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Famous Museums And Art Galleries
Shimla State Museum
Shimla State Museum, opened in 1974, is located atop a hill
in a typical colonial building called Inveraram. It is bit
of a work to reach the museum since it requires a hike of
1500 m. Still, once you are there, you will not regret
putting in so much of effort, for there is a large
collection of exquisite items (around 2000), waiting to
greet you. There are ancient historical sculptures,
paintings, coins, photos and numerous other items from all
over the state as well as outside it. However, what is most
exciting to see is the pahari miniature paintings. These
paintings were the last to develop in north India before the
British took control of the region. There is also a library
here which houses a good collection of historical books and
manuscripts.
The Museum is open between 10 am to 1.30 pm and then from 2
to 5 pm everyday except Mondays and second Saturday of every
month..
Kangra Art Gallery
This Art Gallery is located in the main shopping centre of
Dharamshala, Kotwali Bazaar. The gallery was inaugurated in
the year 1990 and is open from 10 in the morning to 5 in the
evening. The collection of the gallery include of
sculptures, pottery and anthropological items. Apart from
this other items on display include embroidered costumes,
woodcarvings and jewelleries of the tribal people along with
shamianas used by the local royalty, jali's, pandals and
lintels. A section of the gallery highlights the works of
contemporary artists and photographers while yet another
section houses a library.
Bhuri Singh Museum
This museum is named after the ruler of Chamba who was in
charge of the region during the period of 1904 to 1919. The
museum was opened in the year 1908 , however the building
you see today was constructed in the year 1975. Items on
display include the family paintings of Bhuri Singh,
embroidered Chamba rumaals, coins, hill jewellery and
costumes- both traditional and royal, arms and armour,
musical instruments and numerous decorative objects. The
Chamba rumaals will hold your attention a lot since their
design were made by the pahari painters but the embroidery
itself was done by the household ladies. There are also
carved doors from old palaces and frescoes to be seen.
The museum is open from 10 in the morning to 5 in the
evening everyday except Mondays. It is also closed on the
Gazetted holidays.
Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery
Located in Naggar in the Kullu district of Himachal, the
Roerich Art Gallery is named after a Russian who settled
down at Naggar after the revolution of 1917. The gallery
displays his as well as his son's art work. His paintings
depict deep mountains. Apart from the painting, there are
also few photographs to be seen in the museum where he poses
along with respected visiting dignitaries like former Indian
Prime Minister, Jawahar Lal Nehru.
The museum is open from 9 am to 1 pm and then from 2 to 5
pm. There is a small entry fee of around 10 rupees charged
at the entrance.
Uruswati Himalayan Folk Art Museum
A little distance away from the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery
is the Uruswati Himalayan Folk Art Museum. This museum is
located on the estate of Roerich and has tall deodar trees
surrounding it. This museum was established by Madame
Nicholas Roerich in 1928 and houses a pretty decent
collection of local folk art, costumes, Roerich paintings
and paintings by his Russian disciples. There is also a
small gallery featuring Russian folk art. If you are
interested in knowing more about Roerich and his work, then
there is a counter selling postcards and few books on his
works.
Even if the collection of the museum does not seem inspiring
for you, you can very well visit it because the walk to the
museum and the serene surrounding there is tremendously
delightful. The museum is open from 9 am to 1 pm and then
from 2 to 5 pm. A small entry fee of rupees ten is charged
at the entrance.
Library of Tibetan Work and Archives
The Library of Tibetan Work and Archives is the result of
the vision of the His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet.
The Library is located within the premises of the compound
of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile in Mc Leodganj in
Dharamshala. The exhibits of the library include 80,000
manuscripts, books and documents, hundreds of thangkas,
statues and other artifacts, 6,000 photographs and other
materials.
The library, basically is a centre that aims to preserve and
spread the Tibetan culture. It also aims to create an
environment where knowledge is exchanged without any
restrictions between students and scholars.
The timing of the library varies a bit at different time of
the year. Between the months of April to September it is
open from 9 am to 5. 30 pm while between October to March,
the timings are reduced by half an hour in the evening, that
is it is between 9 am to 5 pm.
Sobha Singh Art Gallery
This art centre is housed in the cottage of the renowned
painter Shobha Singh who has been conferred upon with many
rewards and recognitions. He has also been the proud
recipient of the Punjab's art council's highest award as
well as the the prestigious Padam Shri. The gallery displays
his paintings of Sikh Gurus, Sri Krishna, Sri Rama, Sheikh
Farid and Jesus Christ. |
