Albert Hall Museum in Jaipur: Tickets, Timings, & Things to Do
Jaipur has a rich history of royals and their battles, of living the virtues, of worshipping the duties, of love and honor, of attempts to break the very fabric and of triumphs and victories. Albert Hall Museum in Jaipur is where those times are preserved with precision. It is the oldest museum of the state of Rajasthan. Also, christened Government Central Museum, the museum is architecture in Indo-Saracenic style with varied classical stone ornamentation and designs from Indian, Neo-Gothic and Mughal motifs.The corridors are adorned with Murals, Persian paintings, etc. Initially meant to be a town hall, the building was finally made a museum of Jaipur art by Maharaja Madho Singh II. The building got its name after King Edward VII (Albert Edward) in whose name the foundation stone was laid in the year 1876. The building is situated in the middle of the beautifully curated huge Ram Niwas Gardens; and hundreds of pigeons on the building add nature's charm to an already stunning piece of architecture.
The Museum showcases a rich heritage collection in the form of artifacts, which include paintings, ceramics, textile, pottery, woodwork, toys, dolls, sketches, models, craft items, carpets, ivory items, stone and metal sculptures, jewelry, crystal art, musical instruments, and coins from the glorious Gupta, Kushan, Mughal, British and Delhi Sultanate rules are on display. Also on display are garments featuring local Rajasthan textile work in characteristic colors.
Surprisingly Rajasthan’s famous puppetry, Meenakari, theva enamel work, local garnet jewelry, and unique henna work is on exhibition too. The museum has been amply appreciated by renowned politicians and officials for its collection, upkeep, and meticulous restorations.
The museum houses an Egyptian mummy of the Ptolemaic Era, for history lovers, explorers, and researchers, and anyone who is curious enough. A virtual tour has been introduced for the convenience of visitors. It is a commentary about the museum’s display, history, and vast collections.
Not only the artifacts, but the architecture of the museum building also holds attention and memory space. Domes, arches, and exteriors are intricately carved in pink sandstone and can be seen from afar. The building façade is lit in the night and view of the Albert Hall Museum is a breathtaking sight to behold keeping casual visitors, photographers, filmmakers, and art lovers amused at the same time.
There are many other places worth your time near Albert Hall. The Dolls Museum, Peacock garden, Moti Dungri Temple, Jaipur Zoo, etc. These are all located in 3km radius of Albert Hall Museum. There are many good restaurants nearby that serve a wide variety of lip-smacking food. Laced with handicraft items, Rajasthan’s local tribal arts items, Bapu Bazar is a shoppers’ dream destination. Do not forget to take your shopping bags and help reduce plastic footprint.
Jaipur can be reached conveniently via air and railways. The Pink city is equally well connected by bus from various nearby cities. The museum is located near Jaipur Junction Railway Station, right in the center of the city of Jaipur at the sprawling Ram Niwas Gardens. The museum is 6 kilometers from the railway station and one can easily hire a cab. Buses are well managed and in ample to reach the museum. There are many private cab services available to move around the city. Jaipur is one of the few cities where tuk-tuks can still be seen and hired.
Best Season: Rajasthan has extremely dry and challenging climate. It is good to visit during winters when the climate is cool and pleasant.
Timings: The museum is open on all days between 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. It is closed only on Maintenance days and Holi. The Maintenance days are every Tuesday from October to March and every Monday from April to September.
Tickets: There are three categories of ticket:
1. General Entry Ticket: Indian Student: Rs.20 each; Foreign Student: Rs.150 each; Indian Visitor: Rs.40 each; Foreign Visitors: Rs.300 each.
2. A Composite Entry Ticket: Includes visits to 8 different places including Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Albert Hall Museum, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar(Observatory), Vidyadhar Gardens, Sisodia Rani Garden, Isarlat (Sargasooli). These are available only at the ticketing windows at Ambar Fort, Albert Hall, Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar (Observatory).
Indian Students: Rs. 40; Foreign Students: Rs.200; Indian Visitor: 300; Foreign Visitor: 1000
3. Night Visit Ticket (every day between 7.00PM – 10.00PM): Rs.100 for all categories.
It takes around 1.5 hours to see the complete area.
Entry is free for children below 7 years.
Things to Know:
• Entry is free for all visitors on the following days:
• 30 March – Rajasthan Day
• 18 April – World Heritage Day
• 18 May – World Museum Day
• 27 September – World Tourism Day
• There is no entry fee for Student Groups every day between 10.00 – 12.00 AM if recommended by their respective institutes.
• The Audio Guide: It is a portable pre-recorded Walkman – perfect replacement for fake tourist guides. Indian Visitors- Rs.114; Foreign Visitors – Rs.171.