If you are covering Khajuraho, a visit to Archaeological Museums here, are essential to learning about this location’s culture and history. Plus, the Khajuraho museums offer a fun and colorful change of pace from the temples.
The Archaeological Museum, located near the Matangeshwar temple in the Western group of temples, boasts a small but well-curated collection of sculptures from around Khajuraho. Admission to the museum is included with the ticket for the Western group of temples. And don’t forget to check out the Adivart Tribal and Folk Art Museum in the Chandela Cultural Complex, which offers a glimpse into Madhya Pradesh’s vibrant tribal culture.
But the real highlight of the museum scene is the Sahu Shantiprasad Jain Kala Sangrahalaya, located near the Eastern group of temples. Here you’ll find a delightful mishmash of sculptures from the Jaina, Brahmanical, and Buddhist faiths, including well-carved sculptures from the Chandella dynasty, which ruled the region around Khajuraho.
The museum’s history is just as fascinating as its collections. The Jardine Museum was founded in 1910 by W.E. Jardine, a political agent of Bundelkhand and a lover of art and sculptures. He collected loose sculptures and other cultural remains from the ruined temples and preserved them in an enclosure. The museum that we know today was established in 1967 by the Archaeological Survey of India and comprises five galleries, a Varandah, and gateways. The antiquities on display range from the 9th to 12th Centuries AD and offer a significant glimpse into the social-cultural aspect of the region.
If you’re planning a visit to the museum, be sure to check its operating hours, as it’s closed every Friday. Entrance fees for Indian, SAARC & BIMSTEC Country Citizens are INR 10.00 per person, while other country citizens pay INR 250.00 per person. And best of all, children below 15 years are complimentary!