Orissa State Museum

About Orissa State Museum

Orissa State Museum is the oldest museum in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.  It is situated at the top of Lewis Road near Kalpana Square and it is located near to Bhubaneswar Railway Station, at a distance of 2 kms. This is a large museum in Odisha with a huge collection of books, which is a destination point for researchers and scholars in different disciplines. This museum rich and invaluable collection of Buddhist and Jain sculptures, archeological findings, coins, copper plates, stone inscriptions from ancient and medieval Kalinga, armours, bronze age tools, ancient and medieval tools and weapons, enormous traditional dresses, stuffed animals, natural history, geological objects, paintings, anthropological specimens, traditional folk and musical instruments etc. These artifacts are organized and displayed in various galleries such as Archeology Gallery, Epigraphy and Coin, Armory, Mining and Geology, Natural History, Art and Craft, Contemporary Art, Anthropology Gallery, Palm Leaf Gallery, The Patta Painting Gallery and Gopalbandhu Gallery. Of these, the palm leaf gallery located in the first floor at the end of the corridor, the 12th century manuscript of the grand poetry of Gita Govinda, is the most attractive with a huge collection of manuscripts, with rare palm leaves.

History of Orissa State Museum

Odisha has always been famous in the history of India. The museum was formally declared by the Government of Orissa in 1938. The Kalinga war, the change of Ashoka, the influence of Jainism and Buddhism in Odisha, the medieval dynasty of the Ganga rulers, the temple spread across the city of Bhubaneswar etc. can be seen in the museum. In the famous and famous, museum, for a large collection of manuscripts on palm leaves, tourists can see the manuscript of the palm of the 12th century devotion poet Geeta Govinda. From the collection of traditional and folk music instruments and statues of various shapes and sizes, the museum expresses bright history and cultural traditions of Orissa.

Languages in Orissa State Museum

• Odia
• Hindi
• English
• Bengali

You can see and find near Orissa State Museum

• The collection of the museum includes copper plates, inscriptions of stone, stone inscriptions, date palettes and handwritten written on old bronze instruments of age. In the museum, tourists can find information about epigraphy galleries, handicrafts, and small paintings, collection of strap paintings, brassware, stone sculptures and rare epigraphic records stored in delicate decorations.

The collection of the museum includes copper plates, inscriptions of stone, stone inscriptions, date palettes and handwritten written on old bronze instruments of age. In the museum, tourists can find information about epigraphy galleries, handicrafts, and small paintings, collection of strap paintings, brassware, stone sculptures and rare epigraphic records stored in delicate decorations.

Nearest Visiting places from Orissa State Museum

• Rajarani Temple - This temple is famous for its beautiful art and architecture, glorifying the then unique, marvellous Odissan architecture in temple construction.

• ISKCON Temple - This temple is dedicated to lord Krishna. It is built with white stone and also a peaceful place.

• Mukteswara Temple - This temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and it is built in the typical Odisha Hindu temple style. The surrounding is too beautiful and peaceful.

• Udayagiri Caves - Udayagiri hill is on the outskirts of Bhubaneshwar city and here you can see the elephant caves of large numbers.

• Ram Mandir - This temple is one of the oldest temple in Bhubaneswar and this temple is dedicated Lord Lord Rama, Lord Lakshman, and Goddess Sita.

• Dhauli Giri Hills - This modern monument built around 1970. It is a Buddhist site on the banks of Daya River. 

• Nandankanan Zoological Park - Nandankanan Zoological Park is one of the best and largest zoos in India. Here Animals and birds have been kept in large cages or spaces.

• Lingaraja Temple - Lingaraja Temple very beautiful temple, with very detailed historic architectural designs. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Harihara.

Nearest Petrol Pump near by Orissa State Museum

• Bharat Petroleum - Rajdhani Service Station
  Address: Unit-2, Ashok Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751001
  Phone: 0674 253 0034

• Indian Oil Petrol Pump
  Address: Sundarapada Jatani Rd, Sundarpada, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751002

• HP Petrol Pump  
  Address: Near Royal Lagoon, Nandan Kanan Rd, Raghunathpur, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 754005
  Phone: 0674 246 9003

• HP Petrol Pump - Highway Service Centre
  Address: Bubaneswar Apartment, HP Dealers PO Bhubaneswar, Baramunda Housing Board Colony, Baramunda, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751010
  Phone: 094370 17556

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation near by Orissa State Museum

