System for Museums & Archives for Research and Access to Knowledge
| Place | Shillong |
|---|---|
| State | Meghalaya |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 1975 |
| Museum Type | Ethnographic / Multipurpose State Museum |
| National Importance Museum | No |
| Address | Secretariat Hills, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001 |
| Visiting Time | 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM (Monday to Friday) Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays. |
| Entry Fee | Adults: ₹5 Students/Children: ₹2 Photography: ₹10 (Mobile) to ₹250 (DSLR). |
Established in 1975, the museum is located within the State Central Library complex (U Soso Tham Auditorium). It was renamed in 1999 to honor Captain Williamson Sangma, the pioneer of the Hill State Movement and Meghalaya's first Chief Minister.
The collection includes over 2,500 exhibits focusing on tribal history, lifestyle, and traditions. It is divided into specialized galleries for the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo tribes, featuring handicrafts, attire, and archaeological finds.
Garo Bachelor Quarters (Nokpante): A highly detailed, scale model of the traditional Garo bamboo hut. The museum also houses unique declassified historical documents related to the state's formation and replicas of Ashoka Pillars donated by the National Museum.
| Video URL | https://youtu.be/1aj53iMCjFk?si=WYTs09Q7uGWpYQZi |
|---|---|
| Video Courtesy | The Shillong Times |
| Archaeological Survey of India | No |
| Notes | The museum underwent a major high-tech renovation, inaugurated on June 25, 2025, introducing QR-based exhibits, interactive digital displays, and an immersive multimedia experience. |
| Artifacts | Musical Instruments: Marynthing, Diutara (string), Tangmuri (flute); Weapons: Ka Tup (cannon), Waitlam (sword), Stieh (shield); Textiles: Ryndiah (silk shawl), Dakmanda (Garo attire); Archaeological: Ancient headstones and megalithic models. |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes (The most signif |
| Contact Details | +91 364 222 2731 |
| Email ID | artandculture-meg@gov.in (Department of Arts & Culture) |
