Chandigarh, also known as ‘The City Beautiful’, was planned by the famous architect, Le Corbusier. The city houses some of the most beautiful marvels of India, both natural and man-made. Tourists visit this city for Sukhna Lake, Rock Garden, and many other famous places. But did you know that the city also houses some of the top museums? Yes, you read it right. We have listed some of the best museums in Chandigarh that have diverse themes, from partition to modern art.
Top 13 Museums In Chandigarh
Apart from famous places to visit in Chandigarh, the place also possesses museums for history buffs. So, we have tried to list almost all the museums in Chandigarh. Take a note of them.
1. The Government Museum And Art Gallery
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Established in 1968, The Government Museum and Art Gallery is meant for all the history enthusiasts. It is one of the main buildings out of three located in the Museum Complex of the city. It showcases the collection of miniature painting by Rajhasthanis, stone sculptures, and other traditional artifacts. It was established after the Partition and most of the artifacts displayed here were earlier preserved in the Central Museum of Lahore. Recall the memories of partition and admire the preserved artifacts when visiting this museum in Chandigarh.
Location: #502 sector, 10C, Chandigarh, 160011
Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm (Closed on Monday)
Entry Fee: Rs.10 per person
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2. Chandigarh Architecture Museum
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To celebrate the 50th Independence Day of India, Chandigarh Architecture Museum was established in 1997. Also known as the City Museum, this complex depicts the architectural advancements and planning that led to the transformation of Chandigarh as we see it now. You will be able to see some of the original plans, photographs, and drawings from the early stages. The most intriguing part of this museum is the furniture section. Yes, there is a whole lot of another section of furniture which was specifically designed for the city.
Location: 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
3. National History Museum
This museum is also situated in the Museum Complex of Chandigarh in Sector 10. This museum is specially dedicated to flora and fauna that existed in early times and still exist. You can explore the dioramas of dinosaurs and early humans along with other geology specimens. A visit to this museum will enhance your knowledge about the natural history of paleontology, geology, climatology, and ecosystems.
Location: Sector 10C Madhya Marg, Matka Chowk, Chandigarh, 160011
Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm (Closed on Monday)
Entry Fee: Rs. 10 per person
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4. Museum Of Evolution Of Life
The Museum of Evolution of Life is one of the most popular museums in Chandigarh which denotes the evolution of a man from a single-cell organism. Here, you can learn about the diversity of humans, plants, and animals through the paintings on the wall. As the idea of the origin of life intrigues most of us, this museum satisfies all your curiosity. Besides this, there are different art galleries at the premises for botany, astronomy, history and what not. In August 1973, this museum was opened to the public.
Location: Sector 10, Chandigarh, 160011
Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm (Closed on Monday)
Entry Fee: Rs.10 per person
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5. Le Corbusier Centre
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Chandigarh was planned by the famous Swiss-French architect, Le Corbusier. The museum Le Corbusier Centre was built as a tribute to the architect who made this place come to life with his skills. It displays all his works and contributions not only of Chandigarh but also of other countries like Japan, America, and others. His office was transformed into the museum which got established on 26th October 2008 (Le Corbusier’s 121st birth anniversary).
Location: Sector 19B Old Architect Building, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh, 160019
Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Closed on Monday)
Entry Fee: Free
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6. National Gallery Of Portraits
National Gallery of Portraits is dedicated to the popular freedom fighters of India. The museum contains several photos and paintings which are proof of relentless struggles endured by the freedom fighters. The museum was built so that the coming generations do not forget about the wars, partition, and pain endured by people. There are recorded voices of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi which you can listen to which will definitely bring the patriotic feeling on the brim, even if for a brief time.
Location: Sector-17B, Chandigarh, India
Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Closed on Monday)
Entry Fee: Free
7. High Court Museum
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High Court Museum is a place for history buffs in Chandigarh. You can find some historical records here like the arrest of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Bhagat Singh’s trial in Lahore, and an original copy of the Constitution of India signed by the Constituent Committee.
Location: Capitol Complex, Sector 1, Chandigarh, 160001
Opening Hours: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm (Closed on Sunday)
Entry Fee: Free
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8. International Doll Museum
Well, everyone has heard about the International Doll Museum of Chandigarh. Haven’t you? Then, you should definitely explore this museum soon. It one of the best museums in the city and country. Constructed in 1985, this museum is said to display a whopping number of 250 dolls and puppets which are collected from diverse areas including Spain, Denmark, Korea, and Germany.
