Crafts Museum Delhi – National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum Travel Guide

Delhi is a city where culture, art, and heritage converge. Among its many attractions, the Crafts Museum, officially known as the National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum, is a must-visit destination for tourists, art enthusiasts, and students. Located near Bhairon Marg and Pragati Maidan, this museum is dedicated to showcasing India’s rich tradition of handicrafts and handlooms, highlighting the artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage of different states.

For anyone looking to explore traditional Indian art forms, the Crafts Museum offers an immersive and educational experience.

🌟 History of Crafts Museum

The National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum was established in 1974 under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, to preserve and promote India’s diverse craft traditions.

Key facts:

• The museum spreads over 7 acres, featuring traditional village-style structures called havelis.
• It was designed to recreate the ambience of rural India, with craftsmen working in live workshops.
• It houses thousands of artifacts, including textiles, pottery, metalwork, jewelry, woodcraft, and more.
• The museum plays a crucial role in safeguarding traditional skills and educating visitors about Indian craftsmanship.

🏛 Highlights of Crafts Museum

🔹 Traditional Havelis

• Replicas of rural houses from different states of India, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Himachal Pradesh.
• These havelis showcase local architecture and interior décor, giving visitors a village-like experience.

🔹 Handicrafts and Handlooms

• Displays include embroideries, carpets, textiles, pottery, metalwork, wood carvings, and tribal crafts.
• The museum emphasizes regional diversity and the cultural significance of each craft.

🔹 Live Demonstrations

• Skilled artisans demonstrate weaving, pottery, carving, and embroidery on-site.
• Visitors can interact with artisans and understand the crafting process.

🔹 Museum Galleries

• Textile Gallery: Saris, fabrics, and embroidered pieces from all over India.
• Decorative Arts Gallery: Metalwork, jewelry, and woodcraft from traditional Indian workshops.
• Special Exhibitions: Rotating exhibitions highlight contemporary craft innovations and rare artifacts.

🔹 Crafts Bazaar

• Small shops selling handmade products, allowing visitors to take home authentic souvenirs.

🎟️ Timings & Entry Fee

• Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
• Entry Fee:
• Adults: ₹20
• Children & Students: ₹10
• Foreign Tourists: ₹100
• Photography: Allowed in designated areas; flash may be restricted
• Time Required: 2–3 hours to explore galleries, havelis, and live demonstrations

📍 How to Reach Crafts Museum

• Address: Bhairon Marg, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
• Nearest Metro Station: Pragati Maidan Metro Station (Blue Line) – 5 minutes walk
• By Bus/Auto: Easily accessible from central and South Delhi
• By Cab: Most convenient for tourists visiting multiple attractions

👉 With AK Tour & Tourism, you can book cab services to the Crafts Museum and combine it with visits to National Museum, India Gate, and Rashtrapati Bhavan.

🚶 Things to Do at Crafts Museum

1. Explore Traditional Havelis: Experience rural India’s architectural heritage.
2. Watch Live Demonstrations: Learn weaving, pottery, embroidery, and carving firsthand.
3. Photography: Capture vibrant textiles, handicrafts, and rural settings.
4. Shop Handicrafts: Buy authentic souvenirs directly from artisans.
5. Attend Workshops: Participate in craft workshops and learn traditional skills.
6. Cultural Insights: Gain understanding of India’s regional diversity and heritage.

📅 Best Time to Visit

• October to March: Pleasant weather for walking around the open-air museum.
• Weekdays: Less crowded, ideal for students, families, and art enthusiasts.
• Morning or Afternoon: Best time for live demonstrations and guided tours.

📍 Nearby Attractions

• Pragati Maidan: Convention center hosting exhibitions and fairs
• National Museum (3 km): Rich collection of Indian art and history
• India Gate (4 km): Iconic war memorial and gardens
• Crafts Bazaar (On-site): Shop authentic handicrafts from artisans
• Rashtrapati Bhavan (4 km): Presidential residence and Mughal Gardens

🏨 Hotels Near Crafts Museum

• Luxury: The Imperial, Shangri-La Eros, Taj Mahal Hotel
• Mid-Range: Hotel Ajanta, Radisson Blu Marina
• Budget: OYO Rooms, guesthouses in Pragati Maidan and central Delhi