Bhubaneswar is more than just the Temple City; it has a lot more to offer. It’s a hub of vibrant culture with interesting stories waiting to be explored. Suppose you are planning to visit and want to know more about the Bhubaneswar Museums & Timings. In that case, you will have a lot to discover—history, art, tribal culture, and natural heritage—the true identity of Bhubaneswar. Each museum has something unique to offer, ranging from ancient sculptures and rare manuscripts to modern craft galleries and tribal exhibits.
In this article, I have rounded up the best 4 museums in Bhubaneswar along with their timings, key highlights, and tips to help you plan an easy and hassle-free visit.
Table of Contents
- Odisha State Museum
- Museum of Tribal Arts and Artifacts
- Regional Museum of Natural History
- Odisha Crafts Museum – Kala Bhoomi
Museums to Visit in Bhubaneswar
1. Odisha State Museum
- Why Visit: Odisha’s oldest and largest museum, housing a rich collection that includes rare manuscripts written on palm leaves, ancient coins, stone inscriptions, sculptures, natural history specimens, weaponry, minerals, tribal artifacts, and much more, spread across 20 galleries.
- Timings: Tuesday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Closed on Mondays and public holidays.
- Tip: Usually, mornings (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) tend to be less crowded.
2. Museum of Tribal Arts & Artifacts
- Why Visit: Odisha’s tribal community has a significant contribution in terms of art, culture, and weaponry. This museum offers deep insight into tribal heritage, featuring replicas of life-sized tribal huts used by communities such as the Santal, Juang, Saora, and Kandha. Moreover, it also features traditional tools, musical instruments, weapons, and ornaments.
- Timings and Entry: Every day from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Entry fee is ₹10 (free for students and special categories).
3. Regional Museum of Natural History
- Why Visit: Are you a nature or science lover? If yes, then this museum is a must-visit for you. To begin with, the museum displays the biodiversity of Odisha and eastern India, featuring a wide range of animal and plant specimens, fossils, and interactive exhibits. Moreover, visitors can also see a rare highlight for this region — the impressive skeleton of a baleen whale.
- Timings and Entry: Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Entry is free. Closed on Mondays and government Holidays.
4. Odisha Crafts Museum – Kala Bhoomi
- Why Visit: Odisha’s rich handicrafts and heritage culture are the focus of this modern museum. You’ll find galleries for terracotta, wood & stone carving, traditional painting (such as Pattachitra), metallurgy, weaving, tribal crafts, and exhibitions of traditional sarees and textiles from across Odisha. Additionally, there are workshops, cultural performances, and live craft demonstrations.
- Timings and Entry: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The entry fee is ₹50 for adults, ₹20 for students, and free for kids under 12. Closed on Mondays and national holidays.
- Tip: Best choice for a cultural outing. You can also attend a workshop or catch a live demonstration.
Explore Bhubaneswar Beyond Its Temples
To experience the city’s rich cultural roots and artistic legacy, exploring the best museums in Bhubaneswar is one of the easiest ways to do so. Whether your interest lies in natural history, tribal traditions, or traditional crafts, each museum adds new insights to your knowledge about Odisha. With accurate information about the timings and right planning, you can make the most out of your visit and enjoy an enriching day out. The next time you visit Bhubaneswar, don’t just see the city but also discover its real stories by visiting these incredible museums.
If you’re planning to explore more of the city, don’t miss our detailed guide on the top 10 tourist places to visit in Bhubaneswar – A complete travel guide.
