National Rail Museum, Delhi

For many people on the way from Shanti Path to Ring Road or Moti Bagh, they pass a flyover. Very few people bother to look down from the flyover, or some who do, they can just see some locomotives. On the other hand, there are a number of people who have bothered to go to see what is there; it is the National Rail Museum. Inaugurated on the 1st of Feb, 1977, this museum is now more than 30 years old, and is an ideal place to view the history of Rail in India, with the different kinds of engines and locomotives used over the years. You also get to see many of the historic trains of India.
The museum is located on an area of 10 acres, and has an indoor gallery containing models, records, coat of arms (from imperial times), photographs, documents, etc. The museum provides visitors with a journey into the Railway history and heritage and show the role of the Railways into the economic progress of the country.
Children can enjoy a ride on the miniature rail track in the Museum. The Museum has 26 vintage locomotives; 17 carriage and saloons including the four-wheeled saloon used by the Prince of Wales (Edward VII) in 1876; the Maharaja of Mysore’s saloon of teak, gold and ivory; the Viceregal Dining Car that was built in 1889; Maharaja of Baroda's Saloon built in 1886; the Fairy Queen built in 1855; the model of India's very first train, a steam engine that made its journey from Mumbai to Thane in 1853.

Location: Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
Timing: April-Sep. 9.30 am to 7.00 pm
Oct- Mar. 9:30 am to 5 pm.
Closed : Monday


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National Science Center Museum, Bhairon Road

Delhi does not have too many places where you can inculcate the scientific spirit among children. And if you tell children that you are taking them to a museum, a lot of children are not particularly enthusiastic about the prospect of going there. But take them to the National Science Center Museum on Bhairon Road, near the Gate # 1 of Pragati Maidan, and you might find them getting interested.
A map of the location (a satellite picture) can be seen at this URL.
The National Science Center Museum was setup in order to further the interest of students and children in the field of science, and it is very different from a Government run place; there are interesting exhibits, various theories and laws of science are displayed through the exhibits (and some of them are very visually attractive and appealing), and there are live demonstrations that make things easy to understand. Some of the more important exhibits are in the area of space, Human Biology, Dinosaur's Gallery, Indian contributions in the field of science and mathematics, and the planetarium.
Many times, you can see buses bringing school children in groups to the museum. The museum is open 10 AM - 9 PM on all days, except Mondays when it is closed.


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Delhi Culture: National Gallery of Modern Art

This is one of the most famous museums in Delhi. The National Gallery of Modern Art is located right in the heart of the city, very difficult to miss. Located just next to India Gate, it is actually located on the traffic hexagon that sorrounds the India Gate complex, and the actual physical location is called Jaipur House. It is open from 10.00 AM to 5 PM on all days, except Monday when it is closed.
The Gallery is run by the Government of India, and was setup in 1954, making it a long standing structure, and enough time to develop a good reputation. The agenda of the Gallery is to preserve and display Indian art from the 1850's.
In addition to works of art, it houses an art reference library which has a vast collection of books. For those looking to carry prints back home, a collection of best contemporary art reproductions are on sale at the counter. Company School paintings of the 19th and early 20th centuries and the works of Rabindranath Tagore, Jammi Roy and Amrita Sher Gil hold pride of place amidst exhibits, which give an overview of the evolution of modern Indian paintings and sculpture.
Contact Information: Tel. 011-23384640, 23382835
Website: http://www.ngmaindia.gov.in/

Location Map:



A map of some of the museums of Delhi (courtesy Maps of India): Click to see in more detail




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