albert hall museum jaipur

Albert Hall Museum – An Epic Treasure House Of Past Era!

Jaipur museums have a great collection of bizarre entities reflecting rich culture & heritage. Experience it at Albert hall museum of Jaipur.

Places To Visit

Jaipur welcomes visitors from all across the world, giving tourists a time that they would remember for life. While the Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Amber Fort, and other such historical forts and palaces are the key attractions of the city, Albert Hall Museum is one of the most breathtaking beauties that one must visit during their trip to Jaipur. One of the oldest museums in Rajasthan, which also acts as its State Museum – Albert Museum stands beautifully in the premises of Ram Niwas Garden. The museum allures visitors with its mesmerising beauty. 

History of Albert Hall Museum Jaipur

One of the most seasoned historical centers in Rajasthan, the Albert Hall Museum was established in the year 1876. Also known as the Government Central Museum, the museum gets its name from Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales. He visited India in 19th century and the museum was built to welcome him to Jaipur by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and thus named the hall after him.

History of Albert Hall Museum Jaipur

During the time of laying the foundation stone, the king had no plans of how to use the hall. Many suggestions were given to use it for cultural or educational use or as a town hall. Later, his successor, Madho Singh II took up the idea presented by Dr Thomas Hendley and built a museum. In 1881, a small museum was opened for industrial arts in order to display the products of the local artisans. 

It idea turned out to be extremely popular. Very soon, Albert Hall Museum became a centre for spreading historical knowledge of history to inspiring artisans. The museum played a key role in improving the skills of the artisans and developing traditional Indian art.

The reason behind setting it up as a museum was to tell people about the craftsmanship with handicrafts and artwork. This not only made their craftsmanship popular but also inspired them to improve their skills. Also, this made people protect and preserve their art in a proper manner. This provided employment to the artisans. 

Later, in 1887, the current Albert Hall was completed in Indo-Saracenic style by the architect Samuel Swinton Jacob, Director of Jaipur PWD. Originally intended to be a town hall, it was later deemed a museum for showcasing the best of Jaipuri art forms and the bravery of its warriors. Today, it is one of the classic examples of architectural elegance and finesse of that period.

Also read: History of Jal Mahal in Jaipur

Albert Hall Museum Jaipur Architecture

The design and style of the museum depict Indo-Saracenic architecture. It resembles the Victoria and Albert Museum of London, because of the similar style of architecture. This unique architecture of the museum used by the British in India was implemented in most public and government buildings.

The architecture of Albert Hall is the fusion of elaborate Islamic architecture and Neo-gothic style. Complete with brown and beige tinge stone exteriors, there are plenty of artistically designed pillars, courtyards, and arches that adorn the museum. The murals on display express ancient civilization and reign like Green, Babylonian, Chinese and others. 

Albert Hall is situated amidst fantastic gardens with clear cascades, magnificent fountains and beds of beautiful flowers which are indeed marvel to watch. 

Also read: Architecture of Chand Baori

Gallery at Albert Hall Museum 

The museum holds an array of rare articles on its display including textiles, carpets, flora and fauna of the state, toys, dolls, and even an Egyptian mummy that belongs to the Ptolemaic Epoch. The exhibits here portray the extraordinary society of the obsolete tribes of Meenas, Bhils, and Lohars of Rajasthan. Furthermore, one can likewise contemplate over the Phad works of art of Marwar in the other parts of the Albert Hall Museum. 

The Albert Hall Museum has 16 different amusing galleries which showcase antiques and treasures from the nineteenth century. Some of them are-

1. Metal Art Gallery

2. Arms and Armor Gallery

3. Pottery Gallery

4. Miniature Painting Gallery

5. Marble Art Gallery

6. Sculptures Gallery

7. International Art Gallery

8. Clay works Gallery

9. Ivory Gallery

10. Jewelry Gallery

11. Carpet Gallery

12. Coin Gallery

13. Woodwork and Furniture Gallery

14. Musical Gallery

15. Garment Gallery 

16. Miscellaneous Gallery

These galleries hold items of historical importance. There is also a section of Gallery of the Month, which shows special and unique items.

Things to do at Albert Hall Museum

A visit to this treasure trove of ancient Rajput history is recommended to every history lover and avid backpacker. Also called as Royal Albert Museum, it has a very precious collection of artefacts brought from different regions of the world that are divided over a whopping 16 art galleries! The 16 extensive galleries are: 

Metal Art Gallery

Houses a vast collection of 19th century including salvers, vessels, rare salvers with zodiac signs, shields of Mahabharata, Ramayana and Ashwa-medh, brass, zinc and bronze figures etc.

Arms and Armour Gallery

Weapons used by Mughals, Rajputs, Iranians, Hyderabadis, Turkish and Arab soldiers including bows, arrows, spears, helmets, Tiger knives, swords, Karanshihi work in gold and silver, Arabic calligraphy and more.

