Art Galleries & Museums

Nagaland State Museum, which holds exhibit of the evolution of Naga culture, is known as one of the major attractions in Kohima as well as Nagaland. Tourists visiting this museum can see the tribal habitats that are pre-dominant in the eastern territories of India.

One of the major attractions of this museum is the collection of rare artefacts of all the 16 tribes that inhabit the state. Some of the artefacts exhibited in this museum are clan motifs, precious stones, necklaces, traditional attires and inscriptions.

Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms, also known as the Government Institute of Cottage Industries, was established in 1957. Located at a distance of half km from the main market of city, the foundation of this institute was laid during the reign of the Chogyals of Sikkim. The institute was started with an aim to preserve and propagate the talent and skills of local artisans.

Exceptional to Sikkim, the institute is an authentic home to traditional handlooms and handicrafts. In addition, tourists visiting the place can also see hand-woven carpets made using traditional motifs. Some of the other items available in this institute include shawls, thangka paintings, Choktse, dolls and hand-painted masks.

Luangmual Handicrafts Centre, located 7 km away from the main Aizawl town, is a popular centre specializing in handicraft objects found in the region. It is at this centre that the famous ceremonial hat, called Khumbeu is made using waterproof wild hnahthial leaves, which are found exclusively in the hilly terrain. Journey from the city centre to the site takes not more than half an hour by a car or taxi.

People's Museum is one of the prime attractions of the Kakching Town of Thoubal. Various items including pottery, basketry, wooden seat with decorative designs and musical instruments can be seen in this museum. The war and hunting instruments and fossils are also showcased in the museum. The traditional costumes of kings and tribal chiefs are displayed in the museum as well.

Timing: 1:30 pm – 5 pm (Summer)
10 am - 5 pm (Winter)

Miao Museum exhibits collection of animal specimens of Namdapha and surrounding areas. This museum is managed by the Namdapha Park authorities and is situated near the Field Director’s Office. Visitors can see the specimens of several snakes and frogs along with the bird skins, mammal pelts and skulls.

The main attraction of this museum is the skeleton of a large python, which is mounted on the wall. Furthermore, the museum houses another exhibit, which showcases the clothing and tools of local people.

Craft Centre & Ethnographic Museum, located opposite to Lower Gompa, is one of the major attractions in Bomdila. Tourists visiting this centre can see wide variety of carpets, Buddhist Thangkas (wall hangings) and handicrafts along with masks crafted by locals. In addition, the centre is famous among tourists for its dragon design carpets as well.

District Museum located in Khonsa was built in the year 1956. This museum showcases several cultural artefacts that represent various tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. The museum remains closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

Timing: 10 am – 4 pm (Monday – Friday)

Khonsa Museum holds exhibit of various bamboo and cane work handlooms along with traditional tribal artefacts. The collection of handlooms and artefacts displayed at the museum represent various regions of India. Besides, weapons and swords are also exhibited.

The District Museum, situated in Lorulangso, was established in 1886. There are around 487 artefacts of archaeological and socio-cultural importance kept on display in this museum. This museum also has a 13th century image of Lord Narasimha on display.

The collection inside the museum also includes ancient hunting tools and fishing equipment used by the local tribes. Visitors can also see different types of ornaments, handlooms, textiles, handicrafts and traditional musical instruments in the museum.

Ahom Museum is located on the banks of Sibsagar Lake of Sibsagar. Ahom Museum displays artefacts such as royal armoury, clothes, manuscripts, etc which belonged to the rulers of the Ahom dynasty.