Museums in Karnataka

The museums of Karnataka are repositories of the state's glorious history. Remnants of the bygone eras have been carefully preserved in the Karnataka museums. Besides sculpture and artifacts belonging to the ancient ages, the museums in Karnataka exhibit traditional paintings.

Folklore Museum, Mysore
Gandhi Bhavan, Bangalore
Government Museum, Banglore
Government Museum, Basavakalyana, Bidar District
Srimanthi Bai Memorial Government Museum, Bijai
Government Museum, Rangaiahna Bagilu, Chitradurga
Government Museum, Hassan
Government Museum, Hoovina Hadagali, Bellary
Government Museum, Gadag
Government Museum, Gulbarga
Government Museum, Madikeri
Government Museum, Raichur
Government Museum, Shivappanayaka Palace, Shimoga
HAL heritage and Aerospace Museum, Bangalore
Hampi Archaeological Museum
Hastha Shilpa Heritage Village
Legends Motorcycle Museum, Bangalore
Janapada Loka, Mysore
Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, Mysore
Karnataka Folk Museum, Bangalore
Kavishila Museum, Teerthahalli
Keladi Museum, Shimoga
Kempegowda Museum, Banglore
K.R.C.M. Government Museum, Kittur
Law Museum, Bangalore
Madras Sappers Museum & Archives, Bangalore
Manjusha Museum, Dharmastala
Museum of Anatomy and Pathology, Manipal
Mysore Rail Museum, Mysore
NIMHANS Brain Museum, Bangalore
Philatelic Museum, Bangalore
Regional Museum of Natural History, Mysore
Sculpture Gallery, Badami
Shashwati Meseum, Bangalore
Tipu Sultan Museum, Srirangapatna
Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, Bangalore

Archaeological Survey of India

The Archaeological Survey of India is an Indian government agency attached to the Ministry of Culture that is responsible for archaeological research and the conservation and preservation of cultural monuments in the country. It was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham who also became its first Director-General. The Archaeological Survey of India is an attached office of the Ministry of Culture. Under the provisions of the AMASR Act of 1958, the ASI administers more than 3650 ancient monuments, archaeological sites and remains of national importance. These can include everything from temples, mosques, churches, tombs, and cemeteries to palaces, forts, step-wells, and rock-cut caves. The Survey also maintains ancient mounds and other similar sites which represent the remains of ancient habitation.

The ASI is headed by a Director General who is assisted by an Additional Director General, two Joint Directors General, and 17 Directors.

Archaeological Sites in Karnataka
Directorate of Archaeology and Museums

25 Museums in Bangalore

1. Government Museum
The Government Museum is one of the oldest museums in the country which was established in 1865. Spread over two floors, it is split up into 18 galleries dedicated to archaeological and geological artifacts and several other artifacts that date back 5000 years. Archaeological museum has a rare collection of archaeological and geological artifacts such as ancient jewelry, sculpture and coins. Government Museum Bangalore has 70 paintings, 84 sculptures including sculptures from Hoysala, Gandharva, and Nolamba and numerous other unique artifacts. The museum is also home to the Halmidi inscription, the earliest Kannada inscription ever found which dates back to 450 AD.

Government Museum
Kasturba Rd, Ambedkar Veedhi, Sampangi Rama Nagar,
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001



2. Law Museum, Bangalore
Law Museum in Bangalore is dedicated to the legal profession. It was the brainchild of Karnataka High Court Chief justice Cyriac Joseph. The museum houses an original print of the Constitution of India, articles and documents related to the legal profession, seals, insignia and books. It also showcases the history of the High Court and the development of courts over the ages.

3. Venkatappa Art Gallery
Venkatappa Art Gallery is located just next to the Government Museum and attracts artists and art admirers from across the country. It houses the collections of Karnataka’s most famous artist, K. Venkatappa. The gallery was established in 1967 by then Chief Minister of Karnataka, S. Nijalingappa. Venkatappa Art Gallery is believed to be one of the best art museums in Bangalore that displays art pieces of other acclaimed artists also, including KK Hebbar (known for themed artwork). The gallery remains closed on Monday and Saturday.

4. Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum
Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum (VITM) was established by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India; in the memory of Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya. The museum was inaugurated in the year 1962 by the first Prime Minister of India, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. It houses various industrial products and engines. Situated in proximity to the Government Museum and Venkatappa Art Gallery, VITM exhibits 7 permanent galleries entitled Engine Hall, Fun Science, Electrotechnic, Space Emerging Technology in the Service of mankind, Biotechnological Revolution, BEL Hall of Electronics and Children Science. The museum organizes various activities such as sky observation program, Taramandal show, science lectures and demonstrations throughout the year.

Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum
Near Chinna Swamy Stadium, Kasturba Road,
Ambedkar Veedhi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
Phone Number: 080 2286 6200



5. Gandhi Museum
Gandhi Museum Bangalore, also known as Gandhi Bhawan, was established in the memory of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Inaugurated in the year 1965 by then President, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, this museum houses the rare photographs and letters of Mahatma Gandhi. The place also organizes meetings on Gandhian values in Bangalore. Located in the place where Mahatma Gandhi used to take strolls, the museum focuses on propagating Gandhian philosophies.

Gandhi Bhavan
Kumara Park East, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
Phone Number: 080 2226 1967



6. HAL Heritage Centre & Aerospace Museum
HAL Aerospace Museum was established in 2001 at the intersection of HAL Old Airport Road and Basavanagar Road. Spread over 4 acres of verdant land, HAL Heritage Centre and Aerospace Museum is a virtual wonderland for aviation enthusiasts and history lovers. It offers an indelible experience that’s entertaining as well as illuminating. HAL Museum houses two major halls, one showing growth of Aviation in India from 1940 till date. The second hall is the ‘Hall of fame’ which takes the visitors on an exciting journey. The museum is open throughout the year from 9 am to 4:30 pm, except on National Holidays.

HAL Heritage Centre and Aerospace Museum
Near HAL Police Station, HAL Old Airport Road,
Marathahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560037
Phone Number: 080 2231 8341



7. NIMHANS Brain Museum
Located in the National Institute of Health and Neurosciences, NIMHANS Brain Museum is involved in promoting neuroscience and public awareness programmes about brain donation. This museum houses over 600 brain specimens ranging from animal to human brains. Visitors gather information on the working of the brain and its internal structure at this place. The museum remains closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

NIMHANS Brain Museum
Hosur Main Road, Sattar Layout,
Lakkasandra, Laljinagar, Wilson Garden,
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560029
Phone Number: 080 2656 3357

NIMHANS Heritage Museum
Hosur Road, inside Nimhans Hospital,
Hombegowda Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560029
Phone Number: 080 2699 5674





8. Philatelic Museum
Located on the first floor of the General Post Office of Bangalore, the Philatelic Museum showcases hundreds of stamps from various time periods. The museum is quite well maintained and comprises stamps of different countries and denominations. The place also features a round study stable, surrounded by almirahs carrying 600 books and magazines devoted to philately. There is no entry fee to visit this place and remains closed on Sundays.

Philatelic Museum
Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar,
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001



9. National Gallery of Modern Art
The National Gallery of Modern Art is located in the premises of Manikyavelu Mansion. NGMA is spread over an area of 3.5 acres and administered by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. It is one of the three National Galleries of Modern Art in India, the remaining two located in New Delhi and Mumbai. It showcases the masterpieces of Indian art starting from the 18th century till the present times. It comprises of paintings, sculptures, graphic prints and examples of early photography in India. The museum remains closed on Mondays and holidays.

National Gallery of Modern Art, Bangalore
49, GF, Manikyavelu Mansion, Palace Road,
Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560052
Phone Number: 080 2234 2338

10. Indian Military Museum
Indian Military Museum, also known as the National Military Memorial Park was established to honor the men and families of martyrs of the Armed forces who died post-independence. The museum was inaugurated in 2013 and showcases military and defense systems & equipment.



11. Kempegowda Museum
Kempegowda Museum was established in the year 2011, in the memory of the founder of Bengaluru, Yelahanka chieftain Kempegowda. Located on the first floor of Mayo Hall, the museum has statues, posters, pictures of temples and forts from his era.

Kempegowda Museum
Field Marshal Cariappa Road, Shanthala Nagar,
Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001

12. Janapada Loka Museum (Folk Art Museum)
Janapada Loka translates to 'Folk World', and as the name suggests, is dedicated to promoting, preserving and propagating the very vibrant folk art and culture. It is located in the Ramanagara District, just off 53 km from the Bengaluru - Mysore Highway. The Karnataka Janapada Parishath took up the initiative of establishing Janapada Loka, not only to conserve the slowly diminishing ar but to educate and inspire the generations with its poise, power and sheer beauty.



Janapada Loka
Bangalore - Mysore Highway, State Highway 17,
Ramanagar District, Doddamannugudde Forest,
Karnataka 562159
Phone Number: 080 2360 5033

13. Legends Motorcycling Cafe and Museum
A paradise for motorcycle aficionados, this innovative cafe displays 20 plus vintage motorcycles from around the world.



