A part of Indiaonline network empowering local businesses
Home city guide national philatelic museum

National Philatelic Museum

Do you ever wonder why there is so much of obsession for this small piece of paper? A visit to this place will not only explain why people have a penchant for stamps but will widen your knowledge base.

The museum was inaugurated in July, 2011 and is stuffed with an impressive collection of  stamps including the first stamp to be issued in India (which was by the Sindh Dak in 1854), stamps issued by the Government of India, by the princely states before Independence, foreign stamps, special cancellations, first day covers. 

It also has pictures and relics of the Indian postal life, over past years. It was designed by Dr. Anand Burdhan, who is associated with the Delhi Institute of Heritage Research and Management.

inside view at the time of inauguration of the National Philatelic Museum in 2011

The Magic of Philately

"Philately" refers to the study of stamps. Initially, used as a token to acknowledge the receipt of a post, a postage stamp has taken up many different roles. It has graduated to reflect one's culture, sovereignty and heritage. In India, lately, stamps have been used to portray country's achievement in various fields and to commemorate special events and persons.

Types of Stamps in National Philatelic Museum

Commemorative Stamps are dedicated to prominent personalities, environmental issues, rare species of flora and fauna, games, etc. These are printed in limited quantities and are theme based.
Definitive Stamps
are used for daily postage purposes.first Indian stamp dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi

Collections at the Museum

  • stamps dedicated to the freedom fighters of the Indian freedom struggle, Prime ministers of  India.
  • special display of stamps on Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhji is the most popular personality to be depicted on postage stamps and over 110 countries have issued stamps dedicated to him. 
  • The first stamp to be issued on Gandhji on 15th August,1948 is on display. Besides this, a rare stamp released by Germany where Gandhiji is shown to be writing with his left hand, is also displayed here.
  • postage stamps on themes like science, technology, wildlife, transport, etc.
  • exclusive stamps from the Army Postal Service and India security Press, Nashik.

National Philatelic Museum Delhi also houses an Amphitheater for organizing events, talk shows and presentations related to Philately. The Artist Corner showcases the designing of stamps, where artists provide live demonstration of making of a stamp. 

A reference library is also present, the access to which is provided by payment of nominal charges. The Souvenir shop offers special edition Indian postage stamps for sale, apart from stamps of other countries.

Varied types of Indian postage stamps

The picture above depicts some of the different postage stamps issued by the Indian Post including the ones dedicated to Commonwealth games of 2010, Crafts museum, Gems and Jewellery, first Asian games, Bollywood film actress Meena Kumari, Indian Mathematical Society, Kalbelia dance, to name a few.

Quick Facts/ Guide-

Location: Dak Bhavan, Sardar Patel Chowk, Sansad Marg, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Timings: 10am to 5pm
Closed: Saturdays and Sundays
Entry Fee: None
How to Reach: Nearest metro station is Patel Chowk. The museum is at a walking distance of 5 minutes from the metro station. it is well connected by other local transit options.
Photography Charges: Photography is not allowed
Phone number: 911123036447

Read More National Zoological Park in DelhiYoga Centers in Delhi, Yashwant Place, Yamuna River in Delhi, NGOs for Women in DelhiWine Shops in Delhi, Wildlife Sanctuaries Near DelhiWholesale Markets in Delhi, Map of West Delhi District,Volvo Bus Service from Delhi, Delhi OnlineVintage Camera Museum DelhiFoundation of Shanti Stupa DelhiHistory of Digambar Jain Mandir DelhiList of Bank Branches in Delhi, Economic System of DelhiBanquet Halls in Delhi, Big Bazaar Delhi, Catering Services in Delhi, Apollo Hospital Delhi, National Childrens Museum New Delhi

Explore more about Delhi Tourism

Major Cities You Must Know

Are you a Business Owner?

Add the products or services you offer

Promote your business on your local city site and get instant enquiries

+ LIST YOUR BUSINESS FOR FREE