We take you on a global tour of underground museums inspired by India’s new sunken gallery at Humayun’s Tomb

Sunken museums are nothing but museums that take the visitors underground to present their exhibits.

India inaugrated it's first underground museum at the Humayun's Tomb Complex. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

India has opened it’s very first ‘sunken’ museum at the Humayun’s Tomb Complex, giving visitors a glimpse into rich Mughal history and architecture, and seamlessly marrying it with futuristic technology. Drawing inspiration from baolis, or traditional water tanks peppered throughout the pages of history, this museum is an attempt at preserving our country’s past and giving it a platform for global recognition.

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat during the inauguration of Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site Museum. (Source: PTI)

Let’s take a look at some interesting underground museums across the world that should definitely be on your bucket list!

UCCA Dune Art Museum, China

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This picturesque museum was manually constructed by digging underneath sand dunes and carving out space, in an attempt to restore the dune ecosystem vulnerable to climate change and human interruptions. While the concrete-shell shaped museum was hand built by local artisans using linear wooden and elastic materials, the liminal space inside the art museum is segregated into cell-shaped spaces, housing multiple galleries and a cafe.

Messner Mountain Museum Corones, Italy

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If you’re interested to learn more about the fascinating world of mountaineering history, the Messner Mountain Museum Corones, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects is not one you should miss! Located in South Tyrol, Italy, this stunning specimen of architecture is embedded within Mount Kronplatz’s summit and boasts a couple centuries worth mountaineering artefacts, equipment and documented experiences.

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Moesgaard Museum, Denmark

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Moesgaard Museum’s characteristic sloping roof gives it an edge among all other historical landmarks. Covered in grass and moss on the outside, the exhibits inside take visitors deeper into the surface of the earth. The rooftop terrace is hailed as a popular location for summer activities, while in winter, it transforms into a tobogganing slope.

Danish National Maritime Museum

Danish Maritime Museum -interior (Source: Wikimedia Commons) museum

Danish Maritime Museum -exterior (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Another gem found in Denmark, this sub-terranean museum is located right next to the Kronborg Castle, which served as an inspiration for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The building is shaped like a ship, with gently sloping floors and surrounding ambience — be it sights, sounds or smells, taking visitors straight to sea.

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