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Museums #6 in Allahabad

prayagraj Museum

4.4 · 4,707 reviews
A quiet and scholarly environment for historical study.
prayagraj Museum, Museum, Kamla Nehru Rd, Civil Lines, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211002, India
Interesting facts
1

The museum preserves the original revolver used by revolutionary Chandrashekhar Azad during his final confrontation at the nearby Alfred Park.

2

It maintains a significant archive of ancient clay seals found at Bhita, dating back to the 3rd century BCE.

3

The collection includes rare stone sculptures originating from the Barhut and Sanchi stupa traditions.

4

It hosts a dedicated gallery displaying personal belongings of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

5

The institution houses several rare, illustrated manuscripts of the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

6

Many of the museum's terracotta figurines were unearthed from the ruins of ancient Kausambi, a major city of the Vatsa kingdom.

Overview

The Prayagraj Museum, established in 1931, serves as a premier repository for Indian archaeological artifacts, historical manuscripts, and modern art. It houses a significant collection of terracotta sculptures from the Mauryan and Gupta periods, notably from the Kausambi excavations. The museum features an extensive gallery dedicated to the Indian independence movement, including original manuscripts of Mahatma Gandhi. It is home to a notable collection of paintings by the Bengal School, including works by Abanindranath Tagore and Nandalal Bose. Visitors can view a diverse array of numismatic exhibits, encompassing ancient coins from various Indian dynasties. The facility maintains a specialized library focusing on history, art, and archaeology. It is situated within the Alfred Park complex, which provides a landscaped environment surrounding the structure.

Photo spot

The central atrium and the primary outdoor sculpture garden features stone artifacts that make for clear, high-contrast photography.

Insider tips

Start with the Independence Gallery to better understand the local context of the freedom movement in the region.

Allocate extra time for the sculpture galleries, as they contain the most significant archaeological artifacts.

Visit the library section if you have a specific interest in academic research regarding North Indian history.

What to avoid

Do not mistake the museum for the smaller galleries found inside the Anand Bhawan, which is a separate historic site.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays and national public holidays.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet demeanor; photography of specific restricted galleries may be prohibited.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Winter months from November to February, as the museum is located within a large outdoor park complex that is most pleasant during this period.
Address
prayagraj Museum, Museum, Kamla Nehru Rd, Civil Lines, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211002, India
25.457, 81.849
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsKausambi terracotta, Chandrashekhar Azad's revolver, Bengal School paintings

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Winter months from November to February, as the museum is located within a large outdoor park complex that is most pleasant during this period..

The central atrium and the primary outdoor sculpture garden features stone artifacts that make for clear, high-contrast photography.

Close by you'll find Amar Shaheed Chandrashekhar Azad Park Prayagraj, Anand Bhawan Museum, Manmohan Park.