Cultural Museum
A dedicated archive of sound, vision, and the technological evolution that shaped India's cultural narrative through the twentieth century.
A Journey Through Sound & Vision
The Oriental Academy Museum stands as a testament to the transformative power of audio-visual technology. Our curation spans from the earliest gramophone experiments to the digital revolution, focusing on the unique Indian context.
We house an extensive collection of antique equipment, including rare valve radios, vintage cine-projectors, and one of the largest archives of shellac records in the subcontinent. Our mission is to bridge the gap between historical craftsmanship and modern scholarship.
"Preserving the echoes of the past for the listeners of the future."
Our Collections
Systematic archives categorizing decades of technological milestones.
Vintage Radio Equipment
Rare valve and transistor models from 1930-1980, showcasing the evolution of broadcast reception.
Record Collection
Extensive library of 78 RPM shellacs, LPs, and EPs covering early Indian cinema and classical music.
Audio Cassettes
Tracing the cassette revolution that democratized music across the Indian landscape.
CDs & DVDs
The digital transition archive featuring first editions of multi-media educational content.
Cinema Equipment
Vintage 16mm and 35mm projectors, lenses, and editing tables from early production houses.
Recording Devices
From wire recorders to early reel-to-reel tapes used in pioneering radio stations.
Highlighted Artifacts
Signature pieces from our permanent exhibition.
Rare
1920s Valve Radio
A pristine example of early domestic receiver technology, featuring hand-crafted teak casing and original components.
Archival
First Indian 78 RPM
Original shellac pressing of historical significance, preserving the earliest commercial recordings of Indian classical vocals.
Featured
Vintage Film Projector
Heavy-duty 35mm projector salvaged from a historic single-screen theater in Kolkata, fully restored for display.
Conservation & Digitization
Ensuring the longevity of fragile media through advanced restoration and high-fidelity digital archiving.
Restoration Projects
Physical repair of damaged magnetic tapes and shellac discs using non-invasive techniques.
Digital Preservation
High-resolution 24-bit/192kHz audio digitization and 4K film scanning for future generations.
Documentation
Exhaustive metadata creation for each artifact to facilitate scholarly research and cataloging.
Research Access
Providing controlled access to the digitized archives for historians, students, and enthusiasts.
Plan Your Visit
Visiting Hours
Tue – Sun: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays
Location
Heritage Block, Oriental Academy Campus
Academic Square, New Delhi
