Don Bosco Museum Shillong: Complete Guide For Visitors | 2025

The Don Bosco Museum is one of Asia’s finest cultural heritage museums and the largest museum of indigenous cultures. It is a must-visit destination in any Shillong tourism itinerary for those eager to explore the lifestyle, traditions, and history of Northeast India.

For travelers keen to understand the socio-cultural aspect of Northeast India and its neighboring countries, the Don Bosco Museum in Meghalaya is just the right place for you. 

From ethnographic exhibits to interactive displays, this Meghalaya museum will give you an insight into the history, way of life, languages, occupation, houses, and a lot more of all the tribes in the region without actually visiting all the places. This Museum in Shillong offers a one-stop view of all.

Don Bosco Museum: Travellers Information

• Location of Don Bosco Museum : The Don Bosco Museum Shillong is situated in the Mawlai area, just 3 km from Police Bazaar, Shillong’s main commercial hub.

Address: Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, Mawlai Phudmuri, Mawlai Mawdatbaki, Shillong, Meghalaya 793008

• Don Bosco Museum Timings

The Don Bosco Museum is open from Monday to Saturday

The Galleries of Don Bosco Museum in Meghalaya

• Introductory & pre-History Gallery: Begin your exploration by learning about the region’s history and prehistoric roots. Discover the early life and culture of the people in a visually engaging display.

• Land & People Gallery: This gallery presents an insightful look at the diverse landscapes and the different communities residing in the Northeast. Explore how geography has influenced the way people live.

• Religion & Culture Gallery: Dive into the vibrant religious practices and cultural traditions of the Northeast. Witness the spiritual diversity that shapes the lives of the people here.

• Language Gallery: Delve into the linguistic diversity of the region, where numerous languages are spoken. Learn about the scripts and writing systems used by various communities.

• Neighbour’s Gallery: Discover the connections between Northeast India and its neighboring countries. Explore the cross-cultural influences and historical ties that bind the region.

• Agriculture Gallery: Explore the agricultural practices that sustain the people of the Northeast. Gain insight into traditional farming methods and the importance of agriculture in the region’s economy.

• Alcoves Gallery: This gallery offers intriguing insights into the unique aspects of the Northeast’s culture and heritage. It’s a place to discover hidden gems and get detailed information within its 10 sections.

• Art Gallery: Immerse yourself in the artistic expressions of the region. Marvel at the intricate artworks that showcase the creativity of the people.

• Basketry Gallery: Witness the exquisite craftsmanship of basketry, a traditional art form that plays a vital role in the daily lives of the people in the Northeast.

• Costumes and Ornaments Gallery: Admire the vibrant and diverse traditional clothing and jewelry that adorn the people of the region, reflecting their culture and identity.

• Fishing, Hunting & Gathering Gallery: Learn about the traditional methods of fishing, hunting, and gathering that have sustained communities for generations in this resource-rich region. 

• Housing Pattern Gallery: Explore the various architectural styles and housing patterns that are shaped by the climate, culture, and materials available in different parts of the Northeast. 

• Traditional Technology Gallery: Discover the innovative technologies and tools that have been used by the people of the Northeast for daily life, agriculture, and more, in this most loved gallery by tourists in the Don Bosco Museum.

• Musical Instruments Gallery: Experience the melodies and rhythms of the region through a collection of traditional musical instruments that are both fascinating and culturally significant.

• Weapons Gallery: Gain insights into the martial traditions of the Northeast and the weapons used for self-defense and in cultural practices.

• Photo Gallery: View captivating images that provide a visual narrative of the region’s history and contemporary life, offering a window into the past and present.

• Skywalk Gallery: Get a bird’s-eye view of the Don Bosco Museum and its surroundings. Enjoy the stunning panoramic vistas of Shillong from this unique vantage point.

• North East Space Centre: Explore the unique exhibit showcasing the achievements and developments in space and technology in the Northeast, highlighting the region’s contributions to the field.

As one of the finest Meghalaya museums, the Don Bosco Cultural Centre offers an engaging and educational experience. Thus, visiting this museum is one of the best things to do in Meghalaya for history and culture enthusiasts.

More Information on the Don Bosco Museum in Meghalaya

The research wing studies Northeast India’s rich traditions and cultures. It has a huge library called the Otto Hopfenmueller Library, filled with books about the region. The publication center releases books and research papers on cultural topics and also hosts workshops and courses.

Visitors can learn about Northeast India’s indigenous cultures through multimedia devices like touch screens, plasma screens, and documentaries at Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures.

Managed by the Don Bosco Salesians of North East India, the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures aims to preserve and promote indigenous cultures, not only in India but worldwide.

The Don Bosco Museum Shillong is a seven-story building that stands out in Shillong’s skyline with its unique hexagonal structure, designed by Vivek Varma. This shape allows natural light and fresh air to flow through the galleries, making the space bright and airy.

Inside, the museum has over 18 galleries, each focusing on different themes like tribal life, religion, agriculture, art, and music. Exploring the entire museum takes about half a day, but most tourists spend 2-3 hours enjoying the exhibits.

This cultural heritage museum is one of the top Meghalaya museums and a must-visit for anyone interested in Shillong tourism and Northeast India’s traditions.

How To Reach Don Bosco Museum Shillong

• By Airways: The nearest airport is Shillong Airport (Umroi Airport), located 30 km away. However, it has limited flights. The more convenient option is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, 125 km away, with frequent domestic and international flights. From here, you can take a shared taxi or bus to Shillong.
• By Railways: The nearest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station, about 100 km from Shillong. From Guwahati, taxis, private cabs, and buses are available to Shillong.
• By Roadways: Shillong is well-connected by road to Guwahati (100 km), Cherrapunji (54 km), and other major towns in Meghalaya. State transport buses, private cabs, and shared taxis operate frequently between Guwahati and Shillong.