Top 5 Museums in Sikkim to Visit

Museums are incredible places to visit on a vacation. Under one single roof, they hold the artefacts and displays that narrates the history and culture of a society. Each museum is dedicated to preserve and promote its relics in hope that the future generations will learn something from it. 

The museums could be dedicated to religion and spirituality, science and technology, fashion and entertainment, and so on. Along with incredible exhibits of photos, iconographs, idols, and paintings, most museums also have a souvenir store for shopping. Guided audio tours allow visitors to understand the history, relevance and significance of a displayed piece. 

If you are planning a trip to Sikkim, one of the best ways to know more about its culture and history is to visit the museums. Subjects related to Buddhism, older kingdoms and their rise to glory and fall, and culture of Sikkim are carefully preserved in these museums. They not only enlighten you but give you deeper insight into the heritage and history of this tiny Himalayan state. 

Top 5 Museums in Sikkim to Visit for History, Science, & Spirituality 

1. Black Cat Museum

2. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

3. Namchi Folk Heritage Museum

4. Sikkim Science Center and Planetarium

5. Flower Exhibition Centre – Ridge Park

1. Black Cat Museum

Black Cat museum is a state-of-the-art museum. This museum pays homage to the valorous black cat commandos who fought in the 1962 Indo-China War. The display shelves showcase exhibits of commando training, historical artifacts, artistic representations, maps and gears like snow suits. This museum has a souvenir shop from where you can pick items for memorabilia. An immersive audio tour guide system is also in place. It provides visitors with all the necessary details and  information that there is to know about the place. For selfie lovers, this museum also houses one of its kind selfie room where you can take snapshots of your visit. 

Address: Lingding Road, Upper Tadong, Deorali Bazar, Gangtok, Sikkim

Timings: Opens everyday from 9 AM to 7 PM 

2. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

One of the best museums to visit in Sikkim is Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. This institute is a repository that sheds light on Mahayana Buddhism. You will find religious books, scriptures and articles related to Mahayana Buddhism. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology was built in 1958 and ever since, has been a significant learning centre of Buddhism. This institute has a museum, library and research centre preserving Tibetan culture.

Inside its museum you will find thangkas (religious paintings), scrolls, manuscripts in different languages like Sanskrit, Chinese, and Tibetan. The museum is located in such a serene and beautiful location. Coming here and learning about Tibetan culture and Buddhist roots will help you gain a better understanding of Sikkim. The entry fee for this institute is ₹25 per adult.

Address: Deorali Road, M.P.Golai, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim 

Timings: Open from 10 AM to 4 PM, (Sundays closed) 

3. Namchi Folk Heritage Museum

Namchi, once the capital city of Sikkim, is now known for its statues, natural scenery, and rock garden. This small hamlet in South Sikkim is located at an altitude of 1675 m above sea level. Namchi boasts the Folk Heritage Museum that gives glimpses of its glorious times. The museum itself is housed in a traditional house. It displays 3D models of life-size statues exhibiting ethnic clothes. 

Other dioramas portray a day in the life of Namchi village—activities like festivals, farming activities, traditional rituals etc. The wooden pillars are intricately carved and narrate the stories of the past. Visit this museum in Sikkim for an immersive and interactive experience. Learn about the history of Namchi and its importance in the larger history of Sikkim. 

4. Sikkim Science Center and Planetarium

Sikkim Science Center and Planetarium is one of a kind centre in the entire state dedicated to science. This museum and centre was established to promote scientific and technological outreach in the state. The establishment boasts thematic galleries, facilities for training and building programs. There is also an outdoor science park where both kids and adults can learn and enjoy. 

Explore the Unique Humankind gallery, Taramandal Planetarium, Fun Science gallery, Gallery for Students’ Activities that teaches you science in an informal and fun way.  In the Unique Humankind gallery, Taramandal Planetarium, one can learn about the body functions and working of the planets and universe. While in the Fun gallery and Children’s corner, there are fun activities and puzzles for children. The Sikkim Science Centre also hosts workshops, seminars, and lectures from time to time. 

Address: Located in Marchak, 15 kms away from Gangtok 

Timings: Opens everyday for visitors from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm,

5. Flower Exhibition Centre – Ridge Park

Sikkim boasts beautiful cultivation of flowers, especially in the spring and summer season. Some of the rarest flowers and plants are grown in Sikkim. And what better way to experience the floral beauty than visiting a flower exhibition centre. Visiting the flower exhibition offers a serene sensory pleasure to your eye. There are apparently 4000 varieties of flowering plants grown in Sikkim. This includes 600 species of Orchids and 30 types of Rhododendrons. If you want to take a look at some of them, add this museum in your Sikkim itinerary. 

The exhibition centre lies just a few steps from the MG Marg. Here you can see many blooming flowers, including Poppies, Rhododendrons, Roses, Tulips, Chrysanthemum, and of course Orchids. 

Address: Ridge Park, Arithang, Gangtok, Sikkim 

Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:15 PM 

Entry Fee: ₹10 to 20 per adult 

This concludes the top 5 museums to visit in Sikkim. Other than natural attractions, adventure sports and local sightseeing, a museum visit will enhance your Sikkim experience. So, without further ado add them in your Sikkim tour packages and get going!