The Allahabad Museum, nestled in the heart of Chandrashekhar Azad Park, stands as a proud custodian of one of the world’s largest and most diverse terracotta collections, preserving centuries of India’s cultural and artistic heritage under one roof.
Established in 1931 and later rebuilt and inaugurated by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947, the museum now functions as a national institution under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Among its 16 galleries, the terracotta gallery is a standout, housing thousands of rare artifacts that narrate the evolution of Indian civilization through clay.
- Artifacts from the Indus Valley to the Gupta period, excavated from historic sites such as Kausambi, Prajapati Nagar, and surrounding regions.
- A 2nd-century anatomically accurate terracotta stomach, believed to have been used for ancient medical education.
- Figurines depicting ritual scenes, hunters, dancers, animals, and deities—crafted in styles that vary by region and era.
- Some pieces date back over 4,000 years, providing insight into everyday life, faith, and artistic expression in ancient India.
The museum not only boasts terracotta but also holds rich collections in:
- Archaeology
- Natural history
- Miniature paintings
- Gandhian memorabilia
- Historic documents and sculptures
- Location: Chandrashekhar Azad Park, Kamla Nehru Road, Prayagraj (Allahabad)
- Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Entry Fee: ₹50 for Indian adults, ₹500 for foreign nationals (approximate)
