New Delhi: For the first time in Delhi, a museum is being added to the city’s nightlife scene. The Humayun’s Tomb site museum has extended its opening hours to 9 pm. The tomb and Sunder Nursery are also open until 10 pm now. It’s a welcome move, especially during the summer—it allows Delhi’s residents more time to interact with the city’s history and heritage after the sun and temperature go down.
It’s an initiative by the Archaeological Survey of India and Aga Khan Trust for Culture. The revised timings will come into effect on 15 June.
In response to popular demand, the Humayun’s Tomb Museum will remain open three extra hours in the evening to welcome visitors after work. Evening visitors to the museum will also be able to view the illuminated Humayun’s Tomb and then spend time at the Sunder Nursery—where popular dining options exist,” said Ratish Nanda, CEO of AKTC.
The Humayun’s Tomb Site Museum is India’s first sunken museum; it was inaugurated on 29 July 2024. Designed by AKTC in collaboration with ASI, it serves as a cultural bridge linking Humayun’s Tomb, the Nizamuddin Basti, and Sunder Nursery. Earlier, the museum was open from 10 am to 6 pm, every day except Mondays. The last entry as per the revised timings is at 8 pm.
The museum showcases over 700 artefacts, including Mughal miniatures, manuscripts, celestial instruments, spread across five galleries and 3D illustrations.
“Museums and historic landmarks preserve and reveal the story of humanity. Inherently, they are places that foster connections among people as we delve into our collective, intricate past, and consider how we can collaboratively shape a unified and better future,” said Prince Rahim Aga Khan at the inauguration of the Humayun’s World Heritage Site Museum.
Delhi at night
Over the years, ASI has received multiple requests to open the monuments for a longer duration. They are also popular date spots, with Sunder Nursery being a favourite. The extended hours will also be a relief for working professionals, who can visit after work hours.
“There is not much space for couples in this city. In the evening, Sundar Nursery is one of our favourite meeting places, where we can sit for hours amid old monuments. Where we get a glimpse of the past and experience the present,” said Himanshi Singh to ThePrint in an earlier report of Delhi’s monuments.
In recent years, ASI and the government have made continuous efforts to enhance the experience of Delhi’s monuments at night. As part of this initiative, evening light and sound shows have been introduced at iconic sites such as Qutub Minar, Red Fort, and Safdarjung’s Tomb, offering visitors a more immersive and memorable cultural experience.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)