Archaeological Museum, Lothal

Archaeological Museum at Lothal was setup in 1976 in order to display the artifacts recovered from the excavation conducted from 1952 to 1961.
 
The Museum has three galleries. In the front gallery depicts an artist’s conjectural idea of Harappan town of Lothal. There are also introductory write-ups and maps about the site. The gallery at left side has showcases with beads, terracotta ornaments, replicas of seal and sealings, shell and ivory objects, copper and bronze objects, tools and potteries yielded from excavations.
 
The gallery at right has game objects animal and human figurines, weights, painted potteries, objects recovered from burials and ritual objects, miniature potteries, bricks besides a replica of a joint burial and a scaled model of Lothal site. Out of the 5089 objects unearthed during the excavation, 800 objects are on display in the museum.

Apart from the exhibited antiquities, the most fabulous antiquities of Lothal are beads, steatite seals with unicorn motif and inscription, terracotta sealing with an elephant motif, Persian Gulf type seal, gold necklace copper / bronze fish hooks, bangles, dish on stand, perforated jar, jar painted with the stories of thirsty crow and cunning fox, terracotta bull, horse, model boat, model of mummy, ivory scale and shell compass, chess dice, etc.

The museum has a small reference library and a publication counter for selling publications of the Archaeological Monuments.

Opening Hours : 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
Closed on – Friday

Entrance Fee :
Rs. 2/- per head
(Children up to 15 years free)ASI.

Arts And Crafts Museum

Arts and Crafts Museum, established in 1963, is situated at Bhavnagar, in Gujarat.
 
The museum exhibits a rich collection of arts and crafts objects of Gujarat as well as known crafts of different states of India, including Indian textiles. Guide services are available on request.

Arts and Crafts Museum is open from 10:00 to 18:00 hrs on all days except Sunday and public holidays.

Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery

Located in the popular Sayaji Bagh, the museum houses a collection which belonged to the former maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad. Indian rulers during the Raj often collected all kinds of European art and other knick knacks.

Largely being the personal collection of the maharaja, the exhibits span across centuries and continents, as well as diverse art forms. There are Greek and Roman sculpture with European paintings of earlier periods. Asian section has items from Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, China and Japan made of wood, ivory, bronze and pottery.

The Indian art section is a line collection of ancient objects. There is a bronze jar circa 2nd century AD, perhaps associated with the Graeco-Roman trading with India around Gujarat in pre historic times. There are painted manuscripts from Rajasthan school, a Ragamala series and family portraits.

Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery
Sayaji Park Vadodara

Timing: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm

Closed on Mondays and government holidays

Calico Museum of Textiles

Established in 1948, the Calico Museum of Textiles is undoubtedly one of India's leading museums. Its superb collection of textiles is further enhanced by a line collection of pichhwais and patachitras (paintings on cloth). The museum is housed in two buildings, one displaying textiles of religious significance and the other traditional court fabrics, tents, carpets and costumes.

Recognising the fact that most an in India revolves around religion, the museum endeavours to present its collection in themes connected with the two great Indian religions: Vaishnavism and Jainism, and simulates a suitable religious atmosphere. The first exhibit is a replica of a small recoiytructed Pustimarga shrine with an idol of Srinathji placed on an altar, covered with a painted textile. The shrine leads to galleries where pichhwais and textiles belonging to the Vallabha sect are displayed. The 90 pichhwais are divided into groups relating to festivals, seasons and a variety of devotional themes.

The Jain Gallery includes shrines, derasaras of the Svetambara and Digambara sects as well as a small home shrine, important manuscripts tike the Kalpasuira and Kalakakatha and Jain patas: the yantras and tirtha chitras. The main attraction, however, is a painted, domed, wooden ceiling of a derasara.

Three buildings with traditional carved wooden facades located around the chowk house the courtly or secular pieces. Here one sees beautiful carpels, embroidered and decorated shamianas, wall hangtogs and costumes. There is an excellent display of phulkari, the embroiti Punjab. Also on view are well known kalamkaris and saris. A signific presents the different weaviftg o with the help of samples, techn and their relation to the different seas.

Calico Museum of Textiles
Ahmedabad

Timings: 10.15 am to .12.30 pm 2.30 pm to 5.00 pm

Closed on Wednesdays and government holidays.

City Museum

The City Museum, Ahmedabad is in the Sanskar Kendra building which is one of the finest museums in Ahmedabad. Located in the heart of the city, the building was built by the well known French architect Le Corbusier.

The City Museum attracts tourists from all over.

One of the major tourist attractions of Ahmedabad is the City Museum, Ahmedabad. One of the important places in the city it showcases the important aspects, achievements and pride of a city called Ahmedabad. On 5th April, 2000, the City Museum, Ahmedabad was established. Also known as Atit Ki Jhanki it means a window to Ahmedabad’s past. Inaugurated by Mr. Kailashnathan, the City Museum, Ahmedabad is governed by the Ahmedabad Municipal Commission.

