Museum
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
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The Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum in Pune, Maharashtra, houses the personal collection of Dr. Dinkar G. Kelkar, dedicated to his son Raja. The three-storey building displays over 20,000 objects, with 2,500 on view, including sculptures from the 14th century, ornaments of ivory, silver, and gold, musical instruments, war weapons, and vessels. The collection focuses on Indian decorative items and art from everyday life, mostly from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Don't miss
- Sculptures dating back to the 14th century
- Ornaments made of ivory, silver, and gold
- A particularly fine collection of musical instruments
- War weapons and vessels
- Door frames, paintings, and carvings representing outstanding examples of their art
- The Chandrashekhar Agashe Museum Wing, featuring ancient Indian musical instruments
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
You can visit Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum on your own. A guide mainly adds context, what you are looking at and why it matters, and a tour can add transport or combine nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inWhy Pune? : Heritage and Food Walks through Old Pune5★ · 36 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$19 per personSee dates →
Most bookedGuided Highlights of Pune Car Tour with a local (4 Hrs Sightseeing in AC Car)4.6★ · 95 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$75 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleImmersive culture tour of Pune by private car with guide and local lunch5★ · 40 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$117 per personSee dates →Getting there
Know before you go
- The museum is a three-storey building in Pune, Maharashtra, India.
- Only 2,500 of the over 20,000 objects are on display at any time.
- A virtual tour was available during the COVID-19 pandemic; check if it's still offered.
A bit of history
Dr. Kelkar started the collection around 1920, and by 1984 it contained about 15,000 objects. The museum was established in 1962, and Dr. Kelkar donated his collection to the Government of Maharashtra in 1992. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the museum offered a virtual tour.
Common questions
Who founded the museum?
Dr. Dinkar G. Kelkar founded the museum in 1962, dedicating it to the memory of his only son, Raja.
What types of items are in the collection?
The collection includes sculptures, ornaments, musical instruments, war weapons, vessels, door frames, paintings, and carvings, mainly from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Is there a special wing for musical instruments?
Yes, the Chandrashekhar Agashe Museum Wing houses a collection of ancient Indian musical instruments donated by the sons of Chandrashekhar Agashe.
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