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Tag: free museums

  • Remember Mahatma Gandhi at India’s Free Museums

    While vacationing in India, it’s worth paying tribute to the “Father of the Nation,” the country’s peace-loving leader Mahatma Gandhi.

    Stop for a moment in Delhi to pay your respects at Gandhi Smriti, the site of Gandhi’s assassination. Gandhi lived here from September 1947 until his untimely death in January 1948. It’s free to step inside and view his few personal effects, the prayer ground where he led a congregation every evening, and the statues and paintings created to honor his memory.

    Nearby Raj Ghat is Gandhi’s final resting place. A headstone with his last words, “Hey Ram,” or “Oh God” marks Gandhi’s cremated remains, along with a flame which burns eternally. Major ceremonies to remember Gandhi take place here on his birthday, October 2, and January 30, the day of his death and Martyr’s Day. If you can’t time your visit for one of these dates, you can attend the one of the ceremonies held every Friday.

    Across the road from the memorial you’ll find The Gandhi Memorial Museum. This free museum houses many key artifacts, including the gun and bullets used during Gandhi’s assassination, the shawl and dhoti he wore during his last moments, and one of his walking sticks. In addition to the museum’s permanent collection, it also showcases traveling exhibitions concerning India’s history and peace movements.

    Mani Bhavan in Mumbai is another fantastic free museum for Gandhi enthusiasts. Gandhi stayed in this historic building whenever he visited Mumbai between 1917 and 1934. See the room where he slept, and the terrace where he was arrested for sedition in 1932.

    Mahatma Gandhi may be gone, but so long as tourists continue to visit these important Indian museums and sites he’ll never be forgotten.

  • See Historic Ships for Free at Australian National Maritime Museum

    Australia’s historic ships and naval heritage are celebrated at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

    The museum’s galleries feature important documents and other relics from Australia’s maritime history. You can explore these displays at your own pace or join a free guided tour. The interactive touch screens in the museum’s foyer give times and information about this service along with other museum events and activities.

    But for most visitors, the most exciting parts of the museum are outside its halls. Several ships are docked in the harbor just outside, including the navy destroyer HMAS Vampire, the 1847 tall ship James Craig, the Blackmores First Lady sailed around the world by Australian solo voyager Kay Cottee, and a replica of the Endeavour, the ship that Captain James Cook traveled to Australia in.

    All those boats and talk of history can be a bit dry for the kids, so if you’re taking the family visit on Sundays or during school holiday periods. Extra activities including craft projects, story time, and games should keep children aged between five and 12 entertained. These sessions do attract an extra fee of $7 though, so they can get pricey if you have a large brood.

    The Australian National Maritime Museum's replica of the Endeavour
    The Australian National Maritime Museum's replica of the Endeavour

    The Australian National Maritime Museum is conveniently located on the western side of the bubbling Darling Harbour precinct. This tourist hub is easily accessible by Sydney’s bus, light rail, and monorail networks.

    The Australian National Maritime Museum is one of Sydney’s free museums, although special exhibitions and activities may attract a small fee. It’s open every day except Christmas from 9:30 am in the morning. The museum closes at 5 pm, except in January when it closes at 6 pm.

    [Image Source: Andy Mitchell/Flickr]

  • Free Art Galleries in Sydney, New South Wales

    It doesn’t cost a lot to get cultured in Sydney. Entry to most art galleries in the Australian tourist center is free!

    Some of Australia’s most famous artworks are housed in the Art Gallery of New South Wales, including pieces from 19th and 20th century masters Grace Cossington Smith, Sidney Nolan, and Russell Drysdale.

    The gallery is also home to the Yiribana Gallery, which celebrates Australian indigenous art. If you prefer something more modern, visit The Rocks' Museum of Contemporary Art. It's the only museum of its kind in Oz, so it's worth visiting if your tastes are cutting edge. While it's not as spacious as the big galleries, the Blender Gallery in Paddington is also worth a look; this space provides a temporary home for traveling rock-focused photography exhibitions. The Locksmith Project Space in Alexandria is another exciting small free gallery, which showcases experimental pieces including films and music. The life and work of one of Sydney's most talented artists, Brett Whitley, is showcased at his Surry Hills studio. His work, including many unfinished pieces, is displayed here in the building which served as his home and exhibition space. The Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum in Faulconbridge is another site focusing on one of Sydney's favorite sons. Norman Lindsay shot to fame as the author and illustrator of the beloved Australian children's book The Magic Pudding. The gallery features works from this classic story, along with Lindsay's other key pieces. The Australian Galleries have so many local artworks that they needed six campuses to house them all: four in Victoria and two in the Sydney suburb of Paddington. The buildings on Glenmore Road and Roylston Street honor modern Aussie artists under the gaze of Stuart Purves, the son of the original curators.paintbrushes The Blacktown Arts Centre, Campbelltown Arts Centre, and Hawkesbury Regional Gallery are also great gallery options outside the city center. Some traveling exhibitions may incur additional costs, but it's possible to soak up plenty of Australian and international art for free in Sydney.