When was the last time you walked into a museum? If you&rsquo;re drawing a blank, International Museum Day is your chance to change that. Celebrated every year on May 18 since 1977 by the International Council of Museums, it&rsquo;s your cue to pick from our handy list, no matter where your interests lie.
<h2>For nature enthusiasts</h2>
Bombay Natural History Society
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Beetle-a_e.jpg" alt="Preserved specimen of jewel beetle exoskeleton. PIC COURTESY/BNHS" width="1280" height="720" /> Preserved specimen of jewel beetle exoskeleton. PIC COURTESY/BNHS
The <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai-guide/things-to-do/article/for-open-library-week-bombay-natural-history-society-opens-its-doors-to-the-public-23615032" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">BNHS Collection</a> boasts of nearly 1,50,000 species preserved as specimens for students, naturalists, and researchers. The insect collection spanning over 70,000 insects is the crown jewel of the centre.&nbsp; AT Hornbill House, opposite Lion Gate, Fort. CALL 22821811 (to schedule a visit)&nbsp;
Taxidermy Centre, Sanjay Gandhi National Park
A 15-minute walk from the main gate pays off at the Taxidermy Centre where exhibits of nearly 200 wildlife species are exhibited. The park receives animals that die natural deaths across national parks in India, which are later taxidermied by experts.&nbsp; TIME 9 am to 5.30 pm&nbsp; AT Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivli East. ENTRY Park entry&nbsp; Ticket applies
<h2>For heritage lovers&nbsp;</h2>
Framji Dadabhoy Alpaiwalla Museum
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Fire-temple-museum_e.jpg" alt="A recreation of a fire temple&rsquo;s interiors" width="1280" height="720" /> A recreation of a fire temple&rsquo;s interiors
The Bombay Parsi Panchayet and the Ministry of Culture joined hands last year to revive this world&rsquo;s only museum that documents the rich history and culture of India&rsquo;s Zoroastrian community.&nbsp;
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Heritage-lovers_e.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> A woman draped in the traditional Parsi Gara. FILE PICS/ASHISH RAJE
TIME 10 am to 5.30 pm (Mondays closed)&nbsp; AT NS Patkar Marg, Khareghat Colony, Malabar Hill.
<h2>Marine Museum</h2>
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Ship_e.jpg" alt="A model of HMS Minden, a 74-gun, Ganges Class ship built in 1810 by Jamshedji Bomanji Wadia. She was the first Royal Navy ship of her kind to be built outside Britain. FILE PIC" width="1280" height="720" /> A model of HMS Minden, a 74-gun, Ganges Class ship built in 1810 by Jamshedji Bomanji Wadia. She was the first Royal Navy ship of her kind to be built outside Britain. FILE PIC
We use the term hidden gem sparingly, but this 1912-established museum at the TS Rahaman campus in Nhava makes the cut. Make a day trip to browse through exhibits including a 1835 Navigation Chart of the Arabian Coast, and paintings of early ships like the SS Hindostan.&nbsp; AT TS Rahaman Campus, Nhava.&nbsp; CALL 69741300 (to schedule visit; entry by official permission only)
<h2>Central Railway Museum</h2>
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Barsi-Light-Railway_e.jpg" alt="Watch a 1:4 replica of the vintage Barsi Light Railway Narrow Gauge steam locomotive in motion" width="1280" height="720" /> Watch a 1:4 replica of the vintage Barsi Light Railway Narrow Gauge steam locomotive in motion
The next time you&rsquo;re at <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/international-museum-day-2025-csmt-heritage-museum-hosts-public-tours-and-more-check-details-here-23546218" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus</a>, drop by this museum that provides a window into the decorated past of Indian Railways. Expect vintage artefacts, rare photos dating back more than 100 years, and immersive installations.&nbsp; TIME 2 pm to 5 pm (Monday to Friday) AT Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. ENTRY Rs 200; R100 (students)&nbsp;
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Shinkansen-railway_e.jpg" alt="A miniature model of the much-anticipated high-speed Shinkansen E5 bullet train. FILE PICS" width="1280" height="720" /> A miniature model of the much-anticipated high-speed Shinkansen E5 bullet train. FILE PICS
<h2>For numismatists</h2>
RBI Monetary Museum
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Note-issued_e.jpg" alt="A dated Bank of Bombay note features former governers of Bombay Presidency, Mountstuart Elphinstone and John Malcolm. PIC COURTESY/RBI" width="1280" height="720" /> A dated Bank of Bombay note features former governers of Bombay Presidency, Mountstuart Elphinstone and John Malcolm. PIC COURTESY/RBI
Money talks at this repository of India's coinage and paper currency. Learn how money evolved through changing empires and testing times. This <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mid-day-exclusive-best-museum-acquires-rare-1887-handwritten-record-from-mumbai-s-horse-tram-era-23608236" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">museum will keep you busy</a> all day.&nbsp; TIME 11 am to 5 pm (Mondays closed)&nbsp; AT Ground floor, Amar Building, Sir Pherozeshah Mehta Road, Fort.
<h2>Virtual archives</h2>
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Virtual-tour-Louvre_e.jpg" alt="PIC COURTESY/ The Louvre Museum" width="1280" height="720" /> PIC COURTESY/ The Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum One of the most famous museums, this French treasure house offers online tours that are detailed, informative, and a delight. LOG ON TO louvre.fr
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum For those interested in contemporary history, this online archival tour documents one of the pivotal moments of 20th Century history. LOG ON TO hpmmuseum.jp
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Virtual-tour_e.jpg" alt="PIC COURTESY/The Vatican Museum" width="1280" height="720" /> PIC COURTESY/The Vatican Museum
The Lords Cricket Ground The sacred home of cricket in London has thrown open its exclusive galleries and balconies to the online visitor, and it is not to be missed. LOG ON TO lords.org
The Vatican Museum From the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel to Raphael&rsquo;s Rooms, everything on this tour is, forgive the pun, divine. LOG ON TO museivaticani.va&nbsp;
Inputs by Shriram Iyengar

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