• The Presidency
  Add: 1471/A Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar 751015, India
• Hotel Pushpak
  Add: 68 Budha Nagar, Bhubaneswar 751006, India
• The Royale Midtown
  Add: 52-53 Janpath, Bhubaneswar 751009, India
• New Marrion Hotel
  Add: 6 Jan Path, Bhubaneswar 751001, India
• Pal Heights Mantra
  Add: Plot No- 26, Pahal, Bhubaneswar 752010, India
• Hotel Landmark
  Add: Near Niser | IIT Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar 752050, India
• Mayfair Lagoon
  Add: Jaydev Vihar 8 - B, Bhubaneswar 751013, India
• Fortune Park Sishmo
  Add: 86/A-1, Gautam Nagar | near Kalpana Square, Bhubaneswar 751014, India

Help Line/Phone Number in Orissa State Museum

• Ambulance Service
  Contact: 102/0674-2402005

• Railway
  Contact: 131/2532233

• Blood bank
  Contact: 0674-155333/2391110

• Airport enquiry
  Contact: 0674 - 2401084/2406472

• All Hotel booking
  Contact: 9338023435

• Fire Station
  Contact: 0674 256 1545

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Location info

It is located at the top of Lewis Road near Kalpana Square and near to Bhubaneswar Railway Station, 751001, Odisha.

Climate & weather

• Summer - March to May

• Average Minimum Temperature - 36° C

• Average Minimum Temperature - 24° C

• Average Precipitation - 40 mm

• Monsoon - June to October

• Average Minimum Temperature - 32° C

• Average Minimum Temperature - 25° C

• Average Precipitation - 220 mm

• Summer - March to May

• Average Minimum Temperature - 28° C

• Average Minimum Temperature - 17° C

• Average Precipitation - 23 mm

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Odisha. 4G is reliable in Bhubaneswar, Puri, Cuttack, and along the Golden Triangle tourist circuit. Coverage may be weaker in remote tribal areas, interior forests, and certain coastal stretches. Most hotels in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options near the museum may be limited. The nearest town typically has restaurants and cafes. Carrying water is recommended — most museums do not allow food inside.

Accessibility

Museum accessibility varies. Major museums in cities have level access or ramps at the entrance. Smaller, privately-run museums in older buildings may have steps and narrow doorways. Contact the museum in advance for specific accessibility information.

Rules & restrictions

Photography rules vary — some museums prohibit all photography, others allow photography without flash. Check signage at the entrance. Do not touch exhibits. Food and drinks are not permitted inside most museums. Large bags may need to be checked. Follow the designated visitor route and respect gallery closures.

Best photography spots

Check the museum’s photography policy before shooting — some prohibit all photography. For permitted photography, use available light — flash is rarely allowed. Focus on details: artefact textures, gallery compositions, and architectural features of the museum building itself.

Best time to visit Orissa State Museum

October to March for pleasant weather. Weekday mornings are less crowded. The museum is best visited during the first half of the day when it opens.

Timings & opening hours

Usually 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on Mondays and public holidays. Some museums may have different timings — check locally.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee: ₹10–₹50 for Indian nationals; ₹100–₹300 for foreign nationals. Additional charges for camera (₹20–₹100) and video recording (₹50–₹200). Students may get discounted rates.

Duration needed

1–2 hours for a thorough visit.

Safety tips

Museum security is generally thorough. Follow all rules — do not touch exhibits, maintain silence, and keep bags in designated areas. Valuables can be kept in lockers if available.

Things to carry

Camera (check photography policy first), notebook, water bottle (may not be allowed inside galleries — check at entrance). Minimal bags as large bags may not be permitted.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (5–100 km). Nearest Railway Station: Bhubaneswar Railway Station (1–5 km). Nearest Bus Stand: Bhubaneswar Bus Stand.

Things to do at Orissa State Museum

Explore the galleries and exhibits documenting Odisha’s cultural and historical heritage, study artefacts from different periods of Odisha’s history, and appreciate the artistic traditions showcased through sculptures, paintings, textiles, and crafts.

Things to visit & highlights

The museum’s permanent galleries featuring archaeological finds, traditional art, historical artefacts, and temporary exhibitions on various themes. The building itself may be of architectural interest.

Frequently asked questions

Is photography allowed inside the museum? Photography rules vary by museum and by gallery. Check at the entrance for specific guidelines. Flash photography is usually prohibited.

Are guided tours available? Many museums offer guided tours or audio guides. Inquire at the reception desk upon arrival.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible? Accessibility varies. Major museums in cities generally have ramps; smaller museums may have limited accessibility.

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.