Albert Hall Museum, also called the Government Central Museum, is in Ram Niwas Garden, Jaipur, Rajasthan. Its Indo-Saracenic building and collections—from miniature paintings and textiles to ancient Egyptian objects—make it a notable stop for Jaipur history.
- Location: Ram Niwas Garden, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004
- Typical visit: 1–2 hours
- Daytime hours: 09:00–17:00; night visits run 19:00–22:00
- General admission: ₹40 for Indian visitors and ₹300 for overseas visitors
The museum building and its history
Albert Hall Museum is an Indo-Saracenic landmark at the centre of Ram Niwas Garden. The Prince of Wales, Albert Edward, laid its foundation stone in 1876; architect Samuel Swinton Jacob designed the building, which was completed in 1887.
The Rajasthan State Government’s Department of Archaeology and Museums manages the museum. Its setting in the garden gives a visit an outdoor component as well as a museum focus.
Collections and galleries to look for
The Museum of India describes the collections as spread across the ground and first floors, with 15 categories ranging from metal art and pottery to jewellery, garments and textiles, musical instruments, sculptures, furniture and wooden art, carpet, international art, ivory and coins.
Highlights include an Egyptian mummy dated 322–30 B.C. and Pharaonic antiquities dated 11th–1st century B.C. Miniature paintings represent the Bundi, Kota, Kishangarh, Udaipur and Jaipur schools. Arms and armour include swords, hilts, tiger knives, helmets, javelins, bows and arrows.
Set aside 1–2 hours for an average visit. That allows time to see collections across both floors without having to rush through the range of subjects.
Tickets, hours and visitor rules
Daytime opening hours are 09:00–17:00, and night visits run 19:00–22:00. The museum is closed on Dhulandi (Holi) and maintenance days: the last Tuesday of each month from October through March, and every Monday from April through September.
Hours and closure schedules can change, so check the official site of the Rajasthan State Government’s Department of Archaeology and Museums before you go.
General admission is ₹40 for Indian visitors, ₹20 for Indian students, ₹300 for overseas visitors and ₹150 for overseas students. Night-visit admission is ₹100 for each of those four categories.
Children below 7 years old enter free, as do student groups from 10:00 to 12:00 when recommended by their institute. Free admission also applies on Rajasthan Day, World Heritage Day, World Museum Day and World Tourism Day.
Audio and visual guides and guided tours are available. Photography and videography are not permitted. Facilities include wheelchair access, restrooms, drinking water, lockers, parking, a cafeteria and a garden or picnic area.
How do you get to Albert Hall Museum from the Old City?
Albert Hall Museum is about 2.4 km from Rawla Mrignayani, a hotel in Jaipur; the drive from the hotel takes about 10 minutes.
City Palace offers another historic stop in the Old City, with its own distinctive setting and history.
Ram Niwas Garden is the museum’s setting, so a one-day Jaipur route from the Old City can include time among the garden paths and other stops alongside the galleries: this route.
Nearby gardens and other stops
Rajasthan Tourism identifies Birla Mandir as another Jaipur attraction to visit after Ram Niwas Garden.
Johari and Bapu Bazaar are featured in this guide to Jaipur’s Old City bazaars.
FAQs
How long does a visit to Albert Hall Museum take?
An average visit takes 1–2 hours. The collections are displayed across the ground and first floors.
What can you see at Albert Hall Museum?
The collections include miniature paintings, textiles, arms and armour, sculptures and coins, as well as an Egyptian mummy and Pharaonic antiquities.
Is photography allowed inside Albert Hall Museum?
No. Photography and videography are not permitted.
Does Albert Hall Museum have visitor facilities?
Facilities include wheelchair access, restrooms, drinking water, lockers, parking, a cafeteria, a garden or picnic area, guides and guided tours.