum of Evolution of Life in Sector 10 of Chandigarh are known for their dinosaur gallery and real fossils. In addition to this, Museums are also known as dinosaur museums in Chandigarh.

Q 5. What are the most popular museums to visit in Chandigarh?

Ans. The first museum is the Government Museum and Art Gallery, the second is the Museum of Natural History, The third is the Museum of the Evolution of Life, The fourth is The Le Corbusier Centre and Museum, the National Gallery of Portraits, and last one is the Rag Doll Museum in Chandigarh

Q 6. What is the Government Museum and Art Gallery in Chandigarh known for?

Ans. Govt. The museum and art gallery in Chandigarh is famous for Gandhara sculpture, and miniature paintings of Pahari and Rajasthani schools. Additionally, the museum in Chandigarh is also famous for metal idols, rock idols and coin idols.

 Q 7. Is there an entrance fee for these museums in Chandigarh?

Ans. Yes, certainly some museum in Chandigarh has very nominal fee. The general fee per person is 30 rupees,  there is no fee for children and people under 18 years. Additionally, there is a camera fee of 30  to 50 rupees for professional cameras for photography. However, there are some museums that are free also. Here is the name of the free museum in Chandigarh National Gallery of Portraits, And The High Court Museum in Chandigarh.

Q 8. What are the opening hours of these museums?

Ans. Generally, museums are open on all weekdays from Tuesday to Sunday except on Monday. In addition to this museums are closed on Gazetted from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Q 9. Museums in sector 10 C Chandigarh entry fees, and timings?

Ans: Here is the name of the all museums in Sector 10 Chandigarh. Chandigarh Government Museum and Art Gallery, Museum of Natural History, Museum of the Evolution of Life, and Chandigarh Architecture Museum.

Q 10. Other famous places to visit near museums in Chandigarh?

Ans: Sector 17 market, Shastri market sector 22 Chandigarh, Rock garden, Tank monument, Leisure valley, Chandigarh bird park, Open Hand monument.

Q 11. Museums in Chandigarh with unique souvenir shops?

Ans: Capitol Complex, Sector 1, Chandigarh, Le-Corbusier Centre souvenir shop, Sector 19, Chandigarh, Chandigarh Architecture Museum souvenir shop, Sector 10, Chandigarh, Rock Garden souvenir shop, Chandigarh, Sukhna Lake souvenir shop, Sector 1, Chandigarh.

Q 12. Free museums in Chandigarh?

Ans: National Gallery of Portraits, High court museum in Capitol Complex, Fine arts Museum in Chandigarh.

Q 13. Museums in Chandigarh for kids?

Ans: The Natural History Museum in Chandigarh, The Museum of Evolution of Life, International Dolls Museum in Chandigarh, Government Museum and Art Gallery in Chandigarh, National Gallery of Portraits, High Court Museum in Chandigarh, Chandigarh Architecture Museum.

Q 14. Museums in Chandigarh entry ticket fee?

Ans: Generally for children Below 18 years/School Groups there is no ticket fee, but for other people, there is a nominal fee of 20 to 30 rupees. Additionally, there is a camera fee.