Ahmedabad is a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. But that’s not all, it also boasts a vibrant art scene that is beautifully displayed within its array of art museums. The art galleries in Ahmedabad are essentially cultural hubs, reminding the audiences of the diverse artistic traditions that have flourished in Gujrat and the Indian subcontinent at large. From ancient artefacts to contemporary masterpieces, Ahmedabad’s art museums offer testimonials to creativity and the city’s dynamic artistic landscape. Recently, The Palladium, a shopping mall, unveiled Salvador Dali’s ‘Horse Saddled with Time’ and Veer Munshi’s ‘The Golden Deer’. Suffice it to say, that not only the art galleries in Ahmedabad, but even the biggest names ensure the propagation of art and culture. Let’s take a look at 7 museums and art galleries in Ahmedabad which must be on your itinerary.
The Calico Museum of Textiles
Founded in 1949, The Calico Museum of Textiles is located in Shahibaug, Ahmedabad. It is managed by the Sarabhai Foundation. Court textiles used by Mughal and regional monarchs between the 15th to 19th centuries are always on show. Religious textiles, tie-dyed fabrics, and 19th-century regional embroidery are also on exhibit. In addition, the gallery has displays of Jain art and sculpture, furniture and crafts, South Indian bronzes, miniature paintings, ceremonial art and sculpture. A library and gallery featuring myriad textile-making techniques and skills is also open for the viewers.
Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum
The Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum (LD Museum) is located in Navrangpura and has been operational since 1984. The museum was designed by architect BV Doshi. Indian sculptures, bronzes, manuscripts, paintings, sketches, miniature paintings, woodwork, beadwork, and ancient and modern currencies are on display at the LD Museum. The museum takes the viewers on a timeless journey through their medieval and Chola sculptures. Audiences are enthralled by their Gujarati Jain paintings. With anonymous donations and financial assistance from the Ministry of Culture, Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum has accrued an Art Reference Library, which includes numerous rare books and manuscripts. NC Mehta Gallery is situated within the complex which showcases the schools, styles, and periods of miniature paintings.
Auto World Vintage Car Museum
Art isn’t necessarily limited to paintings or sculptures, it may even take the form of cars. Auto World Vintage Car Museum at Nikol is evidence of this fact. A fever dream for motor enthusiasts, the museum features vintage cars, motorcycles, utility vehicles, and horse carriages. The museum features renowned brands such as Rolls Royce, Cadillac, Mercedes, Packards, Lincolns, Lancia, and more. The Auto World Vintage Car Museum is maintained by the Vintage and Classic Car Club of India.
Sanskar Kendra
Designed by Le Corbusier in 1954, Sanskar Kendra was earlier known as the ‘Museum of Knowledge.’ On the ground floor is the Patang Kite Museum. This unique museum elaborates on the long history of kite flying and includes over 100 hand-painted kites. Housed within the Sanskar Kendra complex is the City Museum which shelters religious, and artistic artefacts (including Jewish and Parsi art). The museum also has a section dedicated to Gandhi and his role in the fight for independence. These historical accounts are preserved via photographs and written testimonies.
Kasturbhai Lalbhai Museum
The Kasturbhai Lalbhai Museum is housed within the property of the eponymous business tycoon. The displayed paintings hail from a variety of traditions and styles, including Tibetan Thangkas, portraits from the Company School, modernist paintings from the Bengal School, paintings from the Persian, Mughal, Deccan, Pahari, and Rajasthani schools, and pre-independence painted postcards. The complex also houses stone, metal, wood, and Bidri art. Located within the museum is a small amphitheatre, accommodating 250 people for small performances, talks, and musical soirees.
Shreyas Folk Museum
The Shreyas Folk Museum, also known as the Lokayatan Folk Museum was established in 1977. The museum displays Gujarat’s many handicrafts belonging to diverse communities (Kathi, Ahir, Kanbi, Memons, and more) such as vibrant embroidery, beadwork, woodcarving, metalwork, and leatherwork. A variety of wind, percussion, and stringed instruments utilized in classical and folk music are on exhibit. Gujarati folk arts encompass an astounding array of creations, such as intricate metalwork, woodcarvings, exquisite embroidered linens, and vibrantly coloured quilts. In addition, the museum has an elephant skeleton and dolls and festival masks from all around India.
Vichaar Museum
Vichaar Museum is considered unique not because of the paintings or sculptures it displays (it showcases none), but because of its enormous utensil collection. Established in 1981, the museum presents utensils made of stainless steel, zinc, mud, copper, glass, and more from across the Indian subcontinent. Another stupefying fact about Vichaar Museum is that the complex is built in the image of a mud hut with numerous water reservoirs spread across the complex for a cooling effect.
Image Courtesy – For India Lovers
