History
Partition Museum is a curated space dedicated to the human stories of the 1947 Partition of India. Through oral histories, personal letters, official documents, photographs, and everyday objects carried across borders, the museum preserves memories of migration, loss, resilience, and rebuilding.
Located inside the historic Town Hall complex of Amritsar, the museum’s galleries move chronologically—from late colonial politics and popular movements to the announcement of Partition, the mass migrations, relief & rehabilitation, and the continuing legacies. Quiet listening booths and video testimonies invite visitors to reflect with empathy and respect.
The museum honors those who lived through Partition and safeguards their memories for future generations—encouraging dialogue, learning, and healing.
Partition Museum Today
Overview & Significance: Inaugurated on 25 August 2017, the museum documents the Partition of British India into India and Pakistan through personal narratives and family archives, not just political milestones. It functions as a living archive and a space for remembrance.
Building & Location: Housed in Amritsar’s Town Hall—a short walk from the Golden Temple—the building retains arched verandahs, colonial details, old tiled floors, and a historic bell from 1897. Its transformation from a site of colonial authority (kotwali/jail/police HQ) into a museum of memory carries symbolic weight.
Collections & Galleries: Spread over 14 galleries, the narrative covers local context (“Why Amritsar?”), resistance and rise (1900–1945), communal tensions and the run-up to 1947, the drawing of boundaries, migrations and refugee life, and a closing theme of Hope. Exhibits include oral histories (100+ interviews), personal artefacts (trunks, utensils, watches, clothing), immersive installations (railway platform, riot-scarred walls, evocative well), and artworks by noted artists.
Visitors can add a leaf to the participatory “Tree of Hope” with thoughts and messages—ending the journey on a note of reflection and resilience.
What to Expect
Galleries combine documents, photographs, soundscapes, and film clips. Expect to spend time listening to testimonies and reading labels; audio guides (when available) enhance the experience. The museum shop often carries books and research publications related to Partition history.
Plan Your Visit
Opening Hours
Good to Know
- Audio guides / guided tours may be available
- Photography policy varies by gallery—check signage
- Primary areas are wheelchair accessible; signage is bilingual (English/Punjabi)
Contact & Address
Local Tips
- Allow quiet time for the oral histories.
- Combine with nearby Jallianwala Bagh and Golden Temple on foot.
- Weekdays are usually calmer than weekends.