Central Museum, Indore - Timings, Entry Fee, History & Artifacts

At a distance of 3.5 km from Indore Junction, Central Museum is an archaeological museum located in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Situated near the General Post Office, it is one of the prominent museums in Madhya Pradesh, and among the top places to visit as part of the Indore Tour.

Also known as Indore Museum, the Central Museum was established in the year 1929 to reserve the antiquities found in the region of the former Holkar State. The museum exhibits artefacts ranging from prehistoric to the modern era. The armors of the Holkars, their arms, and ammunitions have been kept here at the Museum in Indore. It is a treat for the people who are genuinely fascinated by the history of India and the rich civilization that flourished here in the pre-historic age.

There are two galleries in the Museum. Gallery I display artifacts from the prehistoric period ranging from 5,000 to 4,000 BC. There are exhibits from western Malwa as well, which include stone tools, quartz sickles, ornaments, and items of domestic use. All the Hindu mythological carvings have been displayed in Gallery II. The Museum exhibits the finest collection of Parmar sculptures from Hinglajgarh which include proportioned figures, careful and intricate ornamentation, and depiction in stone. They usually depict Harihara, Shiva, and Parvati seated on Nandi, standing Parvati and a damaged Chamunda.

Among the architectural remains preserved in the museum, the most remarkable is a doorframe, richly adorned with figures and ornamentation. Other notable highlights of the museum include a red-brick model of a Vishnu temple and a beautiful sculpture of the Jain Tirthankara Adinatha from the 13th century which is situated at the entrance of the museum. The main highlight of the museum is the 8 m high Lord Ganesh statue. The museum is also famous for its collection of coins, arms, and armor. Besides, the structure of the Central Museum itself is unique, even its garden is full of antique statues.

Timings: 10 AM - 5 PM, Closed on Mondays & Public Holidays

Entry: Rs. 20 for Indians & Rs. 200 for Foreigners