Rich traditions, incredible forts and palaces, and fascinating folklore make the Pink City more than what meets the eye. And, when it comes to captivating your hearts and gratifying your senses, the museums in the Jaipur city are more than adept. Wait before you raise your eyebrows and say “museums?” Let us assure you these are truly delightful places. Remember how fun Night at the Museum was? Though you may not experience artifacts and exhibits come to life, as in the movie, the element of fun is relatable. People of all ages, especially children, will love these places because of the sheer variety – from historical galleries and wax museums to ones displaying dolls (yes, dolls).
All set and geared up? Here are the top 11 museums in Jaipur where you will find a treasure chest of information.
Museums in Jaipur (List):
Albert Hall Museum | Kailash Puri |
Jaipur Wax Museum | Nahargarh Fort |
Dolls Museum | JLN Marg |
Anokhi Museum | Chanwar Palk Walon Ki Haveli |
City Palace Museum | City Palace, Jaipur |
Hawa Mahal Museum | Kanwar Nagar |
Jewels Lake Palace | Lake Palace Amer Road |
Gyan Museum | EPIP Sitapura |
Diwan-E-Aam | Mubarak Mahal Courtyard |
Jawahar Kala Kendra | Jhalana Doongri |
Amrapali Museum | Ashok Marg |
1. Albert Hall Museum, Jaipur
Let’s start with the best and the grandest, Albert Hall. Built in the year 1876 by Sawai Ram Singh II, this central museum in Jaipur is named after Edward VII of England, whose full name was Albert Edward. The place has some exquisite exhibits like rare paintings, brassware, portraits, pottery, coins, woodwork, textiles, sculptures, and carpets in its 16 galleries. Even some ceremonial dresses and jewelry of kings and queens are on display here. In addition, the building, inspired by Indo-Islamic and Neo-Gothic architecture, is an attraction in itself. However, its biggest draw is perhaps an Egyptian mummy, dating ti more than 2300 years.
- Location of Albert Hall Museum: Kailash Puri, Adarsh Nagar, Jaipur
- Timings of Albert Hall Museum: 09.00 am to 05.00 pm and 07.00 pm to 10.00 pm; every day
- Entrance Fee of Albert Hall Museum:
- Adults – ₹ 40
- Students – ₹ 20
- Must-See Artifacts in Albert Hall Museum, Jaipur: Glazed Pottery, 4th Century stone sculpture of Yakshi, Persian Garden Carpet, 18th-century Japanese doll
Want to know more about the rich Rajasthani culture? Then, visit the restaurants offering ethnic dishes for a memorable experience. If you are unsure where to go, check out our blog on the restaurants in Jaipur.
2. Jaipur Wax Museum, Jaipur
This Madame Tussauds-inspired wax museum in Jaipur, also known as the Nahargarh wax museum as it is located within this eponymous fort in Jaipur, displays wax figurines of famous individuals like Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Bhagat Singh, MS Dhoni, Kalpana Chawla, Sachin Tendulkar, Mother Teresa and Jackie Chan. It also houses the wax exhibits of the kings, queens, and other eminent royal personalities from the bygone era. The thirty-two lifelike sculptures might leave you perplexed at first. Engineered and designed by a talented team of experts, these statues give you a gala time. A unique Sheesh Mahal (inlay mirror house) with floral motifs and pieces of yellow, blue, white, red, and green glass bits is pure bliss to the eye.
- Location of Jaipur Wax Museum: Nahargarh Fort
- Timings of Jaipur Wax Museum: 10.00 am to 06.30 pm; every day
- Entrance Fee of Jaipur Wax Museum: ₹ 500
- Must-See Artifacts in Jaipur Wax Museum: Wax figures of famous personalities, Sheesh Mahal, Royal Durbar
3. Dolls Museum, Jaipur
This 20th-century Dolls museum in Adarsh Nagar is a dream come true not just for kids but also for adults who can’t get enough of dolls even after they have grown up. These magnificent dolls have been designed in all shapes and sizes, and adorned with various garbs to promote the local folklore and traditions that make up the vibrant Indian culture. The ethnic attires of Tamil Nadu, Assam, Maharashtra, Bengal, Punjab, Kerala and Gujarat, along with the bridal and dance wear of these states are impeccably captured here. Even dolls wearing the typical clothes of Malaysia, Germany, Sweden, Uganda, China, Afghanistan, Mexico, America, and Britain are given a pedestal here. You are bound to fall in love with these little beauties when you visit this spectacular museum.
