The Manipur State Museum, inaugurated in 1969 by Indira Gandhi, the then prime minister of India, is a major tourist attraction of the state. The museum has galleries that house materials of natural history, ethnology, and archaeology.
The museum’s collection includes tribal ornaments, Manipuri textiles, agricultural equipment and other items of cultural relevance to the state.
The most striking feature of the place is Hiyang Hiren, a royal boat which is 78 feet long, situated in an open gallery.
Manipur State Museum conducts exhibitions based on cultural themes, awareness programs and cultural appreciation courses.