If you’re looking for unique and unforgettable things to do in Pune, a visit to Joshi’s Museum of Miniature Railways should be at the top of your list. Nestled in the heart of Kothrud, this hidden gem attracts over 30,000 visitors annually, combining the intricate art of model-making with the nostalgia and wonder of railways.
Founded in 1998 by the late B.S. “Bhau” Joshi, the Joshi Museum of Miniature Railways began as one man’s tribute to his childhood love for trains. Joshi was an electrical engineer with a passion for building miniature train models. His work, which began as a hobby, soon caught public attention at exhibitions and fairs across India.
Step inside a 26×26-foot miniature marvel—a living city in motion.
This intricately built world features over 100 moving trains, a six-platform station yard, glowing day-to-night light transitions, and animated street scenes that feel alive.
In April 2023, to mark its 25th anniversary, Joshi Museum unveiled a miniature model of the iconic Vande Bharat Express. This addition reflects the museum’s ongoing commitment to keeping up with India’s railway heritage while preserving its old-world charm.
With painstaking effort, Joshi created a permanent space where people of all ages could experience the wonder of miniature railways. Whether you’re a curious child, a nostalgic adult, or a traveler searching for offbeat Pune attractions, Joshi Museum offers a captivating miniature world that never fails to leave an impression.
The museum is not just for train lovers—it’s for photographers, artists, children, engineers, and storytellers alike. It’s an educational experience and a visual treat rolled into one.
The magic of Joshi’s Museum of Miniature Railways isn’t just in its tiny trains—it lives in the stories of its visitors. From wide-eyed children to nostalgic grandparents, every guest leaves with a memory worth sharing. In this section, you’ll hear first-hand visitor testimonials, watch engaging Instagram reels and videos, and discover how this one-of-a-kind museum in Pune continues to delight people of all ages and backgrounds.
Video link : https://www.instagram.com/reel/DC1aV7JIAAR/
Over the years, the museum has become a favorite destination for school trips in Pune, inspiring curiosity and wonder in children of all ages. Joshi’s Museum of Miniature Railways has become a beloved educational destination for schools across Pune and beyond. For students, it’s more than a fun outing—it’s a hands-on learning experience that combines STEM education, visual storytelling, and real-world history. Through moving trains, animated scenes, and interactive narration, children grasp concepts of engineering, transportation, city planning, and scale modeling in an engaging, age-appropriate way.
Students from The Orbis School watched the show with glowing smiles and wide eyes, while those from Tata Motors Employees’ Vidya Niketan School broke into spontaneous dancing outside the museum, bubbling with joy even before the presentation began.
Video : https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHnOI2LBIqK/
Children from Matoshree National School, The Millennium National School, Wisdom World School, and VIBGYOR School were equally mesmerized—giggling, waving, and pointing at the lifelike cityscapes, trains, and animated characters. For many of these children, this was their first encounter with such an interactive, visually immersive experience, making it both educational and unforgettable.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, the museum offers something personal and unique to everyone.
Subhash Rao Mallya, a passionate miniature train enthusiast in his 50s, praised the precise scaling and layout of platforms, calling it “exceptional work in miniature modeling.
Video : https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0JsWJmNW21/
Mr. Brajesh Swain, visiting with his wife and child, highlighted the variety of train models, cityscapes, and vibrant dioramas. “There’s so much detail—from the Ferris wheel to the bustling streets—it’s like watching a tiny world come alive.”
Video : https://www.instagram.com/reel/C945-oDoc1g/
Harshad Joshi shared a touching moment: “I used to come here as a child. Today, I’ve brought my daughter to watch the same show—it’s a full-circle experience.”
It’s not just children who are amazed. Adults frequently express how the museum reconnects them to a simpler time.
A group of middle-aged men captured in a reel laughed and said, “We feel like kids again!” as they watched the trains go by with their own children beside them. Another senior visitor called it a “one-of-a-kind experience in India”—he had come as a tourist and stressed the importance of preserving old-school trains, planes, and historical knowledge for future generations.
Video link : https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGcvQTaP-XC/
Another visitor gave a testimonial saying, “This museum isn’t just for kids—railway enthusiasts like me come here with excitement. My favorite? The steam locomotive and the ICE train—they bring back memories.”
Joshi’s Museum isn’t just a popular family destination or educational field trip venue—it’s also a space of healing, learning, and joy for children from various NGOs and social organizations. The museum regularly welcomes groups supported by nonprofits, providing a meaningful escape into a world of creativity and imagination.
One of the most heartwarming visits came from Cankids, an NGO supporting children with cancer. The children were full of life and energy, pointing out their favorite displays: the bullet train, the miniature swimming pool, the circus tent, and the tiny figurines doing different jobs. Their joyful reactions were a beautiful reminder of how the museum brings light and learning even during difficult times.
Video link : https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHsEosLOP6l/
The Joshi Museum of Miniature Railways is not just about trains—it’s about memories, passion, and precision. Whether you’re a local Punekar or a tourist passing through, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss.
So next time you’re in Pune and looking for an Instagram-worthy, family-friendly, and soul-stirring experience, hop off the beaten track and into the miniature world at Joshi Museum. You’ll walk away inspired—and maybe even a little more imaginative than before.
Joshi’s Museum welcomes everyone—from kids fascinated by the magical trains, to adults enjoying the nostalgia and engineering, tourists exploring Pune’s unique sights, and creatives drawn to its detailed visuals.
Each show runs for approximately 25–30 minutes, featuring synchronized lights, sound effects, and moving miniature elements. Shows run every 30–45 minutes depending on crowd levels.
Yes, each session includes a narrated presentation explaining the various features of the miniature city, trains, and technology behind the automation. It’s both educational and entertaining.
Yes, the museum is compact, indoors, and seating is available during the show—making it suitable for elderly visitors.
