National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy

national-handicrafts-&-handlooms-museum-delhi-1-attr-hero

national-handicrafts-&-handlooms-museum-delhi-2-attr-hero

January

3.6 - 25.2 °C

February

6.8 - 29.4 °C

March

10.5 - 36.2 °C

April

16.3 - 42.8 °C

May

19.7 - 45.9 °C

June

20.6 - 45.6 °C

July

22.8 - 41.5 °C

August

23.1 - 38.3 °C

September

21.5 - 37.2 °C

October

14.5 - 36.2 °C

November

9.8 - 32.2 °C

December

3.2 - 27.7 °C

Major Airports :

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi

Nearest Railway Station :

New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS)

A tapestry of India's artistry

Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of Indian artistry at the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, also known as the Crafts Museum! This expansive museum, nestled on a beautiful campus near Pragati Maidan, is one of the largest in India and is dedicated to showcasing the country's rich and diverse crafts.

Step into a visual treat designed by the renowned architect Charles Correa. The Crafts Museum houses around 30,000 unique and exquisite pieces, a testament to the enduring talent of Indian craftspeople across generations. This is not just a museum but a living history of Indian handicrafts and handlooms.

But the magic doesn't stop there! The museum lets you experience the entire craftsmanship journey under one roof. Explore heritage crafts and textile collections displayed around the open-air areas and galleries. Witness firsthand the intricacies of making these beautiful handicrafts and handloom artefacts. Feeling inspired? You can even take a piece of India home with you! The museum offers the opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs directly from the artisans and weavers themselves.

Get ready to embark on a captivating journey through the landscapes of Indian craftsmanship and creativity.

A journey through Indian creativity

The Crafts Museum is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Various galleries in the complex offer a unique window into the heart of Indian craftsmanship. Explore the Textile Gallery's dazzling hand-woven fabrics, or travel back in time at the Courtly Craft Gallery to see exquisite objects fit for royalty. Intricate sculptures carved from jackfruit wood used in ancestor worship are displayed in the Bhuta Gallery, while the Cultic Craft Gallery showcases religious artefacts. Finally, immerse yourself in the rich traditions of diverse communities through paintings, masks, puppets, and everyday objects in the Folk and Tribal Craft Gallery.

A village comes alive

The museum isn't just about what's inside – it's about stepping into a living, breathing Indian village! Forget towering buildings. Here, the museum sprawls in low-lying, single-story sections, creating a sense of discovery as you navigate courtyards. This open-air display is unlike any other. Imagine strolling through a tulsi chaura (sacred basil enclosure), marvelling at a wooden chariot, or spotting a charming birdhouse. Each section transports you to a different part of India, with elements like haveli facades (ornate mansion fronts), lattice jalis, and vibrant folk and tribal paintings adorning the walls.

Look closer, and you'll find an Aiyannar Shrine (dedicated to a South Indian deity) showcasing a beautiful blend of rustic and noble elements. Carved windows, jambs, and doors seamlessly integrate with the gallery entrances, creating a harmonious whole. Terracotta roof tiles and dense greenery, anchored by a majestic banyan tree, complete this dynamic open-air experience.

in.gov.incredibleindia.core.models.impl.ImageUtilModelImpl@766e0f04

Timings

Opening time - 10:00 AM

Closing time - 06:00 PM

Experience the rich fabric of culture and artistry

A visit to the museum is literally an immersion into the diverse and rich fabric of India’s culture. From discovering an exhaustive collection of textiles, from ancient weaves to contemporary designs, to learning about folk art treasures and experiencing the essence of rural India, the museum celebrates centuries of craftsmanship, resilience, and cultural heritage. Come curious!