Nagaland State Museum

3.9

Location: M4P3+2W5, Upper Bayavü Hill, Kohima, Nagaland 797121, India.

Visiting time: 1 hour.

In Kohima, Nagaland, the Nagaland State Museum is a museum which is situated on Bayavu Hill. The Department of Art and Culture, Nagaland is operated. A comprehensive collection of artifacts including ancient sculptures, traditional dresses, and inscriptions from all over Nagaland is collected, preserved, and displayed by the museum. On 25 November 1970, the museum was first opened to the public. This is one of the two museums which are operated by the Directorate of Art and Culture, Nagaland.

Attraction

The exhibits of the museum leave visitors fascinated, from tribal attires and weapons to jewelry and sculptures. at the art gallery, there are amazing paintings that are made by local artists and are kept at the art gallery, so art lovers must stop there. The museum also showcases musical instruments used by the Naga tribes, Lying in Bayavu Hill, around one and a half kilometers from Kohima’s center. The models of traditional Naga huts known as Naga Morung is one of the best attractions of the museum. A rare collection of precious stones also housed, like cornelian and tourmaline along with brass artifacts and silver bells.

History

On 1 November 1964, the Directorate of Art and Culture was formed. Research on Naga Life and Culture and a Research Library was its main focus. The Nagaland State Museum building was built which also housed the Directorate in early 1970. On 25 November 1970, the museum which consisted of an ethnographic gallery was formally opened to the public.

Inside/Outside Views

A unique collection of articles of varied tribes that portray the rich traditions are exhibited by this famous state museum. Pictures of every tribe could be found by travelers. All are displayed in the museum, like The Naga architecture, their custom, social hierarchy, culture, and costume, the main items displayed here include statues, pillars, gateposts, and jewelry. A ceremonial drum that looks like a dug-out war vessel in a separate shed is also exhibited there. These vessels reveal that the Nagas might have come from Sumatra. Birds and animals of the north-eastern hill states are there in the basement of the museum.

Opening Hours

Thursday 9:30 AM–3 PM

Friday 9:30 AM–3 PM

Saturday 9:30 AM–3 PM

Sunday Closed

Monday 9:30 AM–3 PM

Tuesday 9:30 AM–3 PM

Wednesday 9:30 AM–3 PM

Entry & Others Fees

INR 10 per visitor is charged as for entry fee to the museum.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By Air: Having frequent flights from all over the country, The state airport is in Dimapur, however mostly via Kolkata. From Dimapur to Kohima, one needs to cross a journey of approximately 3 hours.

By Rail: From Khonoma, the nearest railway station is in Dimapur. One can board a connecting train from Guwahati to Dimapur, as your train might not be directly going to Dimapur. The rest of the country is well connected to Guwahati.

By Road: Kohima is well-connected to major cities in North-East India, Guwahati, and Shillong. From Kohima, Guwahati is 352 km and Shillong is 414kms. Khonoma is at a distance of 20 km from Kohima.