The museums in New Delhi include options for very different interests: the National Crafts Museum presents Indian craft traditions, while the National Science Centre focuses on science exhibits and galleries.
Both are on Bhairon Marg near Pragati Maidan, so you can compare their collections and plan a visit around the same part of the city. If your day includes other city sights, the one-day New Delhi itinerary from The Athena Hotel provides a broader route-planning context.
- Crafts: The National Crafts Museum has galleries, a village complex and a demonstration area.
- Science: The National Science Centre features working exhibits and galleries on subjects including biology, physics and dinosaurs.
- Location: Both museums are on Bhairon Marg, near Pragati Maidan.
- Getting started: Pragati Maidan Metro Station is associated with both museums in Delhi Tourism’s museum itinerary.
Choosing a museum by interest and location
Choose the National Crafts Museum for Indian textiles, folk and tribal art, and courtly crafts; choose the National Science Centre for interactive science and exhibits about the natural and built world. Their shared location near Pragati Maidan makes a two-museum outing a practical possibility, though the time needed at each will depend on how much you want to see.
The walk from The Athena Hotel to Ashram station takes about 7 minutes.
What can you see at the National Crafts Museum?
The National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy brings together galleries and outdoor areas that showcase Indian craft traditions. It is at Bhairon Marg, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi 110001.
The museum’s official tours page names the Village Court, Folk & Tribal Art Gallery, Temple Court, Cultic Objects & Courtly Crafts Gallery, Durbar Court, Indian Textile Gallery, Village Complex and Demonstration Area. An audio guide is included, giving you another way to follow the collections as you move between the spaces.
Gallery hours are given as 10:00 am to 5:00 pm or 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with Mondays and national holidays among the closure days. The Crafts Demonstration Area is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. Confirm the hours before planning your visit.
What does the National Science Centre offer?
The National Science Centre is a science-focused museum with working exhibits and galleries covering several subjects. It stands on Bhairon Marg near Pragati Maidan Gate No. 1, New Delhi, close to the National Crafts Museum.
Delhi Tourism describes the centre as an eight-floor museum, with exhibits on science and architectural history. Its attractions include a Heritage & Dinosaur Gallery, Human Biology Gallery, Fun Science Library and hands-on displays that explain physics. The range gives you a choice between looking through themed galleries and spending time with interactive displays.
The Ministry of Culture’s directory records the National Science Centre’s establishment in 1992. Visiting hours are 9:30 am to 6:00 pm all week, except Holi and Diwali; ticket sales at the counter stop at 5:15 pm.
How do you get from Ashram station to the museum area?
Start by planning a journey from Ashram station and use Pragati Maidan Metro Station as the museum-area reference point. Delhi Tourism associates that station with both museums. Check the Delhi Metro’s official information for the route and any changes before travelling.
The museums’ addresses place them on Bhairon Marg near Pragati Maidan. Allow for the journey across the city when choosing how much time to set aside for the museum visits. For more on using Ashram station and planning journeys, this guide to getting around New Delhi from Ashram station covers the area.
Hours, tickets and visitor rules to check
Opening hours differ across listings for the National Crafts Museum, and the National Science Centre closes on Holi and Diwali. Science Centre ticket sales at the counter stop at 5:15 pm.
Before you go: check the official site before you go, especially for current hours, ticket details and holiday exceptions. For the Crafts Museum, the official tours page provides the contact telephone number +91 11 2337 1641.
FAQs
Which museum is better for crafts?
The National Crafts Museum is the more direct choice, with galleries dedicated to textiles, folk and tribal art, temple objects and courtly crafts, as well as a village complex and demonstration area.
Which museum has hands-on science exhibits?
The National Science Centre includes hands-on displays explaining physics, alongside galleries such as its Human Biology and Heritage & Dinosaur galleries.
Can you visit both museums in one outing?
Both museums are on Bhairon Marg near Pragati Maidan, and Pragati Maidan Metro Station is associated with each. Check their current hours before choosing your timing.