Shillong is the capital city of Meghalaya, an elevation of about 1,491m above sea level. The tourist spot frequently visited by lots of travellers every year. There is numerous reason to visit this beautiful city but the maximum number of tourist came here for its alluring list of Museums. You can see a large collection of antique items from the pre-independence period that still preserved here. Further, if you want to take a true glimpse of Meghalaya rich heritage and culture, then it will a perfect place for every tourist. So here is a list of top 5 most visited museums in Shillong with detailed information.
Don Bosco Museum
Don Bosco Museum welcomes all art enthusiasts and history buffs with open arms. Having a large collection of handicrafts, artefacts, attires, ornaments and weapons, it is one of the most famous museums in Shillong as well as in entire Meghalaya. It is a seven-story building with various art galleries that represent the art and culture of 8 states of northeast India.
Situated in the premises of Sacred Heart Church, it displays the cultural side of the entire north-eastern region. Further, there are about seventeen galleries which have a rare collection of antique paintings and fibreglass items. So overall a great site to behold in Shillong if you want to explore beautiful insight of Meghalaya Culture.
- Address: Mawlai Phudmuri, Mawlai Mawdatbaki, Shillong – 793008
- Timings : 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Closed: Sunday
- Time Required: 2 to 4 hours
- Entry Fee: Rs.100 for Indians, Rs. 200 for Foreigners
Also Read: Famous Waterfalls in Meghalaya
Rhino Heritage Museum
Situated near Military Hospital about a distance of 3 km from Shillong bus stand, Rhino Heritage Museum is dedicated to the army personnel. It is the only war museums in North East India that houses military weapons, medals and photographs of army soldiers and other personnel. The museum was built in the year 1928 and later renovated and inaugurated by Lt. Gen Shokin Chauhan, director general, Assam Rifles.
Get its named after a pink coloured rhinoceros sculpture installed outside the premises. Further, there are different galleries which display army weapons of other countries like Japan, China and Iraq. The newly renovated Rhino Heritage Museum also showcases the rich history of headquarters 101 area and its units. So there is no doubt it is one of the best museums that you have to must visit at least once.
- Address: Zigzag Rd, Ïewduh, Bara Bazar, Shillong, 793004
- Timings : 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed: Thursday
- Time Required: 1 hours
- Entry Fee: Rs.50 per person
Air Force Museum
Air Force Museum is another prominent tourist spot which is located in the complex of Eastern Air Command. The museum houses various aircraft models including rockets, missiles, miniatures and fighter planes. It also exhibits pictures of Indo-China and Indo-Pak war. Further, it is an ideal location for photography and a perfect place for every one point of view including adults as well as kids.
The museum also has a section devoted to musical instruments. A souvenir and gift shop in the museum complex allows you to carry back some of the memorabilia copies of the museum displays. An inspiring place, the Air Force Museum is a great place to visit during your Shillong trip.
- Address: 7th mile, HQ, EAC, Shillong, Meghalaya 793005
- Timings : 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed: Monday
- Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
Captain Williamson Sangma State Museum
Located in the State Central Library complex, Sangma State Museum lies in the East Khasi Hills District of Shillong. Run by the Art and Culture Department of Meghalaya, it gives you an insight of tribal culture, history and lifestyle of communities leaving here. Having a large collection of ethnic handicrafts, animals, plants and archaeological objects, it is a great site to be explored in Shillong for all history buffs. Further, the museum also houses the statues and shrines related to patriots who battled for the state.
- Address: HV9M+RGW, Secretariat Hills, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001
- Timings: 10 AM – 4:00 PM
- Closed: Saturday & Sunday
- Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
- Entry Fee: Rs.5 per person
Butterfly Museum (Wankhar Entomology Museum)
Also known as entomological museum, it is located at a distance of 2 km from Police Bazar on the main Jaiaw Road. The museum has an array of various varieties of butterflies, gruesome Rhinoceros beetles and incredible stick insects from all over the country, which have all been displayed in a room. It is one of the most preferred museums for those who are travelling with their kids. Visiting this museum feels like you are in the World of butterflies that would be an amazing moment for you.
- Address: East Khasi Hills District, Shillong 793001
- Timings:
- Monday to Friday- 10 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Closed: Sunday
- Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
- Entry Fee: Rs.50 for Indians, Rs. 100 for Foreigners
So these are the most visited museums in Meghalaya and most of them lie in Shillong. Without exploring these museums your holiday trip to Shillong would be incomplete.
Also Read: 9 BEST Places to Visit in Shillong