Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜… 4.4/5 (412,122 reviews) Very Good

About This Museum

The Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is the magnificent, slightly overwhelming life's work of one passionate collector. Dr. Dinkar Kelkar spent over sixty years gathering everyday and extraordinary objects from across India, creating a labyrinth of cultural history. You don't so much walk through this museum as get deliciously lost in it, moving from cases of intricate betel-nut cutters to an entire, ornately carved 18th-century mansion reassembled inside. It’s a deeply personal and wonderfully chaotic treasure trove that feels more like an explorer's attic than a formal institution.

Collection Highlights

The undisputed star is the Mastani Mahal, a section dedicated to reconstructed wooden facades and pillars from the palace of Mastani, Bajirao I's beloved. Don't miss the mind-boggling array of over 2,500 lamps, ranging from simple terracotta diyas to elaborate multi-tiered brass masterpieces. The collection of musical instruments and the whimsical display of hundreds of handmade toys also captivate visitors with their charm and variety.

Visitor Information

It's tucked away on a busy street in old Pune, so keep an eye out for the sign. The sheer volume can be dizzying, so give yourself a good couple of hours to properly wander. It’s one of those places where you’ll spot something new every time you turn a corner.

Architecture & Building

Housed in a unassuming multi-story building that feels more like a large, packed-to-the-rafters family home than a purpose-built museum.

Contact & Location

Address: Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Sangrahalay Path, Shukrawar Peth, Pune City, Pune, Maharashtra, 411002, India

Phone: +91 20 2448 2101