6 Galleries And Museums To Visit When In The Culturally Rich City Of Varanasi

According to Mark Twain “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legends and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” Varanasi is rich in history, culture and tradition and if you're a tourist in the city, a visit to these historical centres is a must!  

1. Bharat Kala Museum

Located in the Bharat Hindu University, Bharat Kala Museum is an art and archeological museum. It's home to a rare collection of Rajasthani, Gujarati and Pahari miniature paintings, Hindu and Buddhist sculptures, manuscripts, artefacts, mughal miniatures, brocade textiles, bronze statues, ivory goods, jewellery and the list just goes on. Head to this museum to get a look at a total of over 1,03,476 items on display and to learn more about the artistic side of our country.

Location | Semi Circle Road 3, Kabir Colony, Banaras Hindu University Campus
Check Out Their Website | http://www.bhu.ac.in/kala/index_bkb.htm

2. Ramnagar Fort Museum

Ramnagar Fort Museum is also known as Saraswati Bhawan. The museum is located in the Darbar Hall of the fort and houses a rare collection of American vintage cars, bejeweled sedan chairs, elephant saddles, textiles and costumes, armoury from Africa and Burma, ornate hookahs, daggers, a rare astronomical clock and much more. Let’s just say you have to see it to believe it!

Location | Kila Road, Ramnagar Crossing
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/Ramnagar-Fort-927066754060346/

3. Government Museum

The Government Museum exhibits various artefacts and antiquities. The collection at this museum also consists of a number of relics excavated from Mathura region along with terracotta bowls, pottery, coins and bronze items. The main attraction at this museum are the sculptures found in Mathura some of which even date back to 3rd century BC.

Location | Mathura Road

4. Kriti Gallery 

Kriti Gallery exhibits paintings, photographs, sculptures and even performing arts of Indian and International artists. Petra and Navneet the owners of the gallery also run an artist residency program. The exhibitions screening various artworks changes continuously, there are various discussions about different types of arts, films screenings and a variety of other events. What’s more is that you can even have a chat with the resident artists. So explore your love of art at this gallery the next time you are in Varanasi. 

Location | Rathyatra - Mahmoorganj Rd, Sri Nagar, Mahmoorganj
Check Out Their Website | http://www.kritigallery.com/default.aspx

5. Ruchika Art Gallery

Ruchika Art Gallery is owned by Ruchika Mehrotra who specializes in Varanasi Ghats, Ganesha series and antique creations. The paintings at this gallery are embodied with the essence of Varanasi and the Indian culture. The host is sweet and friendly and can help you understand her art better. She can also give you tips for your own work and help you pick some paintings, if you like any.

Location | 1 Ground floor, Shwetabh Building, Near Sankat Mochan Mandir and Lanka Post Office, Lanka Road
Check Out Their Website | http://ruchikaartgallery.weebly.com/

6. Sarnath Archaeological Museum

Home to over 6832 sculptures and artefacts, this is the oldest site museum of the Archaeological Survey Of India. The museum is composed of 5 galleries and 2 verandahs exhibiting artefacts, sculptures and edifices excavated from Sarnath. It also consists of various Buddha and Bodhisattva images and remains, Buddhist artefacts, various Hindu and Buddhist sculptures and most importantly the Lion Capital Of Ashoka. This museum is a must visit to witness the ancient and beautiful items that have been found in Sarnath.

Location | Sarnath
Check Out Their Website | http://www.sarnathmuseumasi.org/

Explore away!