Archaeological Museum Hampi Entry Fee
- 5 per person
Archaeological Museum Hampi Phone
N/A
Rating: 
| 4/5 stars
Based on total 22 reviews
Archaeological Museum Hampi Address: Daroji-Kamlapura Rd, Kamalapur, Hampi, Karnataka, 583221, India
Hampi Archaeological Museum is a government museum that houses artefacts, remains and other exhibits found during the excavation in Hampi. It’s one of the most exquisite tourist spots in Hampi, especially for kids. The museum gallery is divided into four sections, each dedicated to a different set of exhibits.
The museum boasts a fine collection of sculptures from local sites, along with neolithic tools and 16th-century weaponry. Coins, statues and metal plates are among the other things that are kept safe in the museum. You can also see sculptures of various Hindu deities here.
Apart from these, scaled models of Hampi and its historical monuments are a must-see exhibit in the Archaeological Museum in Hampi. It’s a must-visit for history buffs.
Where is the Archaeological Museum in Hampi?
Archaeological Museum Hampi is in the Kamalapura region, on the outskirts of the town. Thus, it’s also referred to as Kamalapura Museum. The museum is situated within the ruins of the old city of Vijayanagara, just outside the Royal Enclosure complex.
Image Gallery of Archaeological Museum Hampi
History of Archaeological Museum Hampi
Archaeological Museum Hampi, Kamalapura is a small but significant museum built by the Archaeological Society of India (ASI). It started in 1956 as a simple display in front of Elephant Stables near the Zenana Enclosure complex.
This modern museum building was constructed in 1972. It preserves the relics and artefacts found during the excavations of this expansive UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In 2001-02, ASI extended the museum. It converted the Guard’s House (near the Elephant Stables) and the Treasury Building (in the Lotus Mahal complex) into two small museums. Together, these museums have wonderfully captured the beauty of Hampi's bygone days.
Architecture of Archaeological Museum
Archaeological Museum Hampi features a thoughtfully designed layout that presents the rich history of the region. At the museum entrance, you’re greeted by elegant replicas of King Krishnadevaraya, the renowned Vijayanagara ruler, and his queens. These statues set a regal tone for the museum, emphasizing the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire.
ASI Museum Hampi has four galleries in the building, an open-air gallery, and a well-laid garden. Each gallery is dedicated to a specific theme or set of exhibits. They offer a deep dive into different aspects of Hampi's archaeological heritage, allowing you to explore its diversity.
The Archaeological Museum of Hampi is a notable tourist spot for anyone interested in the region’s past. Even though it’s small, it facilitates a deeper understanding and appreciation of Hampi's history.
Things to do at Hampi Archaeological Museum
1. Marvelling at Hampi’s setting – Hampi Archaeological Museum has scaled models of the town. The exhibit offers a detailed topographical view of the entire region, including its iconic monuments, hills and rivers. It provides a comprehensive overview of Hampi's landscape that helps you visualise the layout of Hampi and its various attractions.
2. Exploring old Hampi’s culture – The museum’s exhibits have an impressive collection of sculptures and idols, providing a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of ancient Hampi. These artefacts offer a glimpse into the art and religious practices in the Vijayanagara era. Here, you can see statues of Veerabhadra, Bhairava, Shakti and various other gods and goddesses.
3. Checking out Hampi’s history – The galleries of Hampi Museum display various everyday metal objects, coinage and tools. Some documents made of brass are also put on display. These exhibits provide valuable insights into the economic activities and daily lives of people in those days. The museum also has information panels detailing the daily rituals of the king and other activities.
4. Viewing other antiquities and collections – A section for pre-historic antiquities is present in the Archaeological Museum Hampi as well. The objects displayed here are the oldest of all exhibits. It also includes stucco figurines, parts of porcelain pottery excavated from the ruins, and a collection of excavation photographs. Apart from those, several memorial stones of war heroes and Sati women, too, are part of the collection.
Hampi Museum Timings and Entry Fees
The Archaeological Museum in Hampi is open from 10 AM to 5 PM every day except Fridays and national holidays. You can easily explore the museum in 1-2 hours. The winter season (November – February) is the best time to visit.
The entry fee for Hampi Museum is only ₹5 per person. Children (below 15 years) get free entry to the museum.
How to reach the Archaeological Museum in Hampi?
Hampi Archaeological Museum is on the outskirts of the town, in Kamalapura. It’s about 5 km away from the Hampi bus stop. The nearest railway station is Hospet Junction (12 km away), and the nearest airport is Jindal Vijaynagar Airport (30 km away). The closest international airport, however, is in Bengaluru (340 km away).
Now, here’s how to reach Hampi Archaeological Museum in Kamalapura –
By bike – Rental bikes and scooters are available in plenty at Hampi Bazaar. You can rent one for a day and explore the museum and other tourist places.
By auto/e-rickshaw – Auto-rickshaws are also convenient for visiting the Archaeological Museum in Kamalapura. You can easily get them in all parts of Hampi.
By cab/taxi – The most comfortable way to visit the museum is by hiring a taxi or a full-day cab. You can easily get them from the top car rental companies in Hampi. You can book them for a day or your entire vacation at your convenience. They make exploring the museum and other tourist destinations easy.
Explore the ancient ruins of Hampi leisurely by booking a Hampi tour package with us. At Hampi Tourism, we understand that every customer is different and hence we provide personalized packages keeping your budget and interests in mind. To book one of our packages or for further information, please fill the Contact Us form.
