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Shimla State Museum, Himachal Pradesh

The Shimla State Museum houses a huge collection of magnificent paintings, sculptures, coins, handicrafts, photos, etc of not only the state of Himachal Pradesh but outside too. The state museum is a major attraction of the Mall area of Shimla built in the style of colonial edifice with sprawling lawns all around. This museum was inaugurated in 1974.

The museum is open from ten in the morning to five in the evening. It is open on all days except Monday and the national holidays. The state museum of Shimla also comprises a library that is loaded with historical books and manuscripts.

The Shimla State Museum was erected solely with the purpose of preserving the rich cultural heritage of the state and to spread the message of cultural legacy over generations.

The paintings depicts the life and culture of the hilly people. Besides there is a huge collection of Mughal and Rajasthani paintings. The museum holds the sculptural merit of the 8th century stone works of Masrur and Bajaura. Also a wide lay out of Himachali dolls are displayed here.

The Shimla State Museum is visited by the researchers from both domestic as well as foreign lands.

The various galleries of the Shimla State Museum are as follows:
  • Pre-Historic Gallery - The gallery consists of ancient stone age tools as well as models of extinct animals.
  • Wood-Carving Gallery - Remains of wood panels of ancient temples and traditional wood artistry and stone work is found here.
  • Shimla State Museum Video


  • Archaeology Gallery - Storehouse of sculptural works and terracotta stuffs of Maurya, Shunga and Gupta period.
  • Wall Painting Gallery - Bags wall painting of the Rang Mahal of Chamba.
  • Numismatic Gallery - Has got an extensive collection of the coins of Himachal Pradesh.
The other galleries of the Shimla State Museum are:
  • Himachal Archaeological Gallery
  • Pahari Miniature Painting Gallery
  • Photographs Gallery
  • Rajasthan Miniature Painting Gallery
  • Bronze Gallery

Location of Shimla State Museum, Himachal Pradesh


Shimla State Museum - Entry Fee, Timing, Address, Official Website

AddressMall Road, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171001, India
Entry Fee Entry fee for Indians: 10 Rs.
Entry fee for Foreigners : 50 Rs.
Timings Visiting Hours - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Days When ClosedMonday
Phone No (Official)+91-177-2805044
Official Websitehttp://www.himachalstatemuseum.in/
Photography allowed or notAllowed
Camera Fee : For Indian - 50 Rs.
For Foreigner - 100 Rs.
For Research scholars - 100 Rs.
Videography 1500 Rs. (With special permission)




Last Updated on : 25 March 2011