The National Museum is located on Janpath, south of Rajpath, housing an excellent collection of bronzes, terracotta sculptures, paintings and costumes, which give a detailed insight into Indian history and way of life. The collection consists of rare coins and pottery dating back to the Mauryan period (2nd-3rd century BC), exhibits from the Vijayanagar period in south India, miniature and mural paintings, and costumes of the various tribal people. It also has the largest collection of artifacts dating to the Indus Valley Civilization. The museum is definitely worth visiting. The museum has a rich variety of all facets of ancient Indian history and also of central Asia. The museum takes one through a fascinating journey of what ancient India was all about, pottery, rare coins, and numerous such things including art and architecture, costumes. It's something every tourist should find time to visit even if the schedule is tight. The most outstanding object here is the lyrical bronze Dancing Girl. The Bronze Gallery has some superb pieces from the Chola and Pallava period. Among these the Nataraja figure of Shiva and the Kaliya Mardan Krishna are all time greats. There are a number of rare manuscripts and miniature paintings, textiles, coins and tribal art. However, the museum's most significant gallery is the one of Central Asian exhibits. Silk banners from Dunhuang, wall paintings, sculpture and other objects collected by Sir Aurel Stein capture the lifestyle and culture prevalent along the ancient Silk Route that stretched between Europe and China.

Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation stone in 1955 and the museum was opened to visitors in 1965. Collections from Mohenjadaro, Harappa, Lothal, Kalibangan and antiques of prehistorical periods are on display.

The colour paintings of Moghul, Rajput, Deccan are praiseworthy. Besides, there are the holy Git Gobinda, the holy Mahabharata, the holy Bhagabat Gita in golden alphabet, Octogonal mini Quran, Babamama in Babar's handwriting, Jahangir's diary, musical instruments of more than 300 types, varieties of tribal dresses enriched the museum. The antique collections of Sir Aurel Stein have added to the attraction of the museum.

10.00 am to 5.00 pm Closed on Mondays and government holidays. You may attend film show here at 14-30, which is a regular feature.