State museum Lucknow 🇮🇳

Located right in the heart of the Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Gardens in Banarasi Bagh, Lucknow, the State Museum offers you a rich journey through India's artistic and historical heritage. Established in 1863 and housed in its present building since 1963, this prominent institution lets you explore an expansive collection spanning from the prehistoric era to the nawabi period. Inside, you can wander through specialized galleries featuring ancient Stone Age tools, Indus Valley figurine plaster casts, and remarkable sculptures from the Mauryan, Sunga, Kushana, and Gupta dynasties.

Don't miss the impressive Gandharan Buddhist art, medieval Hindu god sculptures, and a vast numismatic collection tracing currency from ancient kingdoms to colonial times. You will also discover exquisite paintings, including Mughal and Pahari miniatures alongside a 15th–16th century Jain Kalpasutra manuscript. Make sure to visit the dedicated Awadh Gallery to admire cultural treasures from the era of Lucknow's nawabs, showcasing Bidri work, intricate ivory carvings, fine Chikan and Jamdani textiles, and historic oil paintings.

Rounding out your experience are displays of historic weapons, jade decorative items, and traditional Indian musical instruments like the veena and sarangi.

What to see at State museum Lucknow

• Ancient sculptures and terracottas from the Mauryan, Kushana, and Gupta periods
• Gandharan Buddhist art, including friezes and sculpted heads of Buddha
• The Awadh Gallery featuring Bidri work, ivory carvings, and local textiles
• Extensive coin collection spanning ancient kingdoms to the colonial era
• Rare manuscripts and miniatures, including Mughal court scenes and Pahari art

Visiting tips

Check out the publications counter on site to pick up museum catalogues, brochures, and research publications during your visit.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

State museum Lucknow is easy to reach on Lucknow’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Qaisar Bagh and Sikandar Bagh. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Lucknow travel guide.