State Museum

Being the capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal has one of the best museums in the state showcasing archaeological finds from different districts. Though as a concept, museums are said to have been conceived under the Begums, the present archaeological museum is quite modern in its architecture, consider a series of ramps that provide access to its various levels. The interiors are designed to get adequate natural light. The museum has a superb collection of first-rank sculptures mostly from the 8th to 12th century period. Some of the older pieces in the excellent sculpture collection include Yakshis from about 200 BC and a black granite Buddha. The museum has a standout collection of more than 80 Jain bronzes, dated to the 12th century, that were found in Dhar district of Malwa, the western side of Madhya Pradesh. The collection of 6th to 10th century stone sculptures is another highlight of the museum. The museum also has reproductions of murals in the Bagh Caves, a group of nine rock-cut Buddhist monuments–this is important as most of the paintings are now lost or barely visible at the site. Other galleries are dedicated to prehistoric artifacts and fossils, archaeological finds, epigraphs, manuscripts, paintings, princely memorabilia of Maharajas and Nawabs, textiles and costumes, stamps, coinage, miniature paintings, arms and armoury, and the Indian independence movement.
This museum is set in the Shyamala Hills, close to two other museums – the Museum of Man and the Regional Science Centre Bhopal (RSCB). The sprawling RSCB campus has a Science Park with about 60 working models, galleries themed on Atmosphere, Fun Science and Energy. It also houses an observatory and multiple auditoriums. Events are held at RSCB from time to time.