Artefacts Museum
Artefacts Museum – Uttar Pradesh Institute of Design and Research (UPIDR), Lucknow.
Established in 2017, the Artefacts Museum at the Uttar Pradesh Institute of Design and Research (UPIDR), Lucknow, is a celebration of the region’s rich artisanal legacy and India’s timeless craft traditions. Located within the UPIDR campus in Lucknow, and curated under the Department of MSME & Export Promotion, Government of Uttar Pradesh, this museum stands as a tribute to the extraordinary skills of our traditional craftspeople and the diversity of heritage crafts across India.
The museum showcases a thoughtfully curated collection of handcrafted artifacts, with a focus on indigenous craftsmanship, sustainability, and cultural storytelling and significance. Each section of the museum reveals a different facet of India’s cultural richness through materials, methods, and motifs passed down through generations.
In addition, there are intricate Ek-Taar Chikankari embroidered pieces and wooden blocks, miniature terracotta dioramas, ceramic pottery, bamboo crafted flutes, moonj and jute woven basketry, handwoven textiles like brocade, and intricate marble inlay and enamel work that complete the museum’s narrative of India’s design depth.
Each piece on display not only represents a region or material but also embodies a living tradition and the communities behind it.
The Artefacts Museum at UPIDR is not just a space for viewing; it is a platform for education, inspiration, and preservation of India’s craft heritage. Students, scholars, designers, and visitors alike are encouraged to explore, learn, and draw inspiration from this collection.
Visitors are welcome to explore the Artefacts Museum as per the stipulated institutional guidelines and visiting hours.
Among the most striking collections is the metal ware gallery, featuring antique vessels, engraved utensils, and decorative objects crafted in brass, copper, and bronze.
The Bidri work section displays the signature black-metal inlay craft, known for its contrast and intricate geometric or floral designs. Visitors will also find rare silver jewelry items that reflect delicate hand-chased filigree and traditional Indian aesthetics.
Another key highlight is the collection of terracotta sculptures and figurines, echoing folk narratives and traditional ritual art forms. Complementing this is a selection of wood carvings that include both decorative and functional objects, showcasing the skill of Indian artisans in transforming natural materials into art.
The museum also preserves heritage techniques such as bone and ivory carving, a nearly lost craft that once adorned Mughal courts. While ivory is no longer in use due to conservation laws, historical artefacts in this section underscore the detailing and precision of the craft.
The Zari and Zardozi segment beautifully captures the regal legacy of Uttar Pradesh’s hand-embroidery traditions, where metallic threads create rich, ornamental surface textures on fabric.
