Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Museum

Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Museum is located in Teen Murti Bhavan, which was once the official residence of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Constructed in 1929-30 and designed by Robert Tor Russell (same British architect who designed Connaught Place), Teen Murti Bhavan was the official residence of Commander-in-Chief of British Indian Army, before India gained independence. In August 1948, after the departure of last British Commander-in-Chief, it became the official residence of India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

Nehru Memorial Museum, Teen Murti Bhavan

Pandit Nehru lived in Teen Murti Bhavan until his death on 27th of May, 1964. The room in which Nehru spent his last minutes has been kept as it is and is viewable to general public, from behind glass door.

Jawaharlal Nehru’s bedroom in Teen Murti Bhavan

As one enters Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Museum, one is greeted by the reception area of the house, which too has been kept as it is, along with the drawing room.

Drawing room, Teen Murti Bhavan

Once past the lobby and into the beautiful back garden, you will see three eternal flames burning 24×7 in the memory of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi (his daughter and India’s first female Prime Minister) and Rajiv Gandhi (son of Indira Gandhi and Ex-Prime Minister of India).

Once back inside the museum, you are greeted by a photo gallery devoted to Jawaharlal Nehru, which also contains some of the rare letters and manuscripts, written by him.

Gallery devoted to Pandit Nehru

Photo Gallery at Nehru Museum

You can also see recreated office of Jawaharlal Nehru, which used to be in South Block and has since then been recreated bit by bit at Teen Murti Bhavan, by utilizing the furniture and articles Nehru originally used in his office.

Jawaharlal Nehru’s Office

This museum is not only devoted to the life of Nehru, but also to the freedom struggle of India and the parliamentary democracy India achieved after gaining independence. Hence the museum also has several rooms dedicated to the freedom struggle of India and parliamentary democracy.

Heroes of India’s Independence Struggle, who were hanged by the British Empire.

There is also a dedicated Gift Gallery section, which contains gifts Pandit Nehru received from various heads of states and dignitaries from around the world.

There is also a recreation of Central Hall of Parliament, where Jawaharlal Nehru’s life size animated figure delivers his famous “Tryst with Destiny” speech, which Nehru had originally delivery delivered in the Central Hall of Parliament on the midnight of 14-15 August, 1947, to mark the independence of India.

Jawaharlal Nehru delivering tryst with destiny speech

You too can sit behind figures of various congressmen and freedom fighters and relive that moment.

Central Hall of Parliament

For the photography enthusiasts and architecture admirers, Teen Murti Bhavan is also treasure trove of colonial architecture and although several sections of it are undergoing renovation or are in a bad state, it is nonetheless a place worth visiting.

Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Museum not only presents its visitors a glimpse into the life and work of the first Prime Minister of India, but also the struggle freedom fighters and leaders of India had to go through to not only gain independence, but also in order to construct a firm foundation for the democracy of India, which has been unwavering in its resolve, despite all odds.

Entrance fee: Entrance to Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Museum is free, and museum is open from 9am to 5:30pm, except Mondays and government holidays.

Travel and photography tip: Nehru Museum is best visited during the month of January and February, when the roses and various other plants of the back garden are in full bloom.