Jammu and Kashmir remained the center of cultural heritage since time immemorial. The museums of Jammu and Kashmir hold the glory of past events and affairs. Some of the museums display the culture and rich heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. These museums stand as a proof of the rich sculptural execution of deities that were a hallmark of Kashmir, exposing the unique style and standard of sculpture in Kashmir that date back to the seventh to eleventh century.

Some of the present museums of Jammu and Kashmir were earlier the palaces of emperors. The museums include the collections like shawls, paintings, arms and armoury, silver images, copper and jade ornaments, copper and brass utensils and Ladakhi handicrafts. The archaeological objects displayed in the museums involve pottery, terracotta tiles, metal and stone objects dating from the 2nd to 12th century AD. Life size statuettes of Buddha, Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma are displayed vividly. The art of calligraphy in the Sharda, Persian and Arabic scripts depict the excellence of the art. Textiles are also displayed in the museums of Jammu and Kashmir. Certain museums here also house libraries.

Apart from these articles rare and exquisite paintings from different schools such as Basoli, Jammu and Kangra have been exhibited in the museums of Jammu and Kashmir for the visitors` perusal. The walls of some museums display photographic depictions of architecture as seen in forts, palaces and temples and a variety of weapons, crucial implements and others. The museums also treasure metal craft from the Mughal era, important manuscripts, scripts, terracotta objects that are the art of 4th and 8th century AD, embroidered works, portraits, coins, silver and copper ornaments of ancient culture etc.

The museums of Jammu and Kashmir include Shri Pratap Singh (SPS) Museum, Amar Mahal Palace Museum, Dorga Art Museum and others.