Pottery Gallery

Exquisite collection of Indian pottery belonging to the 19th century, special Blue pottery of Jaipur, glazed pottery of Delhi, Multan and Sindh and unglazed collection from Hyderabad, Bikaner etc.

Sculptures Gallery

A fine collection of statues belonging to different centuries including a stone statue of Lord Shiva from the 8th century, a 4th-century statue of a Yakshi, a Black stone sculpture of Chaturbhuj Vishnu and so on.

Miniature Paintings Gallery

This is exclusive for the display of a collection of royal portraits of royal Maharajas of Jaipur.

There are miniature paintings on various themes from the Mewar School such as Malti Madhava, Panchtantra, Krishna Avtar Charitra, etc. It also encloses a big compilation of miniature paintings of Persia. Other paintings you can spot are Jain paintings on wood with lacquer, scenes from Ramayana, royal paintings, paintings from Jaipur School, Ragmala paintings and more.

Clay Art Gallery

A vast collection of clay figures from the 19th century including figures with a range of Yogic postures, traditional masks, craft-making activities, professional castes, sociological themes etc. 

Marble Art Gallery

An exotic collection of Indian stone sculptures that earlier belonged to temples, sculptures carved by artisans, other idols including Nav Grahas, Lord Ganesh, Shiv Pariwar, Jain Tirthankars.

International Art Gallery

The museum also has a nice collection of International art such as Japanese dolls of the 19th century, Pharaonic antiquities 11th-1st century B.C, huge Nepalese brass Buddha, Egyptian Mummy belonging to 322-30 B.C, pottery etc.

Ivory Gallery

Interesting collection of Ivory statues such as Lady with a bird, Lady with a mirror, Man with a lotus, Cylindrical Medicine Box, Lor Shiva Statue, Dancing Lady and so on.

Jewellery Gallery

It showcases a collection of jewellery of the Royal family, elite class as well as peasants. There is a collection of expensive and inexpensive jewellery such as waist belts, rings, ear rings, bracelets, ear studs, foot ornaments etc. It has all the ornaments worn by peasants that were made of silver and brass.

Furniture & Wooden Art Gallery

Special furniture with wood carving from Kashmir and Jaipur. There are other wooden artifacts including door, almirah, drummer, elephant with mahawat, boar box etc

Coins Gallery

This interesting gallery is fascinating to see as it showcases coins belonging to different centuries such as 3rd century, 4th century, 11th century etc. You can experience the evolution of currency. Spot Mughal coins, Punch Marked Coin, Indian States Coin, Delhi Sultanate Coin, British India Coin- Gupta Dynasty coin etc.

Musical Instruments Gallery

The collection of antique Indian musical instruments such as Ravan Hatha, Chouteau, Karana, Masak, Bankia, Shehanai, Rabab, pungi can be spotted here.

Garments Gallery

Here are displayed the Victorian casual wear, the royal traditional dresses of various ceremonies. You can also spot different kinds of textiles and garments including Old Sanganeri prints, Kotadoria, Bandhish work, Gota work, embroidery, lace and so on.

Carpet Gallery

The collection has the ‘Persian Garden Carpet’ which is a must-see. The gallery also has an amazing collection of different kinds of carpets such as Circular carpet, Circular carpet with Mughal pattern, Old woolen carpet, Prayer mat with rectangular design, a small doormat and more.

Miscellaneous Gallery

This gallery is mizh-mash of everything and showcases several things such as Lacquered Country Cart, Kanishka Coin, raditional Male Attire, Male Dancing figure, Carved Wooden Door etc. 

Besides the museum, other attractions here at this complex are a zoo, a greenhouse, an aviary, and a sports ground. Kids can enjoy a live puppet show that is put up every day for tourists. It gives a little glimpse into the lives of local people and their craft of making puppets.

Prime attractions of Jaipur Albert Hall Museum

The building and its magnificent architecture itself is the main attraction for visitors. The elaborate carvings of Albert Hall as well as the distinctive ‘Chatri’ style towers reflecting impeccable artistry attract visitors from far and wide. 

Egyptian Mummy 
Egyptian Mummy kept in Albert Hall Museum

The most famous attraction of the museum is the sarcophagus of an Egyptian Mummy. Enclosed in a glass case and preserved for many centuries, it attracts thousands of visitors annually to just take a glimpse of what a mummy looks like. An x-ray of the Mummy was performed in 2011 with the bones still seen intact. You can also read about the process of mummification at this museum.

Persian carpet 

The museum has the ‘Persian Garden Carpet’ which is the best example of stunning Persian carpets in the world. Purchased at the time of Mirza Raja Jai Singh I in 1632 A.D., the carpet depicts the scene of a Persian garden. It is divided into four parts which are subdivided into many sections. Each part with different colours makes the carpet look magnificent. Fishes, birds, turtles and other Chinese animals can also be seen.

