The Archaeological Site Museum in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, brings Chandela-period sculptures and other archaeological materials together in one place. It also sits across the road from the Western Group of temples, making it easy to combine with a temple visit.
- Location: Khajuraho, Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh
- Collection: Sculptures, inscriptions, coins and copper plates from the Chandela period
- Galleries: Five, including a Jain gallery
- Typical hours and admission: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; admission varies by visitor category
Where the museum fits into a Khajuraho visit
The Archaeological Museum is a compact cultural stop to pair with Khajuraho’s temple area. It was established in 1910 and is in Khajuraho, in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh. The museum’s setting across the road from the Western Group gives you a straightforward way to add its collections to a day among the monuments.
For a broader route through the town, see this one-day Khajuraho itinerary.
What to look for in the collections
The museum’s five galleries display sculptures and antiquities from the Chandela period, a key part of how Khajuraho took shape. The collection also includes inscriptions, coins, copper plates and other archaeological materials, giving you more than sculpture to look through.
One particular focus is the Jain gallery, which includes an 11th–12th-century statue of Lord Sambhava Nath. The museum also has a library. Take the gallery layout as a way to move from the museum’s broader archaeological holdings to this more specific Jain collection.
How the museum complements the temple sites
The museum adds context to Khajuraho’s temple landscape by placing sculptures and other Chandela-period objects in a gallery setting. The temples themselves were built during the Chandella dynasty between 950 and 1050 AD; about 20 of the original 85 temples survive.
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments comprises 23 temples, including one partly excavated structure, across western, eastern and southern clusters. UNESCO inscribed the group on the World Heritage List in 1986. For a closer look at the Western Group temples, use this walking guide to the Western Group.
Opening hours, tickets and photography
Visiting hours are 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., and the museum is closed on Mondays. Admission is Rs. 30 per head for Indian nationals and visitors from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries, Rs. 500 per head for foreigners, and free for children below 15. These details can change, so check the official site before you go.
Call the museum office at (07686) 2272320 to check visit details.
Pairing the museum with a nearby walk
The museum’s position near the Western Group makes it practical to combine the two on foot. The Western Group is 640 metres south of the museum, while the Tribal Art Museum is 430 metres southeast. You can plan the temple visit and museum stop together, then decide whether to add the Tribal Art Museum to your route.
For a simple sequence, start with the temple area, cross the road to visit the Archaeological Museum, then continue toward the Tribal Art Museum if it fits your plans.
The museum is about 0.9 km from Headquarter Khajuraho. The hotel offers a Deluxe Balcony room. Check opening details before setting out, especially if your route depends on visiting more than one museum.
FAQs
Where is the Archaeological Museum in Khajuraho?
It is in Khajuraho, Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh, across the road from the Western Group of temples.
What is the museum especially known for?
Its galleries feature Chandela-period sculptures and antiquities, including a Jain gallery with a statue of Lord Sambhava Nath.
Is there a library at the museum?
Yes. The museum has a library.