Located at the southern end of the Dighalipukhuri tank in the heart of Guwahati, the Assam State Museum offers you a fascinating look into the region's rich heritage. Originally established in 1940 as the Assam Provincial Museum by the Kamarupa Anusandhan Samiti under founder and president Kanaklal Barua, it was later taken over by the Assam State Government in 1953. When you visit, you will encounter very rare collections thoughtfully displayed across several specialized sections, including Epigraphy, Natural History, Art and Crafts, Anthropology and Folk Art, Arms, and a Miscellaneous gallery.
A major highlight of the museum is its impressive sculpture collection, which showcases regional craftsmanship categorized into four distinct mediums: stone, wood, metal, and terracotta. Beyond the exhibit halls, the museum features a rich library established in 1985. Here, you can browse stenographic collections alongside diverse periodicals, journals, and books covering mythology, biography, art, culture, encyclopedic works, and official Asiatic Society journals.
Whether you are exploring historical weaponry, intricate regional artwork, or ancient epigraphy, this central Guwahati institution provides an enriching cultural stop during your travels through Assam.
What to see at Assam State Museum
- Rare regional sculptures crafted from stone, wood, metal, and terracotta
- Diverse exhibit sections including Epigraphy, Natural History, and Arms
- Specialized galleries for Anthropology, Folk Art, and Art and Crafts
- Onsite library established in 1985 featuring Asiatic Society journals
Visiting tips
Remember that the museum is closed on Mondays, the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, and official Government Holidays.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: 10:00am
How to get there & what’s nearby
Assam State Museum is easy to reach on Guwahati’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra and Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Guwahati travel guide.
See the full Guwahati travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.