The National War Museum in Pune is a museum of national interest and national importance, which stands as a memorial of the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation. Situated at Pune Cantonment this museum was inaugurated and opened in the year 1998 the idea of the National war Museum was proposed for the first time in 1996.

The National War Museum is a result of public’s initiative. The citizens of Pune, under the Express Citizens’ Forum established the War Memorial Fund and funds were collected from the citizens of the country for this noble cause. All contributed to this fund according to their abilities. Then the foundation of the National War Museum was laid in November 1977 and finally opened for the public in October 1998. On the walls of the memorial, there are names of approximately 1200 martyrs from the state who have laid down their lives in various operations after Independence. The memorial, a 25-foot stone pillar is surrounded on three sides by plaques of stone. Each stone plaque has the names of all the soldiers, airmen and sailors who have laid down their lives in the defense of the motherland since independence. At the moment there are almost 1200 names that are inscribed on the walls. Enough space has been left, for any new inscriptions on the monument. This museum is a place of immense significance and gives a sense of patriotism. The National War memorial is a must-see attraction in Pune and if you are in Pune and have not visited this, you have surely missed something. Have a view of this magnificent war museum as you can recall the forgotten lives who had laid down their lives for the betterment of the society.