Himachal State Museum Shimla

Himachal State Museum Shimla – Location, history, timings, entry fee, image

Indulge in Shimla’s rich history at the Himachal State Museum. The famous tourist attraction is not just a repository of artifacts; it’s a place to unveil the rich cultural heritage of the northern state. Art lovers will be left captivated by the diverse collections, while history lovers can immerse into specific eras. Located atop a hill, the museum offers serenity alongside its treasures. Take a moment to wander through the lush gardens or capture photos of beautiful objects. Do not miss the museum’s renowned collection of Indian miniatures, a true highlight for many travellers.
In this article, let’s reveal the history of Himachal State Museum in Shimla, along with the other basic information.

Entry Fees

  1. Indians: ₹20
  2. Foreigners: ₹100
  3. Camera Fee: ₹50 (Indians), ₹100 (Foreigners)
  4. Videography: ₹1500 (with special permission)

Location – Near Doordarshan Kendra, Chaura Maidan, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171004, India
Entry Timing – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Monday)

architecture of kali bari temple

History of Himachal State Museum, Shimla –

With the glorious past of colonial times, the Himachal State Museum was earlier the residence of Lord William Beresford, who was the Military Secretary of Lord William Bentick. After he left the country, the complex was occupied by Sir Edwin Colon and then was inherited by the finance member of the council, Sir Edward Law. After many years of independence, the mansion became the residence of several Indian government officials. On 1974, January 26th, the house was converted into a museum with the sole aim of preserving the historical and archaeological artifacts. The museum collects a wide range of heritage paintings, coins, photographs, and sculptures.

Architecture of Himachal State Museum, Shimla –

Dated back in unique Victorian-era style with sprawling lawns all around the area, the Himalayan State Museum has 5 main galleries. These are categorized as Pre-Historic Gallery, Wood-Carving Gallery, Wall Painting Gallery, Archaeology Gallery, and Numismatic Gallery. Other forms of galleries include Himachal Archaeological Gallery, Photographs, Bronze, and more.

The most attractive part of this museum is the rich collection of archeological antiquities that includes stone images from the 8th century. Its painting section will get to see the lifestyle and culture of the locals. Besides, there are Rajasthani paintings, Mughal paintings, Contemporary paintings, and religious paintings. It has an individual room for Mahatma Gandhi and also encloses a library that houses more than 9000 books, journals, and magazines on history and archaeology.

Places to visit near Himachal State Museum, Shimla –

Be it for a short or a long break, Shimla offers a unique experience every time you visit there. With so many tourist attractions, there are some most beautiful ones around the Himachal State Museum. It may get difficult for you what to choose and what not. So, here are some of the best ones to visit –

  1. The Ridge – An ideal base to plan an escape with friends in the evening, the Ridge lets you relax and refresh your mind from day-to-day life. Immerse in the panoramic views of the mountains, breathe in the fresh air or explore its fine dining, the place has something for everyone.
  2. Scandal Point – The best place for couples to visit on a Shimla sightseeing tour, Scandal Point is surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan Mountain ranges and offers breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset. It is an ideal place to admire nature or click amazing photographs.
  3. Christ Church – Spend some time amid peace and spirituality at Christ Church. It is widely famous for boasting impressive architecture with significance to history, the church redefines beauty in its way.
  4. Lakkar Bazaar – A Shimla tour package won’t be completed without visiting the Lakkar Bazaar. It lies next to Mall Road, the market has many roadside stalls that specialize in selling handicraft items.
  5. Johnnie’s Waz Museum – Witness the real statues of renowned personalities at Johnnie’s Wax Museum. It is a great place to click pictures of sports persons.

Important Travellers tips for Himachal State Museum, Shimla –
· Take care of your belongings such as mobile phones, cameras, wallets, and other valuable stuff.
· Wear comfortable footwear as you will need to walk a lot to explore the surroundings of the entire museum.

Wrapping up –

Unveiling Shimla’s past is just a visit away! Journey through time at the Himachal State Museum, where fascinating artifacts whisper tales of the region’s cultural heritage. Art lovers and history buffs alike will be enthralled. Join us for an enriching experience at this top Shimla attraction – let’s explore the museum together!

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