New museum in Rashtrapati Bhavan opens to public on Aug 1

“Entry and exit for visitors will be through gate no 30 on Mother Teresa Crescent road. Visits can be booked on-line at the website http://www.presidentofindia.nic.in. Contact details of the Visitors’ Management Cell are 011-23013287, 23015321 Extn. 4662, Fax no 011-23015246 and email: reception-officer@rb.nic.in for any further assistance which may be required,” the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a statement.

From November 1, the statement said, there will be a charge of Rs 25 per head (children below 12 years will be exempt from these charges). The statement said these charges are meant to enable Rashtrapati Bhavan maintain and improve services to public.

The museum is established in an erstwhile stable of the Rashtrapati Bhavan which housed horses and ceremonial coaches. It is a story-telling showcase which will narrate the story of the Rashtrapati Bhavan using sound-light-video animations.

The museum also has a simulated battlefield with arms mounted on warriors, examples of furniture designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens for the Viceroy’s residence, ceremonial coaches, photographs and memorabilia of the President’s Body Guard, paintings of 19th century and sketches and gifts received by successive Presidents from national and foreign dignitaries among others.