Museums in Varanasi

• Timings : 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (every day except Friday)

The Archaeological Museum in Sarnath offers a glimpse into India's Buddhist past and ancient heritage. Established in 1910 by the Archaeological Survey of India, it is the oldest site museum in the country. The museum was designed by Sir John Marshall, the then Director-General of ASI, with the intent to house and preserve the invaluable artifacts unearthed from the archaeological site of Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.

The museum's collection includes sculptures, inscriptions, and relics dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 12th century CE, most of which were excavated from the surrounding ruins of Sarnath. The most iconic piece here is the Lion Capital of Ashoka, carved from a single block of sandstone. This magnificent sculpture, now India's National Emblem, once crowned the Ashokan Pillar.

This museum in Varanasi has five galleries and two verandahs, where visitors can witness artifacts like images of Buddha in various postures, including the famed Dharmachakra Pravartan Mudra (teaching gesture), carvings of Bodhisattvas, wall paintings (friezes) depicting scenes from Buddha's life, toranas (gateway elements), architectural remains of stupas and monasteries, and Brahmanical and Jain sculptures, reflecting the religious diversity of ancient Varanasi.

• Timings : 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (every day)

Located within the historic Ramnagar Fort, the Saraswati Bhawan Museum offers a peek into the regal legacy of Varanasi's erstwhile Maharajas. Once the Durbar Hall or Public Audience Hall of the fort, this unique museum in Varanasi today houses a collection that reflects royal grandeur, fine craftsmanship, and a touch of the eccentric. Among the museum's highlights are rare American vintage cars, ivory items, and palanquins. There are also elephant saddles carved from silver, ornate chairs, and garments made from kimkhwab silk, woven by Varanasi's finest artisans.

The museum also displays a collection of medieval weaponry, from swords and daggers to antique firearms, sourced from Africa, Burma, and Japan. One of the most intriguing exhibits is a rare astronomical clock built in 1852, which not only tells time but also displays the date, month, year, and astronomical positions of celestial bodies. There is also a collection of manuscripts, including Mughal miniature-illustrated texts and over 500 Islamic illustrations, each adorned with rich borders and floral motifs.

• Timings : 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. (Tuesday to Sunday)

Located above the peaceful Boondi Parkota Ghat, close to Brahma Ghat, the Kashi Dham Museum is a special place that brings together the history, culture, and spiritual traditions of Varanasi. As you enter through its beautifully carved gate, you'll first see a 400-year-old temple dedicated to Laleshwar Mahadev. Just nearby, walls display the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are important symbols in Hinduism.

Inside the museum, creative displays and interactive exhibits tell the story of Varanasi. A large Nataraj statue (a dancing form of Lord Shiva) welcomes visitors. One can see beautiful wall paintings showing everyday life in Varanasi, like sadhus at the ghats, people playing chess, and local markets. Short films on Varanasi's traditional arts, such as toy-making, silk weaving, and even stories from Hindu mythology, like how the Ganga River came to Earth from Lord Shiva's hair, are also screened in the museum. One interesting highlight of the museum is the interactive display where you place wooden blocks in certain spots to reveal stories about Varanasi's famous personalities, gods, and legends.