Legends Motorcycling Cafe and Museum
Pulkeshi Nagar, Pulikeshi Nagar,
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560005

14. Shaswati Women's Museum
Shashwati Women's Museum, located within N.M.K.R.V. College showcases arts and artifacts depicting the life of women in India through the ages. Displays include tools used by women for household chores, examples of women’s art, handicrafts, ornaments, and means of infant care.



Shaswathi Womens Heritage Museum
3rd Block, Jaya Nagar East, Banashankari,
Near Uphara Darshini,
Bengaluru, Jayanagar, Bangalore - 560041
Phone Number: 080 - 22453665, 080 2663 7042

15. Amma Saraswati Loka – P.D. Ravindra’s Museum
Amma Saraswati Loka is a quaint self-made museum located in Banashankari 2nd stage. This museum features nearly 50 exhibits in a hall about 1,600 sq. ft. in size. This is a unique museum that is open to all, free of charge and is especially popular with schoolchildren and teachers looking at explaining science beyond the books. If you wish to visit PD Ravindra’s museum, call him on 9482514883 and book an appointment between 12:00 to 05:30 PM on Sundays. Entry is free but you need to make a prior appointment.

Apart from the museum, Ravindra has also set up a unique roof garden in the same building which he has named Amma Saraswati Loka which mixes science, spirituality, arts and nature in an attractive way to appeal to children. Besides housing more than 100 plants, the roof garden is also home to more than 80 exhibits such as Movable Nest, Solar System, Magic Mirror, Magnetic Repulsion and more.

#19, 8th Main, 27th Cross Road,
Near Krishna Grand Hotel, Monotype Industrial Layout,
Banashankhari Stage II, Bangalore
Phone Number: 9482514883
Visiting Hours: 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM

16. Wood Museum and Interpretation Centre
Wood Museum and Interpretation Centre at Malleshwaram showcases wood and traces the centrality of wood to civilizations. Displays include a 780-year-old giant tree trunk and wooden tools. You can also learn and understand how wood from different trees are different in weight and learn about seeds. Detailed posters throughout the exhibit present trivia and facts about wood. Wood Museum is open from Monday to Friday, 09:00 AM - 05:30 PM.

Institute of Wood Science and Technology,
18th Cross, Malleshwaram, Bangalore - 560003
Phone Number: +91-80-22190101, 23340529

17. Heritage Packaging Museum
Manjushree Heritage Museum of Packaging and Design showcases the evolution of packaging in the 20th Century. You can find curious collectibles from yesteryears displayed in pristine condition like Gramophone records of Lata Mangeshkar packed in a two-color printed paperboard, a tin case of Cadbury Fry chocolate and many others.



Heritage Packaging Museum
Manjushree Technopack Ltd, Unit II 143 C-5,
Bommasandra Industrial Area, Hosur Road - 560099
Phone Number: 08071 116 200

18. Madras Sappers Museum & Archives
Founded in 1803, the Madras engineers Group is one of the oldest regiments of the Indian army and the Museum houses artifacts relating to their history. There are interesting pieces of armoury, medals and attires that are worth a look. You need permission to visit this museum.



Madras Sappers Museum & Archives
KG Halli, D' Souza Layout, Ashok Nagar,
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
Phone Number: 096324 59384

19. MKF Museum of Arts
MKF Museum of Arts located in Lavelle Road, Bangalore was inaugurated on 12th Jan 2018 to showcase and exhibit different nuances of art for people. The activities of the Museum are designed to provide education, ranging from visionary world to information based on history, where each work of art becomes more significant by time and social-space.

MKF Museum of Art
55/1, Ground Floor, Isha Villa, Lavelle Road,
Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
Phone Number: +91 9845266677
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM

20. ReReeti
ReReeti located in Richmond Road Bangalore design and execute strategies and programs that bring museums and cultural institutions closer to the public and help them create a community of their own. The interdisciplinary team builds strategic solutions that empower the clients to reach their maximum potential. The wide range of expertise cater to museums that are at the conceptual level as well to those who are established and running.

ReReeti
Rich Homes, 5/1, Penthouse 01, 6th Floor,
Rich Homes Apartment, Richmond Road,
Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025
Phone Number: 093420 60461

21. Museum of Art & Photography (MAP)
As south India’s first major private art museum, the Museum of Art & Photography in Bengaluru is all set to pioneer a museum-going culture in the community. At the core of its mission lies the intention of inclusivity, and making art and culture accessible to diverse audiences. Through an engaging curation of one of the finest and largest collections of Indian art in the country, MAP will be the hub of ideas, cultural exchanges and critical conversations for the community at large.