Albert hall Museum Night view

People buy night tickets to watch the museum at night. During night, the museum takes on a whole new facade as the entire building lits up and glows with yellow lights, which looks extremely beautiful. You can relax in the gardens with the stunning view of Albert Hall in the backdrop. With hues of purple, pink, orange and blue, you can completely soak in the splendidness of Albert Hall Museum in Jaipur.

Albert hall Museum Night view

The top artefacts to check at Albert Museum are a horse puzzle having different human faces, a Mahabharat vessel, a Persian hukkah of 19th century, perfume box with compass, water vessel of the past, toilet box, Jain incense burner, and others. 

Entry Fees for Albert Hall Museum

Indians: INR 40/ Person

Indian Students: INR 20/ Person

Foreign Tourists: INR 300/ Person

Foreign Students: INR 150/ Person

You can also buy a composite ticket for Amber Fort, Albert Hall, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh Fort, Vidyadhar Garden, Sisodia Rani garden and Isarlat. The ticket lasts for 48 hours. This will cost you a better value.

Albert Hall Museum Jaipur Composite Entry Ticket 

Indians: INR 300 per person

Indian Students: INR 40 per person

Foreign Tourists: INR 1000 per person

Foreign Students: INR 200 per person

Composite entry tickets are available only at the premises of Amber Fort, Albert Hall, Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar.

Albert Hall Museum Jaipur Night Visit Entry Ticket 

Indians: INR100/ person

Indian Students: INR100/ person

Foreign Tourists: INR100/ person

Foreign Students: INR100/ person

Free entry for Children below 7 years. Entry for Student groups shall be free on the recommendation of their respective Institute

Entry of all visitors is free on the following days:

30 March on Rajasthan Day

18 April on World Heritage Day

18 May on World Museum Day

27 September on World Tourism Day  

Guide availability

Physical guides are not available here. Audio guides are available near the ticket counter. The Audio Guide is available at Rs.171 for foreign visitors and Rs.114  for domestic visitors.

Visiting Hours

Albert Hall Museum is open on all days of week.

The daytime visiting timings are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm 

Night Visit is from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Students free visiting hours every day between 10.00 to 12.00 am 

On Holi, the museum remains closed as it is the local holiday of Jaipur. The last Tuesday of each month from October to March, the museum remains closed on an account of maintenance. Also, the last Monday of each month from April to September, the Museum remains closed for maintenance.

Time Required to visit 

1-2 hours

Albert Hall Museum Jaipur Contact 

0141 2570 099

Location of Albert Hall Museum

This historical center is located in the Ram Niwas Garden, right outside the city wall and next to the Jaipur zoo.

Albert Hall Museum Jaipur Address 

Ram Niwas Garden, Ashok Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302001, India

How to Reach Albert Hall Museum

The Albert Hall is located near Ajmeri Gate, in Ramniwas Bagh, Jaipur. The easiest way to reach the hall is to grab a taxi or hire a cab. Buses are also available from various parts of the city to the museum. 

The museum is only 2 km from Merta Road Junction Railway Station. While the distance between the Jaipur Railway Station and Albert Hall Museum is 5 km which is only a 6 minutes drive. It is 10 km from Jaipur Airport, which takes hardly 22 minutes to reach the museum.

Best time to visit

Best book your tickets to see Albert Hall museum, one of the top attractions of Jaipur between October and March. When it comes to the best time of the day, evening time is the best as the building looks stunning when it lits up with yellow lights.

Places to eat near Albert Hall Museum 

Jaipur is famous for its delicious stretch of cuisine and you can get a flavor of it near Albert Hall as well.

Masala Chowk: It is one of the most popular chaupati of Jaipur. This is heaven for all street-food lovers. It is approximately 200 metres from the museum. It is an excellent eatery every traveller definitely loves. 

Suraj Dhaba: if you feel like eating at an authentic Indian dhaba, Suraj Dhaba should be your choice. You will enjoy the look and feel of this place with a typical dhaba-style food and layout. It is approximately 100 metres from this place.

Indian Coffee House: It is one of the best places to visit to Check out the different brews of coffee. This quaint cafe is just about 200 metres from the museum.

Café Coffee Day (CCD): The famous CCD is located around 300 meters from Albert Hall Museum is a great place to simply hang out with your friends and sip of some cool and hot beverages.

Shreenath Lassiwale: Enjoy a thick concoction of curd and sugar served in typical ‘Kulhad’ of India. One glass is enough to fill your stomach. It is located around 1 km from the museum.

Whether it is for a short visit to the city or a long vacation, Albert Hall Museum in Jaipur is a not-to-be-overlooked place. It is certainly a great place to get a peek into the history and ancient culture of India. 

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