The Regional Museum of Natural History was founded in 1994, but it did not open to the public until 2004. It is managed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests of the Government of India. The museum displays plants, animals, and geology from Odisha, eastern and northeastern India, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Madagascar, and parts of Africa. The museum is on Sachivalaya Marg, near Acharya Vihar Square in Bhubaneswar. The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) was established as one of the national-level institutions established during India’s Silver Jubilee celebrations to portray and promote awareness of the country’s natural heritage.
The museum exhibits the biodiversity of places such as Bhitarakanika, Similipal, and Chilika, among others. It also includes images of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It has an impressive collection of plants, animals, and insects from all over the country. The skeletons of dolphins, rhinos, elephants, and baleen whales are among the museum’s highlights. The museum also houses the world’s longest-living flowering plant, the baobab (Adansonia digitata), which has lived at the site for 5,100 years.
This museum is open to the public to promote non-formal environmental education, particularly among youth. The museum promotes environmental awareness and serves as an extracurricular activity for schools. It is dedicated to environmental education and draws its strength primarily from theme-based exhibition galleries, experiential resource centers such as the ‘Discovery Room’ and ‘Activity Room,’ as well as educational and outreach activities, to depict the country’s rich natural heritage and natural history (geology, botany, and zoology). Visually impaired students can feel the animal exhibits on the premises. In addition, the ‘Exhibition on Wheels’ is a mobile exhibition organized by the museum for those who are unable to visit the museum.
History of Regional Museum of Natural History Bhubaneswar
The Regional Museum of Natural History was founded in 1994, and it opened to the public ten years later. The museum, which is managed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests of the Government of India, houses an impressive collection of plants and insects, as well as skeletons of extinct and rare animals, photographs and related samples from around the world, and geological information about Bhubaneswar.
It has the distinction of being the country’s only museum, with exhibits, a rare egg of an extinct Elephant Bird, and numerous other unique and impressive items. Other exhibits that appeal to those interested in life sciences include skeletons of smaller mammals and reptiles.
Architecture of Regional Museum of Natural History Bhubaneswar
The Regional Museum of Natural History in Bhubaneswar is an aesthetically pleasing structure, with its well-structured landscape beautifully creating an environment for a joyful and informal learning experience for students and tourists alike to gain knowledge of the natural ecosystem and the critical aspect of its conservation. The museum has beautifully displayed several exhibits in a recreated environment, shedding light on the flora and fauna of various regions of the state and beyond, as well as their fascinating inter-relationships.
Tourist Facilities, Transportation, Tourist Attractions, How to Reach, Accessibility
Odisha High Court Museum opening time is Monday to Sunday 10:00 am to Evening 6:00 pm
Regional Museum of Natural History Bhubaneswar Entry Fee
No entry fee
Ideal Time to visit
The Ideal time to visit the Regional Museum of Natural History is during the year
Closest Airport
The Closestairport is Biju Patnaik International Airport Bhubaneswar, Jharsuguda, Which is around 19 KM from the Regional Museum of Natural History.
Closest Railway Station Distance
The Closest Railway Station is Bhubaneswar Railway Station, Which is around 5 KM from the Regional Museum of Natural History.
Closest Bus Stand
The Closest Bus stop is at Bhubaneswar Bus Station, Which is around 9-10 mins from the Regional Museum of Natural History.