Museum of Art & Photography (MAP)
26/1 Sua House, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
Phone Number: +91 80 4053 5200

22. Rezwan Razack’s Museum of Indian Paper Money
Rezwan Razack's Museum of Indian Paper Money which is South India’s first paper currency museum is here in Bangalore and we are thrilled. It is owned by the world's biggest collector of Indian paper money, Rezwan Razack, who is also co-founder and joint MD of The Prestige Group. The museum is located on the second floor of Prestige Falcon Towers and is now open for public viewing. At this museum, you will find Indian paper currency from the pre-independence era to the most recent ones. The museum is home to over 700 paper currency notes from across time, collected over the span of 20 years by Rezwan Razak and various fellow numismatics.

Rezwan Razack’s Museum of Indian Paper Money
19, Brunton Road, Off Mahatma Gandhi Road,
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025
Phone Number: +918025591080

23. Art Galore
Art Galore
# 123, 2, 1st Cross Road, Yellappa Garden,
Guttahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560003
Phone Number: 080 2334 4957

24. Click Art Museum
The Click Art museum is the first 3D interactive 'Trick Art' museum in India. It was conceived and developed by the renowned Indian artist A.P. Shreethar, who is known for introducing various fascinating and alluring forms of art to India. He was inspired by similar 3D art museums in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Having gained a reputation in other metropolitan cities like Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi, a franchise of the museum was opened in Bengaluru as well. The museum was inaugurated by eminent cricketer Chris Gayle, who is the brand ambassador of IOANA Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., the company that is currently managing the museum.

Trick Art is also referred to as 'Optical art' or '3D art', and it consists of two-dimensional pictures that create deception of a third element. All the images are finished with skilful perspectives for taking photographs. The main idea behind setting up the museum was to give the visitors a novel method of experiencing art, and to change the perception of art from being sensuous and spiritual to funny and comical.

The origins of Trick Art can be traced back to the 14th-17th century and is said to have been initiated during the Greek, Roman and Renaissance eras. The term Trick Art is derived from the French word 'Tompe-l’oeil', which means 'deceive the eye'. This type of art form was employed to generate an illusion of space, especially in ceiling paintings and realistic portraits.

The museum in Bengaluru consists of 24 trick images mounted and laid across two rooms. Some of the striking images that are displayed include--a crocodile eating your head, Charlie Chaplin poking your stomach, Mona Lisa pouring you a glass of water, surfing in the ocean, steps leading to a skull, a python ready to sting you, and the famous Batman character, Joker, spraying water on your face. Each of these artworks looks different depending on the angle and spot one occupies.

Virginia Mall, Varthur Road, Palm Meadows,
Whitefield, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560066
Phone Number: 076250 87122

25. Indian Music Experience
At Indian Music Experience you can discover various genres, explore the stories about iconic songs and music makers, marvel at the beautiful musical instruments and artefacts on display, and create your own music. Traditional or contemporary, young or old, the IME has something for everyone.

Indian Music Experience
Opp. Wood Rose Club, Brigade Millenium Road,
JP Nagar 7th Phase, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560078
Phone Number: 080-40908054, 096866 02366
Timings: Friday to Sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
26. Cricket Museum
Cricket Museum is around 1 km from Banashankari 2nd Stage and it takes 15 min to reach there by walk via via 16th Cross Road. Cricket Museum is located equidistant (3.7 km) from Banashankari Bus Station via (9th Main Road) and Banashankari 3rd Stage (via Outer Ring Road). Chennamanakere Achukattu Police Station and BBMP Corporation Hospital are nearby Locations.

Cricket Museum
Kaveri Nagar, Banagirinagara, Banashankari 3rd Stage,
Banashankari, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560070

27. Gombaymane wax and silicon statue Museum
Gombaymane wax and silicon statue Museum
Sidedahalli Main Road, Thotada Guddadhalli Village,
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560090
Phone Number: 094487 46797

28. HMT Heritage Centre & Museum
The museum was established to celebrate the legacy of Hindustan Machine Tools Limited (HMT), the country’s first machine manufacturing company, set up by the Indian government in the late 1900s. This technology museum traces the origin and journey of HMT into fields like manufacturing of wristwatches, machine tools, light bulbs and tractors. The idea of setting up the museum came in the wake of the closure of HMT’s watch factory and other ancillary units. It is located in the former residence of the company's chairman, amidst the lush green landscape of the HMT colony.

The museum is spread over two floors--the ground floor is dedicated to the history of watchmaking, while the first floor archives the history of machine tools and equipment. It outlines the company’s progress in the form of a timeline with a map of India depicting its factories across the country, and displays with details of each factory along with the milestones achieved by the company over the years.

