New Delhi is home to a mind-boggling 51 museums covering every topic imaginable.
All the museums are within 2 kilometers of any station on the Delhi Metro.
I have published line-wise museum lists on Google Maps as below:
Museums on Delhi Metro Violet Line - Total 18
Museums on Delhi Metro Yellow Line - Total 11
Museums on Delhi Metro Magenta Line - Total 04
Museums on Delhi Metro Blue Line - Total 05
Museums on Delhi Metro Red Line - Total 05
Museums on Delhi Metro Aqua Line - Total 01
About the Folk & Tribal Art Museum
This museum houses a huge collection of folk, tribal and neglected art and is a unique collection of rural and neglected art.
It was founded in 1984 by the renowned master modern artist Shri K.C. Aryan who was the first to raise his voice and concern for this precious but completely neglected artistic heritage. More than 70 years ago he began collecting these objects primarily with a view to preserve them from posterity, and to prevent them from irretrievably lost.
Mr. Aryan had seen countless priceless bronze ions and other art objects being wilfully destroyed by their owners. Deeply hurt by this callous negligence, he left no stone unturned to salvage whatever he could with his meager income. The scope of his collection grew vast, going beyond the geographical limits of north and western India and encompassing the entire country including the areas that formed the part of India before 1974. Numerous art objects have not been collected by anyone contribute to the uniqueness of the museum.
The Collection
The collection is rich and varied and contains folk and tribal bronze icons, folk paintings from all over India but the hallmark are the ones from Punjab and Himachal Pradesh that are not seen elsewhere. The Pataka paintings, specimens of Tantrik Priests art from Jodhpur in Rajasthan, embroidered textiles from Swat valley in Kashmir, Phulkaris from Punjab, Kangra-styled Pahari Rumals from Himachal Pradesh, Kanthas from Bengal, utilitarian and ritualistic artifacts in metal, wood, terracotta, clay, leather, manuscripts covers in painted wood, embroidered fabric, papier mache, a vast variety of lams, masks, glazed pottery from Sind, toys, leather puppets, card puppets, calico printing wooden blocks, illuminated manuscripts, ornaments, Ganjifa playing cards, traditional shoes, etc.
The Hanuman Gallery
This is one of the major highlights of the museum collection which is the largest in the world. The large variety of combs, tribal music instruments, rare equestrian bronze icons, tribal bronze icons litho prints, oleographs, and many other objects enthralled me. The collection is very vast.
Publications
Recently a profusely illustrated, all-color catalog of over 500 art objects from the museum collection was published.
How to reach
- The Museum of Folk and Tribal Arts is located in Sector 4, Gurugram, India.
- The museum is about 2 km from the Gurugram railway station and 20 km from the IGI international airport in Delhi.
- The nearest metro station is IFFCO Chowk on the yellow line.
- It is best to park the vehicle on the main road since the approach road to the museum is narrow and the museum is only 50 meters from the main road.
Museum Tips
- Timings: from 10 am to 5 pm with prior appointment.
- Official Website http://www.museumoffolkandtribalart.in/
- Photography: By permission.
Accessibility Features for the Museum
Ramp Access.
Wheelchair-accessible Entrance.
Wheelchair-accessible Restroom/Toilet.
Wheelchair-accessible Seating.
Wheelchair-accessible Parking.
Nearby Attractions
While you are still around in Gurugram and the Delhi NCR area, here are some nearby attractions you can explore:
- SkyJumper Trampoline Park Gurgaon
- Oyster’s Water Park
- Kingdom of Dreams
- The Hidden Hour Gurugram - Mystery Escape Rooms
- DLF CyberHub
Have you been to a museum recently that has unique art on display? I’d like to know about your experiences.
Till then… Happy Guiding 