Himachal Pradesh has several museums and art galleries that show the state’s rich culture, history, and local art. These places are important from a GK point of view. In exams, questions are often asked about where these museums are located, what they are famous for, and which art forms they preserve.
Below is a list of the most important museums and galleries in Himachal Pradesh.
Important Museums & Art Galleries in Himachal:
Himachal State Museum (Shimla) – Pahari paintings, coins, sculptures
Kangra Art Museum (Dharamshala) – Kangra miniature art and crafts
Bhuri Singh Museum (Chamba) – Chamba royal history, manuscripts, coins
Roerich Art Gallery (Naggar, Kullu) – Paintings by Nicholas Roerich
Folk Culture Museum (Manali) – Himachali masks, weapons, traditional life
Army Heritage Museum (Shimla) – Indian Army uniforms, weapons, medals
Shoolini Temple Museum (Solan) – Temple idols, scripts, and local relics
Museums & Art Galleries Practice MCQ Question and Answer
1
What is significant about the Suketi Fossil Park?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Suketi Fossil Park is the first of its kind in India, built at the actual discovery site of fossils.
2
The fossils at Suketi Fossil Park belong to which geological age?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The park preserves Mesozoic age fossils, known as the age of dinosaurs (252 to 66 million years ago).
3
What is the area of Suketi Fossil Park Museum as mentioned?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The museum park area is 5 sq km as mentioned in the description.
4
Which statement about Suketi Fossil Park is true?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
It is located in Himachal Pradesh. The park is not related to volcanoes or recent fossils, and there’s no mention of UNESCO status in the passage.
5
What is the primary theme of the Shimla Heritage Museum?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The museum is themed on the history of British Raj and associated heritage buildings.
6
Where is the Army Heritage Museum located?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The Army Heritage Museum is located in the tranquil hinterlands of Annandale, Shimla.
7
Who established the Army Heritage Museum and in which year?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
It was established by the Army Training Command in 2006 to honor military heritage.
8
Which historical period is reflected in the exhibits of the Shimla Heritage Museum?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The Shimla Heritage Museum showcases British Raj history and heritage buildings.
9
Which of the following are features of the Army Heritage Museum?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The museum is free-to-visit and preserves the army’s traditions and history.
10
Which organization established the Army Heritage Museum in Shimla?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The museum was established by the Army Training Command in 2006.
11
What theme is the Shimla Heritage Museum based on?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The Shimla Heritage Museum follows the theme 'Har Ghar Kuchh Kehta Hai' highlighting stories associated with heritage homes.
12
In what year was the United Service Club building, now housing the Shimla Heritage Museum, built?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
The building was originally built in 1862 and now houses the Shimla Heritage Museum.
13
Which day is the Army Heritage Museum closed to visitors?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The Army Heritage Museum is closed on Mondays and gazetted holidays.
14
Which museum has a theme based on 'Har Ghar Kuchh Kehta Hai'?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The Shimla Heritage Museum has a theme based on 'Har Ghar Kuchh Kehta Hai', reflecting historical narratives of various heritage buildings.
15
Who was the Bhalku Railway Museum dedicated to?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The museum is dedicated to Baba Bhalku, a local man who contributed to the Kalka-Shimla railway line.
16
Which year is associated with one of the oldest objects displayed at Bhalku Railway Museum?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
A rail liner used on the track dated to 1899 AD is one of the oldest objects on display.
17
Where is the Bhalku Railway Museum located?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The museum is located near the old Bus Stand in Shimla.
18
What are the museum's operating hours?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The museum is open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm on all days except Mondays.
19
Who worked with Baba Bhalku on the Kalka-Shimla railway line?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
HS Harrington worked with Baba Bhalku on the Kalka-Shimla railway project.
20
What makes the lost property register unique at Bhalku Railway Museum?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The lost property register of 1930 lists all lost items such as umbrellas and bags.
21
Which British-era object is specifically mentioned as being manufactured in England?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
Vintage wall clocks manufactured in England are displayed in the museum.
22
What was the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies originally known as before independence?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
The Indian Institute of Advanced Studies was formerly known as the Viceregal Lodge.
23
Which architectural style is the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies built in?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The building is an English Renaissance style structure.
24
What materials and design elements are notable in the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
The structure features Burma teak panelling on the inside.
25
What surrounds the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The building is surrounded by age-old trees, lush green lawns, and gardens.
26
Which historical items are preserved in the small museum at the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The museum inside preserves artefacts, documents, and photographs.
27
When was the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies built?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The Indian Institute of Advanced Studies was built in 1888.
28
What was the original purpose of the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies building?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The building originally served as the Viceregal Lodge, seat of British power.
29
Which architectural style does the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies exhibit?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The building is inspired by English renaissance architecture.
30
What materials and features are notable in the structure of the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The structure is notable for its grey-stone exterior and Burma teak panelling inside.