Location: Bal Bhawan, Udyog Path, Sector 23B, Chandigarh, 160023
Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm (Closed on Monday)
Entry Fee: Rs. 10 (for adults), Free for kids
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9. Rag Dolls Museum
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Tucked inside the popular Rock Garden in Chandigarh, Rags Doll Museum was built as a tribute to Sh. Nek Chand for his contribution to the society. In combination to the Garden, this museum was constructed as Phase-3. It was his dream to have a doll museum and his followers completed it. The museum houses around 200 rag dolls which also include the dolls created by Nek Chand himself. When you are exploring the Rock Garden, do forget to pay a visit to this amazing museum.
Location: Rock Garden of Chandigarh, Sector 1, Chandigarh, 160001
Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Entry Fee: Rs. 20 for Adults, Rs. 10 for Children
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10. Fine Arts Museum
Established in the Panjab University, the Museum of Fine Arts possesses some of the beautiful pieces of artwork of all the top artists of modern India. B.N. Goswamy created this collection of different artwork which is admired by both the youth and the elder generation. If you are an art lover, then you should not miss out this place in Chandigarh.
Location: Panjab University, Sector 14, Chandigarh, 160014
Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Closed on Saturday & Sunday)
Entry Fee: N/A
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11. Gandhi Museum
Also known as Gandhi Bhawan, this museum is one of the major landmarks of Chandigarh. This museum is dedicated to the works and books of Mohandas K. Gandhi, also known as Bapu. The museum was designed by the cousin of Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret. The museum is positioned in the middle of a pond.
Location: Sector 16 A, Sector 16, Chandigarh, 160015
Timings: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: Free
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12. Horticulture Museum
The Horticulture Museum documents the history of the art of plant rearing prevalent in India. Apart from this, it also lists the palaces and monuments that possessed royal gardens coupled with the process of keeping then neat and clean.
Location: Madhya Marg, 16B, Sector 16, Chandigarh, 160016
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: N/A
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13. Shaheed Dr. Diwan Singh Kalepani Museum
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Sprawled in the foothills of the Shivalik Hills in Siswan, Dr. Diwan Singh Kalepani Museum is a state-of-the-art museum. It depicts the history of the martyr of the Indian freedom movement, Dr. Diwan Singh Kalepani. The museum is built on a piece of the family’s land and also includes a statue of the doctor. The museum was officially inaugurated by the then chief minister, Parkash Singh Badal on 24th December, 2013.
Location: Near Siswan, Chandigarh Baddi Rd, Punjab 140110
Timings: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Closed on Monday)
Entry Fee: N/A
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So, now you know about all the museums in Chandigarh. Do not forget to include these museums in Chandigarh in your itinerary apart from popular tourist attractions. Get up, pack your bags, step out of your home, and head to Chandigarh this very hour. Do not forget to share your experience with us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Museums In Chandigarh
What is Chandigarh famous for?
Chandigarh is famous for being a well planned city and tourist attractions like Rock Garden, Rose garden, museums and more.
Is Chandigarh safe to visit?
Yes, Chandigarh is very safe to visit. The locals are very friendly, roads are safe and sound, and you can stroll at night too with family.
What is the famous dish of Chandigarh?
You can try paranthas, golgappas, chaat, chhole bhature in Chandigarh. These are some of the best dishes that Chandigarh boasts of.
Is Chandigarh safe for couples?
Yes, Chandigarh is a safe city for unmarried couples. There are many hotels that welcome unmarried couples and you can explore the city without any hassle.
Is Chandigarh a metro city?
Yes, Chandigarh is a metro city. It has been carefully planned and is known as one of the smart cities in India.
What is sector 17 in Chandigarh famous for?
Sector 17 in Chandigarh is the shopping hub of the city. You would find anything you want to buy in that area.
What is the best time to visit Chandigarh?
You can visit Chandigarh anytime of the year.
How can I reach Chandigarh?
You can reach Chandigarh by flight, train and by road. The nearest airport to the city is Chandigarh airport and the nearest railway station is Chandigarh station.
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Books, travel, art, music, and dance define Bhawna perfectly. You might find her sitting on a vacant metro platform, engrossed in a book, scribbling something, sipping on some lemon soda or planning an itinerary for her next trip.
