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The Crafts Museum at
Pragati Maidan has
galleries displaying India's rich tradition of handicrafts. An added
attraction is the presence of craftspersons, who are brought here from
different parts of the country to demonstrate their skills. The museum
boasts of having the most rare and exquisite pieces of art and craft,
selectively collected from all over the country.
Home Of Indian Handicrafts
The Crafts Museum kicked off in 1956, as a project to showcase the works
of indigenous artisans in one place. By the early 1980's, over 20,000
objects had been collected. The museum is distinct for its architectural
display of various villages.
Authentically constructed mud huts are beautifully decorated with folk
art and exhibits include woodcarvings, paintings, paper-mache, embroidery
and a full-sized wooden haveli from Gujarat.
The complex also houses the Crafts Museum Shop. The first gallery on
display is the Tribal and Rural Craft Gallery, followed by the Gallery of
Courtly Crafts, Textile Gallery, Gallery of Popular Culture, and others.
There is also a reference section with about 15,000 objects, for the
benefit of scholars, designers and craftspersons.
Live demonstrations by the artisans offer close glimpses of the folk arts
of India. Tourists can buy ritual objects, ornaments, rugs, shawls and
books from the craftsmen as well as from the museum.