- Location of Dolls Museum: JLN Marg, Adarsh Nagar, Jaipur
- Timings of Dolls Museum: 09.00 am to 05.00 pm; every day
- Entrance Fee of Dolls Museum: ₹ 10
- Must-See Artifacts in Dolls Museum, Jaipur: Dolls depicting traditional dance forms, international cultures and real-life scenarios
4. Anokhi Museum, Jaipur
Dedicated to hand printing and woodblock printing that have had an artistic influence on many textile and handicrafts industries, this museum is quite alluring for artists and designers. This ancient art is both complex and unique as it includes playing with designs while preserving the heritage aspect. Anokhi Museum preserves and showcases the art form through its various artifacts like textile exhibits, tools, images, and demonstrations. Block carving and printing demos are also carried out here that would be an enriching experience for tourists.
- Location of Anokhi Museum: Chanwar Palk Walon Ki Haveli, Jaipur
- Timings of Anokhi Museum:
- 10.30 am to 05.00 pm (Tuesday to Saturday)
- 11.00 am to 04.30 pm (Sundays)
- Entrance Fee* of Anokhi Museum:
- Adults – ₹ 30
- Students – ₹ 20
- Children – ₹ 15
- *Extra charge for cameras and camcorders
- Must-See Artifacts in Anokhi Museum: Block print demonstrations, block carving tools
5. City Palace Museum, Jaipur
This museum is another wonder in the Pink City where you can spend a lazy day strolling in the galleries of historical extravagance. Built by Raja Jai Singh, this palace has a grand brass gate welcoming you to unravel several royal mysteries. CPM’s textile division is housed inside the ornate Mubarak Mahal which is one of the top tourist spots. Chandra Mahal, only the ground floor of which is open to public viewing, has royal attires on display along with handmade jewelry. In short, a sneak peek into the life of Jaipur’s royals is what this place offers you.
In yet another section of the museum, called Bagghi Khana, you will see historical chariots and coaches. Diwan-i-Khas houses the two iconic silver vessels, whereas Maharani Palace boasts an intriguing weaponry and ammunition storage, while. Virendra Pol, Udai Pol, and Tripolia Pol are the main gateways to the palace museum. The four gates of Pritam Niwas Chowk are painted with representations of the four seasons. The palatial interiors, royal foyers, and the grand chandeliers make you want to stay back.
- Location of City Palace Museum: City Palace, Jaipur
- Timings of City Palace Museum: 09.30 am to 05.00 pm; closed on weekends
- Entrance Fee of City Palace Museum: ₹ 130
- Must-See Artifacts in City Palace Museum, Jaipur: Mor Gate, Leheriya Gate, Lotus Gate, Rose Gate, silver Jars featured in the Guinness Book of World Records
6. Hawa Mahal Museum, Jaipur
Built in 1983, this museum is located behind the most famous architectural marvel of Jaipur, the Hawa Mahal. Housing prized sculptures from various parts of Rajasthan like Virat Nagar, Sambar, Nagar, Ganeshwar, and Raid, the museum has five pink sandstone storeys and an intricately carved gateway embellished with superior motifs as its backdrop. Marvels of terracotta have been encapsulated in the exhibits, along with fishing equipment like hooks and arrowheads, plus the armors, swords, and helmets belonging to the Rajputs.
- Location of Hawa Mahal Museum: Kanwar Nagar, Jaipur
- Timings of Hawa Mahal Museum: 09.00 am to 04.30 pm (closed on Fridays and public holidays)
- Entrance Fee of Hawa Mahal Museum: ₹ 50
- Must-See Artifacts in Hawa Mahal Museum, Jaipur: Rajput weaponry, armor, 2nd-century storage vessel
7. Jewels Lake Palace, Jaipur
Gemstone and crystal lovers are in for a treat here as this dazzling museum has the jewelry of royalty, made of the rarest and the most expensive gems, put on display. You could even purchase the replica or loose semi-precious stones at the venue. The place does show you that the Rajputs never compromised on their jewelry which was indeed a status symbol. We recommend that you buy some exquisite gemstones at slashed prices here which may not be available at the same bargain at local stores or shopping malls in Jaipur.
