Sulabh International Museum of Toilets Delhi

While there are museums in Delhi which represent history, heritage, there is one such museum which raises the concern of the sanitation sector in the country, Sulabh International Museum of Toilets. It was the due efforts of Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, who along with being a sociologist, is the founder of Sulabh International and the guiding light of this museum. Being known for his relentless service towards environmental sanitation and equal promotion of human rights, the activist wanted to bring the real scenario of sanitation towards the public. Set up in the year 1992, the museum has toilets that belong to over 50 countries which are divided into three categories namely Ancient, Medieval and Modern as per the artifacts that are gathered for the period of 3000 BC to 20th century. By the means of this museum, the whole history of toilets is represented, such as the shift in technology, the evolving of social habits from then to now, the legal framework and the etiquettes that changed with the coming of time. Not only the chamber pots, privies, toilet furniture, Victorian toilet seats are put on display but also the water closets and bidets that belonged to the 1145 AD till date are exhibited.

To make sightseeing tour here more interesting, poetry on display boards regarding toilets and its many uses are also put on display. Other pictures in the museum bring forward the actuality of how the world looked like until the time water closets were not invented. With every step taken in the museum, comes the finely sculpted commodes and urinals which lead the way to models of the medieval ones. One out of which is the model of the treasure chest which was used by the English which they used during hunting and camping. Along with the museum of toilets also has on display the toilet pots made of gold and silver used by the Roman emperors. Furthermore, there is an extensive range of flush pots which were invented by Sir John Harrington in 1596 during the rule of Queen Elizabeth I. Sewerage system from the Harappan Civilization is also put on display for the visitors.

Major Highlights of the Museum

• The museum has great facts regarding the development of toilets which range from the Indus Valley Civilisation to Europe where the major rise in the technology of toilets took place.
• The museum finds its place on the list of weirdest exhibits around the world and is ranked in the "10 museums around the world that are anything but mundane" as per the Time magazine.

Visiting Timings:

Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Sunday and National Holidays: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Entry Fee:

Free entry

Address

RZ-83, Sulabh Bhawan, Palam Dabri Road, Mahavir Enclave, New Delhi, Delhi 110045

How to Reach

Dashrath Puri metro station on the Magenta line serves as the best way to reach this museum. The metro station is located some 700m away from Sulabh International Museum of Toilets.