Jodhpur Museums and Art Galleries

(Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India)

Spread around the Indian tourism hub of Jodhpur is a handful of museums, where local Rajasthani history is recorded for future generations. This is particularly so at the Mehrangarh Fort Museum and its extensive collection of regional treasures.

The Umaid Bhawan Palace and Museum is another very notable cultural highlight in Jodhpur and tends to draw the tourists like a magnet, as does the Sadar Government Museum in the Umaid Gardens. For a taster of contemporary Indian art, the Kaman Art Gallery on the Old Fort Road is also worthy of consideration.

Umaid Bhawan Palace and Museum

Address: Umaid Bhawan Palace, Off Palace Road, Chittar Hill, Jodhpur, India, IN
Often referred to as the Chittar Palace, due to its setting on Chittar Hill, the Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of Jodhpur's most spectacular buildings and is home to an excellent museum. Attractions at the museum include a series of photographs showing the palace over the years, including the creation of its stylish Art Deco inspired interior. Also of interest is the extensive collection of elaborately decorated antique clocks.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge

Umaid Gardens and Sadar Government Museum

Address: Umaid Gardens, High Court Road, Jodhpur, India, IN
The Sadar Government Museum is located within the beautiful Umaid Gardens and date back to the period of the Maharaja Umaid Singhji. Inside, the exhibits are fairly interesting, although not especially well labelled, and include everything from weaponry and stuffed animals, to portraits of past Indian rulers, colourful textiles, local handicrafts, models of plants and boats, and a collection of sculptures dating as far back as the 6th century.
Open hours: Saturday to Thursday - 10:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge

Mehrangarh Fort Museum

Address: Mehrangarh, Jodhpur, India, IN
Part of Jodhpur's famous Mehrangarh Fort complex, the Mehrangarh Fort Museum ranks very highly in the Rajasthan area and is extremely well thought out. Showcasing a selection of valuable treasures from Indian royalty, this leading cultural attraction is home to some exquisite and rather opulent 'howdahs' (elephant seats), as well as unusual camel-bone carpet weights, colourful costumes, antique furnishings, paintings, weaponry, turbans and the domed gilt Mahadol palanquin.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Kaman Art Gallery

Address: Old Fort Road, Jodhpur, India, IN
The Kaman Art Gallery is an impressive gallery showcasing Rajasthani modern art of all sizes and prices. Changing exhibitions feature the latest works from local contemporary Indian artists from this region and beyond. The Kaman Art Gallery is easy to find and resides within central Jodhpur, being close to the Clock Tower itself.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free