- Location of Jewels Lake Palace: Lake Palace Amer Road, Jaipur
- Timings of Jewels Lake Palace: 09.00 am – 07.00 pm; every day
- Entrance Fee of Jewels Lake Palace: Free
- Must-See Artifacts in Jewels Lake Palace, Jaipur (Museum): Finely cut semi-precious stones, silver jewelry
8. Gyan Museum, Jaipur
If, by any chance, you are looking for art museums in Jaipur, this is the one to visit. You will find several works of art that have been influenced by the motifs at the forts and temples in Jaipur as well as from elsewhere. Contemporary paintings, statues, jewelry, textiles, coins, furniture, and antiques adorn every nook and corner of the museum. While taking a walk through the place, different moments in history come to life in front of your eyes. The roughly three thousand pieces of art curated by the famous gemologist, Gyan Chand Dhaddha, are definitely worth your appreciation. Mughal and Rajput miniature hand paintings, medieval coins, Jain and Buddhist thangka paintings, and jewelry all will make your eyeballs pop. A visit to this museum is certainly an off-beat thing to do while in Jaipur.
Looking for more such not-so-popular places and activities? Here’s our blog on the top 5 Off-beat Things to Do in Jaipur.
- Location of Gyan Museum: Gems and Jewellery Zone, EPIP Sitapura, Jaipur
- Timings of Gyan Museum: 11.00 am to 06.30 pm (closed on Sundays)
- Entrance Fee of Gyan Museum: Free entry
- Must-See Artifacts in Gyan Museum, Jaipur: Bronze daybed, hand-knotted rug, Murano glass chandelier
9. Diwan-E-Aam, Jaipur
Diwan-E-Aam is not a museum per se, but it does consist of artifacts and relics of the Hall of Commoners that was used by kings to address their subjects, much like in the scenes from Jodha Akbar! Grievances were given a hearing and were resolved using the king’s power of judgment. The place has a few artifacts on display, such as carpets and rugs together with red stone walls and arches, make it one of the best places to visit in Jaipur with your family or just the self.
- Location of Diwan-E-Aam: Mubarak Mahal Courtyard, Jaipur
- Timings of of Diwan-E-Aam: 09.00 am to 05.00 pm; everyday
- Entrance Fee of Diwan-E-Aam: Free
- Must-See Artifacts in Diwan-E-Aam, Jaipur (Museum): Handwritten Bhagavad Gita, royal throne
10. Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur
The rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan has been preserved carefully and copiously here. Catering to people of all age groups, this museum hosts a grand festival every year that witnesses a downpour of visitors, who want to indulge in the local culture and fanfare. There are eight blocks in the premises, housing museums, amphitheater, libraries, display centers, cafeteria, and art studio. There are five galleries at the center, which itself has a navgraha or nine squares design, based on ancient Vastu. The ceiling at the entrance is worth gazing at because of the architectural technique and design implementation going into its construction. Every corner in this museum has an untold story that unfolds in front of you as you learn more about the artifacts.
- Location of Jawahar Kala Kendra: Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Jhalana Doongri, Jaipur
- Timings of Jawahar Kala Kendra: 10.00 am to 05.00 pm
- Entrance Fee of Jawahar Kala Kendra: Free
- Must-See Artifacts in Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur (Museum): Paintings, Hastkaar Yantra, Pergola, door with Rajasthani paintings
11. Amrapali Museum, Jaipur
This recently opened museum houses almost four thousand collectibles from around the Indian sub-continent. It is a treasure house of jewelry and bejeweled pieces like silver anklets for horseshoes, kalamkari designs, and intricately worked silver doors. Other interesting exhibits in the museum include self-defense decoded camouflage jewelry, necklace with a hidden message, mukhnaals, gold mojris, exquisite earrings and tribal waistbands, and more. Quite intriguing isn’t it and we call modern jewelry smart!
Drop in at this museum to see more metallic marvels collated from many different royal households around India. This does prove that our ancestors did have a great fashion sense. There are pieces from the dawning days of Jainism and also wine flasks called Chuskis that feature dancing figures and bullhorns, the symbols of power and advancement.
- Location of Amrapali Museum: Ashok Marg, C Scheme, Jaipur
- Timings of Amrapali Museum: 11.00 am to 06.30 pm (closed on Sundays)
- Entrance Fee of Amrapali Museum: ₹ 600
- Must-See Artifacts in of Amrapali Museum, Jaipur: Chains, amulets, pendants, headgear, Meenakari jewelry, kundan jewelry, jade bookstand, 18th-century Vaishnavite fragments, holy water flask
These museums are reminders that history and heritage never fade; rather, are being recreated at in different forms. It is the inspiration passed down through centuries that have made the world acknowledge Indian culture. Jaipur has a unique place in that history and a visit to these museums will bring back snippets from the golden era. So, whether you are in the city on a holiday or visiting it as part of a Golden Triangle tour, make sure to stop by these interesting places. After you have planned your excursion, all that is left to do is book a hotel in Jaipur, from where accessing these museums is a piece of cake.
There you go, on a journey which will seem no less than an adventure!