Himachal State Museum
| Place | Shimla |
|---|---|
| State | Himachal Pradesh |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 1974 |
| Museum Type | Archaeological / Art / Cultural Museum |
| National Importance Museum | Yes |
| Address | Museum Road, near Doordarshan Kendra, Chaura Maidan, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171004 |
| Visiting Time | 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM (Tuesday–Sunday) Closed on Mondays and Gazetted Holidays. |
| Entry Fee | ₹50 (Indians) ₹150 (Foreigners) ₹30 Children below 5 years Camera fee: ₹100 for Indians ₹200 for |
Museum Introduction
Established on January 26, 1974, the Himachal State Museum is a premier cultural institution located atop Mount Pleasant in Shimla. It is housed in Inverarm, a grand Victorian-era mansion that once served as the private residence of Lord William Beresford and other high-ranking British officials. The museum was founded by the Department of Language, Art, and Culture to preserve and showcase the artistic, historical, and archaeological heritage of Himachal Pradesh.
General Collections
The museum boasts a vast collection of over 10,000 objects across multiple galleries. The collection includes Pahari and Rajasthani miniature paintings, ancient stone and metal sculptures, traditional jewelry, textiles, and manuscripts. It also features specialized sections for numismatics, arms, and anthropology, providing a comprehensive narrative of life in the Himalayas.
Unique Historical Collections
Pahari Miniature Paintings: A world-renowned collection from the Kangra and Chamba schools, depicting themes from the Gita Govinda and local folklore. 8th-Century Sculptures: Significant stone carvings from Bajaura and Hatkoti, including a famous idol of Simhavahini Durga. Mahatma Gandhi Gallery: A dedicated room featuring rare photographs and political cartoons from Gandhi's visits to Shimla. Himachali Doll Gallery: A popular display of traditional dolls dressed in ethnic bridal and tribal attire from different districts of the state. Rang Mahal Wall Paintings: Original wall paintings retrieved from the Rang Mahal in Chamba.
Additional Information
| Archaeological Survey of India | No |
|---|---|
| Notes | The museum is situated approximately 3 km from the Mall Road and is surrounded by sprawling, well-maintained lawns. It offers a panoramic view of the Shimla hills. Photography is generally prohibited inside the galleries, but a camera fee applies for outdoor and specific permitted areas. The building itself is an architectural landmark, reflecting colonial-era Victorian aesthetics. |
| Artifacts | 8th-century stone idol of Surya from Kullu; Metal bronze idols influenced by Kashmiri craftsmanship; Ancient coins from the Maurya and Kushana periods; Traditional Himachali silver jewelry; 18th-century swords and matchlock guns; Prehistoric fossils from the Shivalik Hills. |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes |
| Contact Details | +91 177 265 9943 |
| Email ID | hsmshimla@gmail.com |