As part of the Central Vista project redevelopment, the collection of ancient treasures in India's National Museum collection is set to move into Yuge Yugeen Bharat in 2026 or 2027. Under construction at the time of writing, the museum is slated to become the world's largest museum with 950 rooms, housed in the North Secretariat and South Secretariat buildings flanking Kartavya Path.
For now, the dusty National Museum (nationalmuseumindia.gov.in; adult/child ₹500/free) continues to house wonders like the mind-bogglingly ancient, sophisticated figurines from the Harappan civilization, almost 5000 years old, including the remarkable Dancing Girl. There are also some fine ceramics from the even-older Nal civilization. Other items include Buddha relics, exquisite jewelry, miniature paintings, medieval woodcarvings, textiles and musical instruments. Don’t miss the immense, five-tier wooden temple chariot, which was crafted in 19th-century Tamil Nadu from teak, sandalwood and acacia. As with most major museums, it's closed on Mondays.
The Anubhav Tactile Gallery has 22 touchable objects designed for people with a visual impairment.
