Whether you are looking to get lost in art or want to get intrigued by the wonders of the human body, Bangalore’s museum scene is pretty exciting and diverse. These museums are not just for kids and parents but for everyone across all age groups. Wander around at these museums in the city for inspiration and of course appreciation. From modern art and science to engineering and the human body, the following are the best museums in Bangalore.
Overview
1. NIMHANS Brain Museum
2. Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath
3. National Gallery Of Modern Art
4. Indian Music Experience Museum
5. Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum
6. Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
7. Museum of Art & Photography
8. HAL Heritage Centre And Aerospace Museum
Here’s A List Of The Best Museums In Bangalore
1. NIMHANS Brain Museum : Get Direction
The NIMHANS Brain Museum houses over 400 brain specimens collected over four decades, making it truly one-of-a-kind. Guided tours take you through the fascinating collection, explaining the processes behind each display. Alongside human brains, you’ll also find animal specimens and exhibits showcasing the stages of brain development. The museum further features brains affected by conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Cerebral Palsy — offering a rare glimpse into the complexities of the human mind.
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Timings:
Wednesday from 2.30 PM to 4:30 PM and Saturday from 10.30 AM to 4.30 PM
Price: Free Entry
2. Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath : Get Direction
Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath is Bengaluru’s leading art and culture hub, home to 13 museums filled with rare and fascinating works. From traditional Indian paintings and puppet art to masterpieces by Russian artists Nicholas Roerich and Svetoslav Roerich, the collection is truly diverse. You’ll also find treasures like H.J. Kejriwal’s donated artworks, Dr. Krishna Reddy’s viscosity printmaking collection, and over 100 19th-century pieces at the Mysore Traditional Museum. After exploring, don’t miss a stop at the stationery store — and wrap up your visit with a crispy dosa at the CKP canteen.
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Timings: Open all through the week from 10 AM to 7 PM
Price: Free Entry
3. National Gallery Of Modern Art : Get Direction
Set amidst lush greenery, the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) is one of Bengaluru’s finest cultural landmarks — and even doubles as a charming date spot. Housed in the beautifully restored, two-story colonial-era Manikyavelu Mansion, it attracts everyone from passionate art lovers sketching on weekends to Instagram creators capturing the perfect reel. The gallery features permanent collections with works by legends like Amrita Sher-Gil, Raja Ravi Varma, and the Tagores — Abanindranath, Gaganendranath, and Rabindranath. During our visit, Nandalal Bose’s iconic Haripura Panels were on display. Before leaving, make sure to browse the museum store for stunning art prints.
Google Rating: 4.3/5
Timings: Closed on Mondays. Open from 11 AM to 6 PM on the rest of the days
Price: INR 20 for Indian nationals
Indian Music Experience Museum : Get Direction
The Indian Music Experience Museum (IME), India’s first and only interactive music museum, celebrates the country’s rich and diverse musical heritage. Its multimedia galleries, interactive sound garden, music learning centre, and performance spaces make it a truly immersive experience. A highlight is the Instruments Gallery, which showcases over 100 musical instruments from across India — detailing their origins, craftsmanship, and playing styles. Don’t miss rare gems like the peacock-shaped mayura veena and the snake-shaped nagphani.
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Timings: Closed on Mondays. Open 10 AM to 6 PM on weekdays and 11 AM to 7 PM on weekends.
Price: INR 100 upwards
5. Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum : Get Direction
Funded by the Ministry of Culture, the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum (VITM) is a Bengaluru landmark you can’t miss. Spread across multiple levels, it brings science and technology to life — from a towering 3D mechanised Spinosaurus to a replica of the Wright Brothers’ Flyer suspended dramatically from the ceiling. Explore vintage locomotives with diesel and steam engines, interactive exhibits showcasing vortexes and hyperbolas, and hands-on activities like creating liquid paintings or 3D shadows. Don’t leave without checking out the Mars Rover model and the fascinating biotechnology wing.
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Timings: 9:30 AM to 6 PM on all days
Price: INR 85 upwards
6. Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium : Get Direction
The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is one of the city’s coolest spots for stargazing and space exploration. Weekdays see busloads of school kids on field trips, while weekends attract families eager to learn about the cosmos. The planetarium screens engaging shows like To Worlds Beyond, Journey Through the Solar System, and Celestial Fireworks during the week, with an additional weekend special — Dawn of the Space Age — available in both Kannada and English. Tickets can be booked on BookMyShow or purchased directly at the box office.
Google Rating: 4.4/5
Timings: Closed on Mondays and second Tuesdays, and two shows for the rest of the days, starting at 10:30 AM
Price: INR 75 for adults and INR 50 for kids below 16 and above 3
7. Museum of Art & Photography : Get Direction
The Museum of Art & Photography (MAP), one of Bengaluru’s newest cultural landmarks, sits right opposite the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum. Spanning 44,000 square feet across multiple floors, it houses a growing collection of over 60,000 South Asian works of art, some dating back to the 10th century. Alongside its permanent collection, MAP hosts dynamic exhibitions and installations — recent highlights include Zobop by Jim Lambie and Outside In featuring Meera Mukherjee and Jaidev Baghel. Beyond art, the museum offers an auditorium, a research library, an education centre, a conservation facility, and even a terrace café.
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Timings: Open 10 AM to 6:30 PM on weekdays (closed on Mondays) and 10 AM to 7:30 PM on weekends
Price: Free entry except for exhibitions, and free entry for all exhibitions on Tuesdays from 2 to 6:30 PM
8. HAL Heritage Centre And Aerospace Museum : Get Direction
India’s first aerospace museum, the HAL Heritage Centre and Aerospace Museum, is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts. The museum is divided into two wings — one tracing the evolution of aerospace since the 1940s through art and history, and the other showcasing models of aircraft, helicopters, and engines used by the Indian Air Force. You’ll also find engaging displays that explain how aircraft engines work. Outdoors, marvel at life-size models of the Marut, MIG-21, Kiran, and Ajeet, along with spacecraft exhibits. To top it off, there’s a basic flight simulator and even a mock air traffic control tower for a hands-on experience.
Google Rating: 4.4/5
Timings: Open all days from 9 AM to 4:30 PM
Price: INR 50 for adults
From art and heritage to science and innovation, Bengaluru’s museums offer something for every curious mind. Whether you’re exploring centuries-old traditions or the future of technology, each space is a reminder that the city is not just India’s tech hub, but also a vibrant cultural capital waiting to be discovered.