National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum, or popularly known as Crafts Museum, is one of the most colorful cultural destinations in the city. Conveniently connected with Pragati Maidan, this museum houses India’s rich cultural legacy of diversity of art in royal forms. Hand-spun fiber, folk art, sculptures, and live on-the-spot demonstration by artisans make it pure joy to be explored by artists, art and culture enthusiasts, and travelers alike.

History and Mission of the Crafts Museum

Established by the Ministry of Textiles in 1956, the museum was conceived as an endeavor to safeguard and showcase Indian traditional crafts. The museum holds over 20,000 priceless pieces such as textiles, tribal crafts, and rural artifacts. Conceived by the world-famous architect Charles Correa, the museum structure is a mixture of rural ambience and modern architecture.

What to See at the Museum

1. Craft Galleries

• Folk and Tribal Art Gallery: Exhibits tribal masks, paintings, and ritual objects from all over India.
• Textile Gallery: Exhibits handloom textiles, embroidery, and fabrics such as Banarasi, Chikankari, and Kanjeevaram.
• Rural Craft Gallery: Exhibits terracotta items, woodwork, and metalwork.

2. Village Complex

• Special outdoor exhibition replicating an Indian village.
• Includes original mud huts, which are adorned with tribal motifs and furnished with traditional household items.

3. Live Demonstrations by Artisans

• Artisans from different states showcase their talent in weaving, pottery, painting, and embroidery.
• Tourists also get an opportunity to greet and interact with the artisans and even buy their products.

4. Courtyard and Museum Shop

• Relax amidst the serene middle courtyard with vernacular architecture enclosure.
• Take refuge at the museum shop for limited handloom sarees, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

Special Exhibitions and Workshops

The museum hosts regular theme exhibitions, art workshops, and cultural events. Festivals and craft bazaars give a first-hand experience of India’s living traditions and community crafts.

Visitor Information

• Timings and Entry Fee
• Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays)
• Indian Citizens: INR 20
• Foreign Tourists: INR 200

How to Reach

• Nearest Metro Station: Pragati Maidan (Blue Line) – within a few minutes’ walk.
• By Road: Also easily reachable by cabs, buses, and auto-rickshaws from Delhi at any point.

Places to Visit Near By

While traveling to the National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum, do visit the following as places to visit near by:

• India Gate – Just 2 km away, a national symbol of pride.
• Purana Qila (Old Fort) – A huge fort with a history behind it.
• National Gallery of Modern Art – For the art lovers.
• Humayun’s Tomb – A World Heritage site nearby.

Why Visit the Crafts Museum

• Pay Homage to India’s Craft Heritage – A interactive walking tour of village crafts.
• See Real Craftsman – Meet the craftsmen and find out more about their past.
• Ideal for Cultural Tourism – Suitable for students, artists, and curious tourists.

Plan Your Cultural Tour with Shahin Travels

Discover a world of heritage and handicraft at the National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum (Crafts Museum), Delhi. With Shahin Travels, your experience will be easy, educative, and enriching. Book your Delhi cultural tour now and exhibit India’s ageless arts!