The most interesting exhibit is the ‘Parts of a Watch’, where even the minutest components of different watches have been illustrated. The other sections highlight the dials of watches, the manufacturing process, various packaging boxes, watchmaking tools and machinery. Another attraction of the museum is the variety of finished watches showcased across four rooms, including hand-wound watches, braille watches and customised watches like the famous flower clock at Lalbagh Botanical garden.

The first-floor documents the range of machine tools manufactured by the company since its inception, along with a world map that indicates their collaborators from across the world. A 20-minute video, detailing HMT's history, its skill development and training units, plays on a loop inside an AV room. The last section explains the origin and development of the HMT tractor, along with its functioning parts.

HMT Heritage Centre & Museum
HMT Colony, HMT Estate, Jalahalli,
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560013
Phone Number: 080 28383382

29. Vimor Museum of Living textiles
Vimor Museum of Living textiles is located in Austin Town Bangalore. Vimor's Museum Of Living Textiles is a tribute to the Indian handloom industry. At the museum (which is actually Muddaya's house), you'll find showcased ancient, forgotten weaves - each of which has its own fascinating little back story. The Kuri Polla, for instance, was embroidered in 1909 and worn by Muddaya's paternal grandmother herself. It is an example of samplers that young Kodava women made, while learning needlework. You'll also find Tangalia shawls from Gujarat (they have a 700-year-old history!), and the Annam Jarithari and Datthi Seere from Tamil Nadu. As if these aren't cool enough, they also have on display 21-st century sarees with quirky motifs like vintage cars, biplanes and gramophones.

Vimor Museum of Living textiles
20/5, 6th cross, Anjaneya Temple St,
Austin Town, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560047
Phone Number: 098868 20082

30. Kalaspoorthi
Kalaspoorthi
No 19, 8th Main Road, Industrial Area,
Banashankari Stage II, Banashankari,
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560070
Phone Number: 094825 14883

31. Short Wave Radio Museum

Short Wave Radio Museum is brain child of Uday Kalburgi, an electronics and telecom engineer, has spent his life caring for, collecting and restoring old radios. Now he’s got 111 of the gleaming gems on display on the ground floor of his family home.

Short Wave Radio Museum
No 5A, 6th Main Road, opp. to Banashankari Temple,
IInd Stage, KHB Colony, Basaveshwar Nagar,
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560079

32. Agricultural Sciences Museum
The museum was established by the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) in Hebbal. In 2013, it has been shifted to newly built agricultural museum building in the GKVK Campus.

The museum comprises of five main sections. The first section is dedicated to the history of agriculture and portrays the inception and growth of agriculture during the ancient civilisations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome and the Indus valley. It depicts the prevailing agricultural practices of the Mauryan Empire, the Gupta Empire, the British era and the post-Independence era, and displays present-day techniques as well. It also charts out the various agricultural belts in Karnataka, the types of soil available throughout the state, historical records related to agriculture and laurels won by the University of Agricultural Science.

The second room displays information on soil, water and different types of crops and cropping systems. There are miniature models of farming tools like the plough, grain-harvesting and tillage equipment, tree-climbing equipment, a bio-gas plant setup and varieties of farm machinery. The third room exhibits facts related to apiculture and sericulture along with a collection of tools utilised in the production of honey.

The fourth section is dedicated to philately. This collection features stamps related to fruits, flowers, vegetables, birds, animals, renewable energy, food and agricultural organisations, agricultural education, farmers, World Food Day, etc. The last section demonstrates farm mechanisation, farm forestry, post-harvest technology, animal husbandry, agricultural marketing and the impact of climate change on agriculture and farming. All these are depicted through miniature models and information boards enclosed in glazed cases.

The corridor walls are adorned with images of fruits, flowers, animals and birds with suitable quotes on agriculture from famous personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Dr P. Rajagopalachari and state poets like Kuvempu and Purandaradas. The courtyard is open to the sky, and has a farm-like setting with sculptures of grazing cows, cranes, farmers, bullock carts and a tractor.

Agricultural Sciences Museum
GKVK Campus Road, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar,
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064

The museum is located in Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, near Hebbal. The area is well connected to the rest of the city and is accessible by bus, taxi, and auto-rickshaw. The museum is a 15-minute drive from the Yelahanka Satellite Town bus stand and a 30-minute drive from Kempegowda International Airport. The bus services to the museum are 280, 280-A, 280-E, 280-K, 280-L and 281 from the city's central bus station.