Odisha State Museum

The basics

Items on display at the Odisha State Museum are spread across eight main sections, including natural history, armory, archaeology, and anthropology. While most items are clearly labeled in both English and Oriya, you may want to book a guide to help provide additional context to your experience. Day tours of Bhubaneswar often include a stop at the museum, as well as other local sights, such as Khandagiri Caves, Pathani Samanta Planetarium, or Nandankanan Zoological Park.

Things to know before you go

• The Odisha State Museum is a must-visit for travelers interested in history and archaeology.
• All visitors to the museum must pay an admission fee. You'll need to pay an additional fee if you want to take photos or videos inside.
• The museum is wheelchair-accessible.

How to get there

The Odisha State Museum is located in the Nageswar Tangi neighborhood of Odisha, about a 5-minute drive north of the Mukteswara Temple. If you're not visiting on a tour that includes transportation, you can hail an auto rickshaw or use a rideshare app. Bhubaneswar station is about a 10-minute drive away, or 25 minutes on foot.

When to get there

The museum is open from morning until early evening on most days. It is closed on the second and fourth Saturdays and Mondays of each month and on some public holidays. The Paika Rebellion Sound and Light Show takes place twice daily, once in the late morning and again in the afternoon.

The Odisha State Tribal Museum

About a 10-minute drive from the Odisha State Museum, the Odisha State Tribal Museum is a must-see if you're interested in learning about the different tribal communities who live in the state. The permanent exhibits at this museum cover topics ranging from dance to agriculture; there’s also a large outdoor section with reproductions of traditional homes.