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Meghalaya

Don Bosco Museum

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map

January

2.2 - 18.6 °C

February

3.7 - 21.2 °C

March

6.8 - 25.6 °C

April

10.1 - 27.1 °C

May

11.8 - 27.0 °C

June

14.7 - 27.1 °C

July

16.3 - 27.4 °C

August

16.2 - 27.3 °C

September

14.8 - 26.9 °C

October

10.9 - 25.2 °C

November

7.1 - 22.8 °C

December

4.0 - 20.1 °C

Major Airports :

Shillong Airport (SHL), Shillong

Nearest Railway Station :

Guwahati Railway Station (GHY)

Major Airports :

Shillong Airport (SHL), Shillong

A step back into history

Situated within Sacred Heart Church in Shillong, Don Bosco Museum represents the heritage and culture of the various Indigenous tribes and communities across the Northeastern states. The Museum, also known as the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, is a popular tourist spot, promoting North-eastern history and practices. A treasure of North-eastern heritage, the museum exhibits thousands of tribal artefacts such as clothing, jewellery, musical instruments, hunting and gathering tools, agricultural equipment, sculptures and paintings.

The museum houses thousands of books based on the traditions and history of tribes. The museum’s hexagonal structures have seven stories, making the design functional and aesthetically pleasing. There are seventeen galleries equipped with numerous exhibits, that guide visitors in their mesmerising in-depth historical journey. To enhance the experience and provide a realistic representation of the tribal people, life-size figures made of fibreglass are displayed as well. These figures depict the lifestyle and events of the tribal communities, evoking the imagination of the visitors. The Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes are represented to provide visitors with comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their distinctive traditions, customs, practices and beliefs.

The museum also focuses on elements and aspects from neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar. They shed light on the origin and migration of the tribes. You will learn how tribes adapted their lifestyles based on the geographical features of their inhabitant. The photography section will provide you with glimpses of tribal life across various areas. The museum's realistic representations, curated exhibits and cultural preservation, make it a significant landmark. The Don Bosco Museum provides a memorable experience for history learners, art enthusiasts and curious minds.

A sneak peek into its treasures

Home to thousands of Indigenous exhibits and artefacts, visitors will witness the rich cultural history of Indigenous tribes. From tribal wear to powerful tools to harmonic instruments, the museum offers a wide range of tangible items from various regions and tribes. Step inside, and immerse yourself in the mesmerising history of tribes. Discover incredible treasures representing the diverse culture of Northeastern states. Visitors will find tribal attires such as Gamcha, Richia, Dawache and a lot more. Tools like Dao, Sherdukpen and Jebulu will be displayed. These hunting weapons give us a glimpse of their lifestyle and food-gathering techniques. Music is embedded in every community and tribe, varying from region to region, tribe to tribe. Tribal instruments such as the Morchang and Lemet will be displayed in the museum. Structures of mythical deities, traditional face masks and coverings, and handmade items will be found in the museum as well. This selection provides a glimpse of what you can expect. Visit the museum, and you will discover art and whispers about the deep culture of various tribes.

Digging knowledge, preserving culture

Don Bosco Museum was set up in 2003 by the Salesians of Don Bosco, to preserve and promote the rich and diverse culture of North-eastern tribes. The Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures was established under the patronage of Shri KK Paul, who was the then Governor of Meghalaya. The museum is accompanied by a research centre, library and publication. The North Eastern Institute for Research in Anthropology (NEIRA), is a research centre aimed at enhancing an in-depth understanding and learning of Indigenous groups and their culture. The research centre provides an opportunity for individuals seeking to learn and explore further into Indigenous communities. The library has about 110,473 volumes of books and papers dealing with the study and cultural aspects of Northeast India, making it beneficial for visitors, students and scholars. The Don Bosco Museum is not just any educational spot, rather it also encourages individuals to conduct research, publish their findings and benefit from the library. The museum serves as a platform for cultural exchange, research, and education.

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Timings

Opening time - 09:30 AM

Closing time - 05:30 PM

From Tuesday to Saturday

You may enjoy

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Experience
Witness Shillong's cultural kaleidoscope

Beyond Don Bosco Museum

Visit the Shillong Peak, the highest point in Shillong, offering breath-taking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Another must-visit place is the Ward's Lake. This serene, man-made lake is surrounded by well-manicured gardens and walking paths. Additionally, the Lady Hydari Park is a beautifully maintained park that features a mini zoo, a children's playground, and a variety of flowering plants and trees. The park is an ideal spot for families and nature lovers, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of Shillong.