The City Museum, Ahmedabad is a result of the efforts made by the Vastu Shilpa Foundation. It is located in Sanskar Kendra which was built in the year 1954 by well known French architect Le Corbusier. Before the City Museum, Ahmedabad was built Sanskar Kendra was mainly used as an exhibition hall.

If you are keen to know more about the art, history and culture of Gujarat then, City Museum, Ahmedabad is the perfect destination. This is one of the finest museums in Ahmedabad that gives you a greater insight into the history, art and cultural heritage of Ahmed Shah’s Ahmedabad.

In the City Museum, Ahmedabad a number of research and studies are carried on in various subjects like the ancient Ahmedabad. One can see the medieval coins, land documents, Devnagari and Urdu scripts that help you to know more about ancient India.

The tourists can also get a glimpse of ancient art, pottery, woodcraft and frescoes of medieval India in the City Museum, Ahmedabad. There are historical evidences of Industrial Revolution in Ahmedabad and the effects of Gandhism. Ahmedabad which was one of the most excellent textile producing regions was called the Manchester of India during that period. The City Museum, Ahmedabad also has remnants of that period stored in its precious memorabilia. Tourists can get a glimpse of exquisite designs on variety of textiles such as brocade, Chinese embroidery, carpets, tents, royal attire. There are some precious photographs as well as antique camera and other equipments.

The different books and manuscripts in City Museum, Ahmedabad reveal information on various religions like Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Jewism, Sikhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Vaishnavism and Islam as well.

Ethnology Museum

The Ethnology Museum is recommended for its rich collection of books and paintings of prominent Kachchhis.

Gandhi Museum

A collection of rare photographs relating to the life of Mahatma Gandhi are on view at the Gandhi Museum. These recreate the significant events of Gandhiji's life. Also displayed are documents, letters and his personal relics. The collection of audio-visual material includes microfilms, a voice library, prayers and lecture records.

Gandhi Museum
Gandhi Smriti
Bhavnagar 364001

Timigs:
Summer : 8:30 am to 12:00 noon 3.00 pm to 7.00 pm
Winter : 8.30 am to 12.00 noon 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm

Closed on modays goveminen holidays.
 

Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya

The Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya is run by a public trust established in 1951. The museum's new premises were built in 1963. The museum's main objective was to house the personal memorabilia of Mahatma Gandhi. Consequently the exhibits on view depict the vivid and historic events of Gandhiji's life.

There are books, manuscripts and photostat copies of his correspondence, photographs of Gandhiji with his wife Kasturba and other ashram associates, life size oil paintings and actual relics like his writing desk and spinning wheel.

Gandhi Smarak Sangrahaiaya
Harijan Ashram
Ahmedabad 380 013

Timings:
Summer: 8.30 am to 1.2.00 noon 2.30 pm to 7.00pm
Winter: 8.30 am to 12.00 noon 2.00 pm to 6.30 pm
Open on all days.

Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya

Gujarat Museum Society

Hussain Doshi Gufa

Hussain Doshi's Gufa which is popularly known as Amdavad ni Gufa is an underground art gallery situated opposite Gujarat University in Ahmedabad.

It is housed in the campus of the Centre for Environment Planning and Technology. Gufa means cave, as the name suggests, Gufa is a configuration of cave-like structures buried under the ground.

It is an example of contemporary architecture with a fusion of modern and ancient ideas. It was constructed using computer aided design and tribal initiative.

This art gallery exhibits the paintings and sculptures of noted artist M.F.Hussain and was designed by architect B.V.Doshi.

Kachchh Museum

The Kachchh Museum in Bhuj, India, is one of the famous Tourist Attractions in Bhuj. Built during the period of British Rule in India, the Museum of Kachchh in Bhuj is the most significant among all other Museums in Bhuj as it displays the articles that take the visitors to those ages to which they belonged.

Kachchh state had its own currency. A small section shows gold silver and copper coins of various denominations. The section has a ten 'Kori' as also some 'Kori' currency notes, which never became legal tender due to some obscure reason. One can see mint machinery as also coins from almost every country of the world.

The Kachchh Museum, Bhuj boasts of exhibiting a wide range of rare artifacts which include Archaeological finds, Pictures, Textiles, Weapons, Musical Instruments, Stuffed Beasts.

All these specimens are systematically located in the in various sections of the Bhuj Kachchh Museum which include Archaeological section, Picture gallery, Anthropological section, Shipping section.

All the items that are displayed in the Kachchh Museum, Bhuj have been meticulously showcased with adequate explanations alongside each item. The labeling and explanations have been provided in the English and Gujarati languages.

The Kachchh  Museum remains closed only on Wednesdays and on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month. On all days other than these, Kutch Museum is open from 9.00 to 11.30 in the morning and from 3.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Another aspect of Kachchh Museum, Bhuj that would certainly leave you spell bound is the entry fee charged by the museum.

The Kachchh Museum charges merely INR 0.50 which is as good as being free.

Kite Museum

Kite Museum is situated in Sanskar Kendra in Ahmedabad. The museum was established in 1985 and has a fabulous collection of kites from all over the world.

