Top Government Museums in Chandigarh: Heritage in Design & Art

Top Government Museums in Chandigarh: Heritage in Design & Art

When we think about museums, there’s an image that comes to our mind in 1 click, which shows the historic art and culture. Chandigarh is also a city where architecture, art, and history blend seamlessly into everyday life. Beyond its broad boulevards and green spaces lies a rich cultural landscape, quietly preserved within the walls of its diverse museums. From the modernist visions of Le Corbusier to centuries-old miniature paintings, from whimsical doll collections to rare architectural archives, each museum in Chandigarh tells a story waiting to be discovered.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious about the soul of this meticulously planned city, exploring these museums offers a unique journey through creativity, innovation, and heritage. Step inside — Chandigarh’s cultural treasures are ready to reveal themselves.

1. Le Corbusier Centre

• Location: Sector 19B, Old Architect Building, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh
• Established: 2008
• Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Entry Fee: ₹20 for adults; ₹50 for camera; free for children below 18 and school groups
• Highlights: This former office of the renowned architect Le Corbusier showcases his contributions to Chandigarh’s design. The museum features photographs, models, sketches, modern sculptures, and furniture, offering insights into urban planning and architectural evolution.

2. Government Museum and Art Gallery

• Location: Sector 10C, Chandigarh
• Established: 1947
• Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Entry Fee: ₹10 for adults; ₹30 for camera; free for children below 18 and school groups
• Highlights: Designed by Le Corbusier, this museum houses over 600 Gandhara sculptures, nearly 450 miniature paintings, and exhibits in stucco, ivory, ceramic, and fabric. It also features a contemporary gallery with works by artists like Amrita Sher-Gil and Sobha Singh. 
  

  Name of Place	Timings	Entry Fee	Highlights
  Government Museum & Art Gallery	Tue–Sun, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM	₹10 (Adults), ₹30 (Camera), Free (Kids & School)	Gandhara sculptures, miniature paintings, contemporary Indian artworks

3. International Dolls Museum

• Location: Bal Bhawan, Udyog Path, Sector 23B, Chandigarh
• Established: 1985
• Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Entry Fee: ₹10 for adults; ₹5 for camera; free for children below 18 and school groups
• Highlights: Showcasing a diverse collection of dolls from over 25 countries, this museum features tribal dolls, bridal dolls, and narrative scenes from mythology and history. A toy train model and shadow puppets add to the charm. 
  

  Name of Place	Timings	Entry Fee	Highlights
  International Dolls Museum	Tue–Sun, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM	₹10 (Adults), ₹5 (Camera), Free (Kids & School)	Dolls from 25+ countries, toy train model, mythological scenes

 4. Museum Maison Jeanneret

• Location: House No. 57, Sector 5, Chandigarh
• Established: Converted into a museum to honour Pierre Jeanneret, the chief architect of the city
• Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Entry Fee: ₹10 for adults; ₹30 for camera; free for children below 18 and school groups
• Highlights: This two-story building, once the residence of Pierre Jeanneret, offers insights into the architectural history associated with his work in Chandigarh. The museum preserves the legacy of one of the city’s key architects.
  

  Name of Place	Timings	Entry Fee	Highlights
  Museum Maison Jeanneret	Tue–Sun, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM	₹10 (Adults), ₹30 (Camera), Free (Kids & School)	Residence of Pierre Jeanneret, architectural exhibits

5. Child Art Gallery

• Location: Within the Government Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10C, Chandigarh
• Highlights: Dedicated to showcasing the artistic talents of children, this gallery features a diverse collection of artworks created by young artists, promoting creativity and expression among the youth.
  

  Name of Place	Timings	Entry Fee	Highlights
  Child Art Gallery	Follows main museum hours	Included with museum ticket	Showcases children’s art; promotes youth creativity

6. Chandigarh Architecture Museum

• Location: Within the Government Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10C, Chandigarh
• Established: 1997
• Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Entry Fee: ₹10 for adults; ₹10 for camera; free for children below 18 and school groups
• Highlights: This museum documents and showcases rare documents, drawings, sketches, and archives related to the making of Chandigarh. It offers a deep dive into the city’s architectural evolution, featuring exhibits on Le Corbusier’s vision and the city’s growth.

Feel free to explore these museums to gain a deeper understanding of Chandigarh’s rich heritage and the visionary minds that shaped its landscape.

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