- Where
- Sacred Heart Theological College campus, Mawlai, Shillong
- Altitude
- About 1,450 m
- Distance
- About 3 km from Police Bazar
- Timings
- Mon–Sat 9:30am–5:30pm (summer), 9:30am–4:30pm (winter); last entry an hour before
- Entry fee
- About ₹50–100 for Indians reported; confirm at the counter
- Permit
- Not needed for Indian citizens
- Best time
- Any time; good on a rainy day
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
The Don Bosco Museum, formally the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, is a seven-storey hexagonal building in Mawlai, run by the Salesians of Don Bosco. It holds one of the best collections anywhere on the peoples of Northeast India: costumes, weapons, musical instruments, baskets, jewellery and full-size house models, across more than 17 galleries. The top floor has a skywalk with a 360° view of Shillong.
What you'll see
- Galleries on each state of the Northeast and on neighbouring regions.
- Costumes and ornaments of dozens of tribes, from Naga headgear to Khasi silver.
- Musical instruments, weapons and basketry.
- Life-size models of traditional houses and village scenes.
- The skywalk on the roof, with views across the city.
Timings and tickets
The museum's own website gives:
| Season | Hours | Last entry |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | 9:30am–5:30pm | 4:30pm |
| Winter | 9:30am–4:30pm | 3:30pm |
It's closed on Sundays and on some holidays, including All Souls' Day. Ticket prices quoted online vary between about ₹50 and ₹100 for Indian adults, with higher rates for foreigners and a separate camera fee; check at the counter.
How to reach
The museum is in Mawlai, on the Sacred Heart Theological College campus, about 3 km from Police Bazar. A taxi takes 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.
| From | Road distance | Usual drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Shillong | about 3 km | 15–20 min |
| Guwahati Airport | about 115 km | 3 hrs |
Road distances from OpenStreetMap routing. Drive times are what we see on these mountain roads, not map estimates.
Things most guides don't tell you
- Start at the top. Take the lift up to the skywalk and walk down through the galleries.
- Allow at least two hours. Most people underestimate it.
- It's the best rainy-day plan in Shillong. Keep it for the day the weather closes in.
Nearby
- Shillong Peak and Elephant Falls.
- Umiam Lake, on the road from Guwahati.
Don Bosco Museum: questions travellers ask
What are the Don Bosco Museum timings?
Monday to Saturday, 9:30am to 5:30pm in summer and 9:30am to 4:30pm in winter, with last entry an hour before closing.
Is the Don Bosco Museum open on Sunday?
No, it's closed on Sundays.
What is the ticket price of Don Bosco Museum Shillong?
Quoted at about ₹50–100 for Indian adults, more for foreigners, plus a camera fee. Check at the counter.
How many floors does the Don Bosco Museum have?
Seven, with more than 17 galleries and a rooftop skywalk.
How long does it take to see the Don Bosco Museum?
Two to three hours.
Where is the Don Bosco Museum?
In Mawlai, Shillong, about 3 km from Police Bazar.
Sources
- Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures (official site)
- Meghalaya Tourism: Don Bosco Museum
- Museums of India: Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures
Timings and fees change. Check on the day, or ask us when you book.
