Every Varanasi Museum Capturing the Traces of History

Every Varanasi museum for tourists to witness Varanasi’s history unfold

Varanasi holds the historical remnants of civilizations for centuries. It is no doubt that it is deemed as one of the oldest living cities to date. So to get the perfect experience, you must not miss out on a Varanasi museum during your visit.

These museums have captured the relics, architectures, and important facts of civilizations. They give us a tour of how a life transformed in the city to make it what it is now. So we have compiled the best museums in Varanasi for you to visit the next time you’re in Kashi.

Bharat Kala Bhavan

Perhaps the most popular Varanasi Museum, the Bharat Kala Bhavan boasts a huge collection of artifacts. Situated in 1920, this museum is located inside the Banaras Hindu University campus.

The visitors can explore over 100,000 items on display across two floors. From the most ancient civilizations to more recent historical artifacts, you can find them all here. It also has many facilities including a souvenir shop to take back something from your trip.

Location: Banaras Hindu University, Semi Circle Road No. 3 Opposite Institute of Management Studies, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: Monday to Saturday 10:30 am to 4:30 pm; closed on Sundays
Entry Fee: Indian visitors’ ticket per person Rs.20; Foreigner visitors’ ticket per person Rs.250

Ramnagar Fort Museum

Situated inside the Ramnagar Fort by the river Ganges, the museum is one of the Best Places to visit Varanasi. The museum holds the artifacts from the period when the fort was used by the Maharaja.

There are many artifacts and war materials alongside astronomical equipment in the museum premises.

Location: Varanasi Road, Ram Nagar, Ramnagar, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm daily
Entry Fee: Indian visitors’ ticket per person Rs.50; Foreigner visitors’ ticket per person Rs.200; Indian student and children (5-12 ages) visitors’ ticket per person Rs.20; Foreigner children (5-12 ages) visitors’ ticket per person Rs.100

Hastkala Sankul Museum

One of the more recent locations, the Crafts Museum is a part of the Deendayal Hastkala Sankul. It is one of the largest museums displaying the history of Varanasi’s handicrafts.

It also has a huge collection of paintings and sculptures from artists through all periods. Plus, you can visit the Sankul and also the Varanasi museum in one day.

Location: Bada Lalpur, Chandmari, Airhe, Varanasi, UP-221003
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday 11:30 am to 7:30 pm; Closed on Mondays
Entry Fee: No entry fee is required

Virtual Experiential Museum

Located in the Man Mahal, this Varanasi museum is truly one of a kind. You can witness a new digital method of exhibition and darts in this museum. However, though it is a modern method, the museum incorporates historical details into it.

You can also see physical artifacts and other exhibitions in this museum. It is right by the Jantar Mantar, making it easy to visit.

Location: Next to Manmandir Ghat, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: Friday to Wednesday 6 am to 6 pm; Closed on Thursdays
Entry Fee: Adults ages 15 and above Indian visitors’ ticket per person Rs.25; Foreigner visitors’ ticket per person Rs.300; Free entry for children below 15 years

Sarnath Museum

Sometimes also referred to as the Archeological museum Varanasi, it is the oldest standing museum in Varanasi. This Varanasi museum boats both Buddhist and Hindu artifacts in its large collection.

You can witness over 6000 artifacts and also visit Sarnath temples and other places on the same trip.

Location: Museum, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: Saturday to Thursday 9 am to 5 pm; Closed on Fridays
Entry Fee: Adults ages 15 and above ticket fee Rs.5; Free entry for children below 15 years

Kashi Dham Museum

One of the lesser-known Varanasi museums, the Kashi Dham museum is another source of historical and cultural knowledge. The museum is more popular with local students but has a huge collection of artifacts.

Since the location is so central, you can easily drop by the museum to discover the exhibitions.

Location: RajMandir, K 20/125 Brahma Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: Tuesdays to Sundays 10 am to 5 pm; Closed on Mondays
Entry Fee: Adults ages 15 and above ticket fee Rs.50

Lal Bahadur Shastri Family Home Museum

Originally the house of Lal Bahadur Shastri, this government museum Varanasi is now a tourist location. When he was a child, the first Prime Minister of India stayed in his maternal grandfather’s house. His family members contacted the government to convert the house into a museum.
Today, you can visit the museum near Ramnagar and witness the lifestyle of such a historically important figure. Though it is farther from the city center, you can visit it when you visit the Ramnagar Fort.

Location: Lal Bahadur Shastri Paternal House, Ramnagar, Janakpur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: Wednesday to Monday 10 am to 5 pm; Closed on Tuesdays
Entry Fee: No entry fee is required

Jantar Mantar Varanasi

The Jantar Mantar isn’t exactly a museum per se, it is an observatory established by Maharaja Jai Singh II. It is one of the most fascinating astronomical observatories made centuries ago. To this day, you can visit the observatory which is semi-preserved.

It is quite close to the Dashashwamedh ghat hence you can reach it easily through there.

Location: Dashashwamedh Ghat Road, Observatory, Man Mandir, Rajendra Prasad Ghat, Dashaswmedh, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: 6 am to 5 pm daily
Entry Fee: Adults ticket per person Rs.15

Conclusion

If you’re in Varanasi, you must visit religious, cultural, and historical spots to get a wholesome experience. While monuments are an important part of Varanasi history, museums also hold great importance. Visiting a Varanasi museum can help you look at artifacts and relics from the city.

It will be an enlightening experience to witness a civilization older than any other you might have visited. So take out a few hours from your trip to Varanasi to explore the diverse Varanasi museums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is entry free in the museums in Varanasi or is there an entry fee?
Most museums offer free entry into the premises in Varanasi. However, you must double-check with the website or our list to see if there is an entry fee.

Is the BHU museum open to the general public or only students?
Yes, the BHU museum is not only open for students but also tourists and locals. Since it has such historical and cultural importance, it is a popular tourist location open for all to visit.

Which is the best museum to visit in Varanasi?
The best museum would be quite subjective since different museums specialize in varying topics. However, museums like Bharat Kala Museum and Archeological Museum Sarnath are the most frequently visited ones.