Heritage Transport Museum in Gurugram welcomes new exhibits
For travellers eager to dive into India’s cultural and industrial history, the Heritage Transport Museum in Tauru-Gurugram is a must-visit destination. Positioned just off National Highway 8, this trailblazing museum offers an engaging look at the country’s transportation evolution, from traditional modes of travel to modern innovations. The museum is the result of decades of dedication by Tarun Thakral, founder of the Heritage Transportation Trust. This non-profit organisation was established to preserve, document and share India’s transportation history.
Since its opening in 2013, the Heritage Transport Museum has welcomed visitors to explore its meticulously designed spaces. To celebrate its 11th anniversary, the museum unveiled two thought-provoking exhibitions, Light Years Ahead and Prints of the Divine. Open to the public till March 31 2025, these exhibitions juxtapose the past with imaginative glimpses of the future. Prints of the Divine showcase an extraordinary collection of oleographs, lithographic plates and postcards, some of which are being displayed for the first time to commemorate this occasion. Meanwhile, Light Years Ahead offers a futuristic perspective, inviting visitors to reflect on the intersection of tradition and innovation.
After their run at the museum, the exhibitions will embark on a tour across India, bringing these compelling narratives to a wider audience. The launch event was attended by notable figures, including Rama Varma Thampuran, a descendant of artist Raja Ravi Varma and Rajiv Lochan, a renowned musician and former director of the National Gallery of Modern Art.
Registered under the Indian Trust Act of 1882, the trust reflects a collector’s passion for uncovering rare and extraordinary artefacts. What began as a personal endeavour to understand transportation’s evolution has transformed into a public institution celebrating this rich heritage. Spread over three acres, the museum features four floors of exhibits within 90,000 square feet of air-conditioned facilities. Its offerings include interactive galleries, a library, a mini auditorium and even a restaurant, making it an ideal destination for families and curious travellers alike. Visitors can explore exhibits on topics such as pre-mechanised transportation, rural travel, heavy vehicles, railways, aviation and maritime history. There’s even a gallery dedicated to collectable toys themed around transport and contemporary art inspired by motor vehicles.
With over 3,500 objects on display, the Heritage Transport Museum provides a fascinating lens into India’s history, culture and ingenuity.
