For The Perpetually Curious: Have You Been To These 7 Magnificent Museums In Shillong?!

Much revered for its deserving to be revered natural beauty, some often overlook the rich culture, heritage, and history associated with Shillong. The Meghalayan capital is replete with a wide array of museums. The city’s proud history is perfectly preserved within the fascinating museums in Shillong. Make a note of these places where the richness of this city comes to life!

1. Don Bosco Centre For Indigenous Cultures

North East India has always had a rich cultural heritage. This seven storied museum and cultural centre aims to preserve and promote the storied past of Meghalaya and neighbouring states. Replete with cultural artefacts, paintings, and housing a huge library, the Don Bosco centre is a historical paradise and a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone who walks through its doors. 

Location | Mawlai
Museum Timings | Monday - Saturday (Summer: 9 AM to 5:30 PM; Winter: 9 AM to 4:30 PM)

2. Air Force Museum

Picture Credits: Sugata Banerji

A source of pride for any Indian, this museum is dedicated to the Indian Air Force and displays a number of plane models, weapons, and souvenirs. Depicting the history of the Indo-China War as well as the Indo-Pakistan War, a visit to this museum is sure to stir up the patriotism in all Indians. With Air Force uniforms, missiles, and rockets also on show, this one of a kind museum is a must visit.

Location | Police Market Road
Museum Timings | Daily 9 AM to 5 PM

3. Wankhar Entomology Museum

Picture Credits: Meghalaya Tourism

A remarkable private museum, it is touted to be the only museum in India dedicated to moths, insects, and butterflies. The museum might only span one solitary room, but the owner’s collection of a wide variety of insect species is something to marvel at. Lying just 2kms away from the bustling Police Bazaar, there is no reason to not pay a visit to this unique exhibition of insects.

Location | Riatsamthiah
Museum Timings | Monday - Saturday 11 AM to 4 PM

4. Ever Living Museum

Combining nature, history, tradition, and culture, the Ever Living Museum is a major attraction for tourists as well as locals. The museum is located in a lush garden circled by a variety of trees, orchids, and flowers. Everything from handicrafts to fossils to weaponry to ancient utensils to musical instruments is available here under one roof. Delve into the Meghalayan culture with a visit to the Ever Living Museum!

Location | East Khasi Hills District
Museum Timings | Monday - Friday 11 AM to 5 PM; Saturday & Sunday 11 AM to 6 PM

5. Rhino Heritage Museum

Picture Credits: adorkhunimei

Located near the Military Hospital, this museum captures the history of the military as well as of the local culture. The museum complex has historical significance as during World War II, Japanese prisoners were detained on this site. The Rhino Heritage Museum is filled with a number of weapons like machine guns and rifles, originally developed by superpowers like China among others.

Location | Bara Bazaar
Museum Timings | Daily 10 AM to 5 PM

6. Zoological Museum

Managed by the North East Regional Center of Zoological Survey of India, the Zoological Museum displays the beautiful and at times, unusual fauna of the North East region of India. A reputed library is also located on the site of the museum. The library is a collection of a number of national as well as international journals which offers an uncomparable understanding of the richness of fauna life in the region.

Location | Risa Colony
Museum Timings | Monday - Saturday 10 AM to 5:30 PM 

7. Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum

Picture Credits: Kiran Sharma

A part of the State Central Library complex, the Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum offers insights into the tribal life in Meghalaya. The major tribes of the state, namely- Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo are all represented in this museum. A number of artefacts including- cloth, hand woven baskets, pottery, local weapons, tribal attire are on display at this fascinating museum. Many of the items on show are also available to be bought by the visitors.

Location | Secretariat Hills
Museum Timings | Daily 10 AM to 4 PM

So, what are you waiting for! Take a jaunt to these unique museums in Shillong and be fascinated by the stories that emanate from these extraordinary exhibitions of culture, history, and heritage.