History of the Museum
Crafts Museum set up originally in 1956 at the Regal Building, Janpath by the All India Handicrafts Board. Museum was later moved to Thapar House, Janpath, New Delhi. The Village Complex, set up in 1972 as Rural India Complex for Asia Trade Fair. The complex became permanent open air exhibit as the part of the Crafts Museum after it was handed over to the Crafts Museum in 1975 The museum was shifted to the present location at Pragati Maidan in phases from 1977 to 1980.
Sprawled in an area of 20,000 sq meters ( 4.94 acres). Building was designed by Charles Correa Phase I : 1977-80 and Phase II : 1987-1990.
Hon’ble President of India dedicated the museum to the nation on 21.12.1991
Crafts Museum was renamed The National Handicrafts and Handloom Museum in 1986 and as National Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy on the year 2019.