This post is about my visit to Vikram Pendse Cycle Museum in Pune. Although so much has changed about transport and the way we travel, this little hidden museum in Pune has still preserved everything from the past era. This is the best place to take your grandfather, grandmother or your parents to be nostalgic about the past. And if you love cycles or history you will enjoy this place equally. What’s more, the place is also kids friendly, which means you can take your kids away from smartphones and show them the olden times.
Pune – The City of Bicycles
Pune city in Maharashtra is well-known as the “City of Bicycles.” Once upon a time, the city had no motor run vehicles and the entire transportation was Bicycles only. Things have changed of course with time and due to increased urbanisation. But this little jewel – Vikram Pendse Cycle Museum, hidden in the suburbs of Pune reminds us of those days very precisely. And this cycle museum in Pune is the perfect place to paddle down a historic lane.
By the way, if you are coming to Pune city for a few days from outside the city, you should check my Pune city Guide.
Vikram Pendse’s Cycle Museum Pune
Vikram Pendse cycle museum is a modest home-based setup in Pune showcasing the amazing private collection by Mr Vikram Pendse, brought to life by his friend who is a passionate cyclist himself, Mr Pandurang Gaikwad. Every cycle in this collection is kept in perfect working condition by Mr Gaikwad.
When we reached here, they charged us ₹100 as an entrance fee. We went in wondering whether it was worth spending on just looking at old bicycles. But once inside, we didn’t regret our choice at all. Vikram Pendse Cycle Museum is a perfect place to hang-out with your parents and grandparents, or to show the youngsters of today the golden old times.
- Entry Fee: ₹100.
- Timings: 11 am to 7 pm. Weekly holiday on Tuesdays.
- Address: 22, Harsh Sahawas Society, Karvenagar Pune – 411052, Maharashtra, India.
Bicycles at Vikram Pendse Cycle Museum
The three-storied museum displays a stunning collection of over 150 vintage bicycles, tricycles and pedal cars, dating back over the last hundred years. Moreover, the owners have kept these in the best working condition. Mr Gaikwad transforms even the age-old and sometimes quite broken bicycles and artefacts back into the magnificent items of their prime ages.
Following are some of their well-preserved models:
- 1914 Golden Sunbeam 3 geared bicycle with rear pedal brake and tool space inside handle grip. (England)
- 1950 Raleigh Kids Chain driven tricycle (England)
- 1940 BSA Paratrooper Folding Bicycle – World War II (England)
Spares and Accessories
Not just bicycles and tricycles the museum also boasts a wide display of various accessories of bicycles and spare parts. They have cycle dynamos which used to lit up the cycle bulb when someone pedals it. Moreover, they have a variety of Kerosene Lamps which were used for bicycles in ancient times. They also have an arrangement of little air pumps which the person could carry along while going on a bicycle ride. Some other things which you can see are a variety of cycle gears and cycle seats.
Paddle Cars
Paddle Cars are the toy cars which were used by the children of the elite in olden times. A 1950 Austin J40 model-based toy car which is repainted and operational will grab your attention. Another 1945 Cycloskiff Rowing style cycle is also present among many others.
Vintage Household Items
As you finish the ground floor and reach the 2nd floor an assortment of various vintage household items of the past century will greet you. From radio sets to gramophones, from irons to sewing machines to lady’s dressers, from kerosene stove to ovens, ink-bottles and dainty ink pens to typewriters, locks, old and beautiful glass bottles, liquor flasks, Pan dabbas, cigarette lighters all sit on the shelves in restored glory.
See a list of a few prized possessions below:
- 1946 Ferranti Radio (England)
- 1910 Kerosene Fan
- 1940 Weighing Scale in Pounds (England)
- 1950 Bioscope (England)
- 1935 Kerosene Lamp
- 1920 Remington typewrite No 10 (USA)
- 1950 Gritzner Hand Sewing Machine (Germany)
- 1930 Kerosene Stove cum Oven (England)
- 1955 Pan Dabbas
- 1909 Lock
- 1953 Tilley Kerosene Iron
Old Cycle Advertisements
When you reach the third floor, you find even more bicycles. Moreover, well preserved old bicycle advertisements, printed on iron sheets hang on the quaint walls all around. It is very interesting to watch the way advertisement boards looked in the olden times.
Other items at Vikram Pendse Cycle Museum
When you come outside to their patio, there are a few vintage bikes, one vintage car and also some vintage Buggies- a horse-driven carriage. They also have a vintage telephone in full working condition. You should ask them to ring it!
Note: Photography is not allowed inside this museum.
Frequently Asked Questions
22, Harsh Sahawas Society, Karvenagar Pune.
₹100/-
Cycle Museum in Pune is called Vikram Pendse’s Cycle Museum, after the man who has this well-maintained collection of more than 150 vintage bicycles at this museum for visitors. It is located in the suburb of Karve Nagar.
If you are a museum owner and want me to cover the story of your museum on this blog visit – Work with me Page. And if you would like to mention anything that I haven’t mentioned above, or you want to let me know about your favourite museum so that I can visit too – Comment Below!
