The main museum of Kashmir, located at Lal Mandi on the road between the city centre and the Residency area. The building was originally the summer palace of the Dogra Maharajas and became a museum in 1898 under Maharaja Pratap Singh, for whom it is named. The collection spans Kashmiri material culture across many centuries: pashmina shawls, costumes, metalwork, jewellery, arms and armour, paintings, stone sculptures from the medieval period, and a remarkable needlework map of Kashmir embroidered on a shawl from the 18th century.
The archaeology galleries hold stone sculptures from temples destroyed during the medieval period, some of which are impressive despite their fragmentary condition. The natural history section is less compelling. Allow two to three hours for a thorough visit; the handicrafts collection alone repays extended attention for anyone interested in buying Kashmiri crafts — seeing the quality of historical pieces is useful calibration for what you'll be shown in shops. Closed on Mondays; check current opening hours as they change seasonally.