Also Known As · National Science Centre, Delhi
New Delhi, Delhi · museum
A hands-on 'dream castle' of science near Pragati Maidan — push-and-pull exhibits, a Fun Science gallery and 3D shows that make kids forget they're learning.
The National Science Centre is one of the largest interactive science museums in Asia and a firm family favourite in Delhi — a multi-floor 'dream castle' of hands-on galleries near Pragati Maidan, built to teach science by doing rather than by reading labels. More than half a million visitors a year come to push, pull, spin and experiment their way through its exhibits, making it one of the capital's most rewarding outings with children.
Pure-vegetarian South Indian dosas and thalis
An unlimited pure-vegetarian Rajasthani-Gujarati thali
Pure-vegetarian South Indian dosas and idlis
The National Science Centre is one of the largest interactive science museums in Asia and a firm family favourite in Delhi — a multi-floor 'dream castle' of hands-on galleries near Pragati Maidan, built to teach science by doing rather than by reading labels.
the centre is open every day, with an inexpensive ticket and discounted rates for school groups; arrive soon after opening on a weekday to enjoy the exhibits before the school crowds. Confirm the day's 3D and science-show schedule at the counter, and note it closes on Holi and Diwali. Nearest metro: Supreme Court (formerly Pragati Maidan). Allow two to three hours.
Visiting Hours
Entry Fee: Around ₹80 general entry, with discounted rates for school and student groups. Verify at the counter.
Verified: July 2026
Address
Near Gate No. 1, Bhairon Road, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Delhi, 110001
Near Gate No. 1 on Bhairon Road, by Pragati Maidan
🚇 Nearest Metro: Supreme Court (ex-Pragati Maidan) and Indraprastha (Blue Line) — each about 1 km
🚶 Walking from Metro: From Supreme Court metro it is about a 10–15 minute walk or a short auto to Gate No. 1.
Distance from
Parking
on-site · ₹20–₹50 (paid)
On-site parking near Gate No. 1, Bhairon Road.
🚕 Ride Hailing Tip: Uber and Ola drop at Gate No. 1 on Bhairon Road; it is a short ride from Supreme Court metro.
How to Reach: The centre is near Gate No. 1 on Bhairon Road, at the edge of Pragati Maidan. Nearest metro: Supreme Court (formerly Pragati Maidan) and Indraprastha (Blue Line), each about 1 km, then a short walk or auto. Parking is available on site.
History
The National Science Centre was built to give Delhi a major interactive science museum, following earlier centres in Kolkata, Bengaluru and Mumbai, and was inaugurated on 9 January 1992.
🏛️ Architect: A purpose-built modernist museum block designed by architect Achyut Kanvinde, laid out over multiple floors of themed, hands-on galleries near Pragati Maidan.
Significance
The National Science Centre is one of the largest interactive science museums in Asia and a flagship hands-on science destination in Delhi — nicknamed 'A Dream Castle for One and All' — drawing more than half a million visitors a year to its do-it-yourself exhibits.
A living crafts museum with master artisans, in a Charles Correa village-street.
The Old Fort on the legendary mound of Indraprastha, with a moat and light show.
Delhi's 176-acre zoo beside the Old Fort — a favourite family day out.
Family Highlights
💰 Equipment Fees: Free for personal photography in most galleries.
📍 The Golden Spot: Children lighting up at the interactive Fun Science exhibits.
🌅 Best Light Time: Any time — it is an indoor museum.
🌅 Secret View: The 'Our Science and Technology Heritage' gallery, on India's historical contributions to science, is a thoughtful highlight beyond the hands-on fun.
🎯 Crowd Hack: Arrive at opening on a weekday to beat the school groups; weekends are busy with families.
💎 Secret Fact: Run by the National Council of Science Museums and inaugurated in 1992, it was designed by the noted modernist architect Achyut Kanvinde and is one of the largest science centres in Asia.
⚡ Express Tour
90 minutes — the Fun Science and Human Biology galleries and a show.
🔭 Deep Dive Tour
Full day — the Science Centre, the Crafts Museum and Purana Qila.
👕 Dress Code: No dress code; comfortable clothing and shoes for a few hours indoors.
📷 Photography Rules: Personal photography is generally allowed in the galleries; check for any restricted areas.
🏧 Nearest ATM: ATMs around Pragati Maidan and Mandi House (within 1.5 km).
It is open daily, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (ticket counter closes about 5:15 PM), and closed only on Holi and Diwali.
Around ₹80 for general visitors, with discounted rates for school and student groups; verify the current tariff at the counter.
Supreme Court (formerly Pragati Maidan) and Indraprastha on the Blue Line are each about 1 km away; take a short walk or auto to Gate No. 1.
Very — it is a hands-on, do-it-yourself science museum with a Fun Science gallery and 3D shows, one of the best family outings in Delhi; allow two to three hours.
Interactive galleries on Human Biology, the History of the Earth, Fun Science, the Information Revolution and Emerging Technologies, a Water gallery, and India's science and technology heritage.
There are good pure-veg options nearby — Saravana Bhavan at Janpath, the Rajdhani thali and Sagar Ratna are all a short ride away.
Categories