There are artistic kites, rare kites that have been crafted from more than 400 pieces of paper. It is the second such museum in the world. The brain behind this concept is Bhanubhai Shah.

A cnoisseur of kites he was responsible for designing and donating kites to the museum. He was also the director of the museum for a while. The collection in the museum has been painstakingly built up by him over the last so many years.

The visiting hours of the museum are from 10.00am to 12 noon and from 4.00pm to 6.00pm. The museum remains closed on Mondays.

Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum

Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum is situated near the Gujarat University at Navrangpura in Ahmedabad District.

Established in 1984, the museum exhibits Indian miniature paintings, stone sculptures, terracottas, bronzes, textiles, wood work, cloth paintings, metal sculptures, coins, various paintings of Tagore, and art of Nepal and Tibet.

Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum is open from 10:30 to 17:30 hrs on all days except Monday and public holidays.

Madansihji Museum

In 1757, Rao Lakhpatji visited the emperor Alamgir in Delhi. He was graced with the title of 'Mahi Maratib'. He welcomed foreigners in his court. Fortune brought him a man named Ramsingh Malam who specialized in Kachchhi architecture, enamel work, jewellery, tile work and interior decoration.

AINA MAHAL
The great master piece of Ramsingh is the Hall of Mirrors in the Aina Mahal. The walls are white marble covered with mirror which are separated by gilded ornaments. The hall is lit by elaborate pendant candelabra with shades of Venetian glass. The hall of mirrors is on the second floor of the Aina Mahal but Ramsingh devised ingenious pumps and siphons to raise water to fill the pleasure pool and to operate fountains, which cast spray in an intricate variety of patterns charming the eye and cooling the air.

ARTIFACTS
The small state apartment, carpeted with exquisite Kachchhi silk embroidery, its walls paneled high with the same priceless fabrics still contains Maharao Lakhpatji's bed. The hall is filled with a miscellaneous collection of objects; a Dutch Clock, English and French celestial globes, some antique pictures, mechanical toys, glass and china. On the walls of the corridor are a variety of pictures, some European and many Indian. The Aina Mahal alone cost eight million kories and was only one of the many enterprises which the Maharao and Ramsingh undertook together.

Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum

The impressive Laxmi Vilas Palace, in the Indo Saracenic style of architecture, was once the residence o) the Gaekwad family. The Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, located in the sprawling grounds of the palace complex, is a multi purpose museum and houses the Gaekwad family's rich collection of an treasures.

On view are contemporary Indian and European paintings dating to the 19th and 20th century. The sculpture section includes Indian as well as Graeco-Roman artefacts, Chinese and Japanese art.

Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum
Laxrni Vilas Palace Compound
Jawaharlal Nehru Marg
Vadodara

Timings:
April to June: 9.00 am to 12.00 noon 3.30 pm 10 6.30 pm
July to March: 9.00 am to i 2.00 noon 3.00pm to 6.00 pm

Closed Mondays and government holidays.

Museum of Antiquities

Almost the entirety of the city of Jamnagar is dotted with some of the finest Forts and Monuments Of Jamnagar, which are led by, perhaps, the vast storehouse of antiquities as preserved in the Museum of Antiquities, Jamnagar. The Museum of Antiquities in Jamnagar is considered to a definite must include in your tour itinerary if you are planning a visit to the city of Jamnagar. Definitely noticeable as one of the most attractive tourist attractions in Jamnagar, almost the entirety of the complex of the Museum of Antiquities, Jamnagar has some secret or the other to share with the tourists to her land.

According to the History of Jamnagar, as it is known today, it is said that the city was built in the year 1540, by Jam Rawal, who was born in one of the most respected Royal dynasties of Gujarat. It is after Jam Rawal, that the city of Jamnagar was renamed to its present name. The previous name for the city was Nawagarh, a name which can be literally translated to mean New City.

The Museum of Antiquities in Jamnagar in Gujarat in India is today housed in the complex that was built by the Jam dynasty as a royal arsenal, which could come handy in times of war. Also known as the Lakhota Fort in Jamnagar, the complex was built as a royal arsenal that could be used by the soldiers during times of war or during times of need. It is this complex, which today houses the famous Museum of Antiquities, Jamnagar.

Also known as the Lakhota Museum in Jamnagar, the Museum of Antiquities, Jamnagar is a storehouse of various artifacts which take you back to history. These include sculptures, paintings, inscriptions, copper plates, coins, photographs. Services of a Library are also provided where you can read more about the artifacts which are displayed. Added to these are the services of the guides as well as occasional lectures, which are often arranged by the authorities.

Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum is located near the man made lake Kankaria in Ahmedabad city.

Though the museum is small, it houses some very well kept specimens of stuffed animals and birds. The museum was set up in the year 1974 by the founder of Ahmedabad zoo, Reuben David. There are 31 animal specimens and 8 bird specimens. The exhibits include a baby monkey with two heads, a huge bear, a couple of leopards, tigers and lions beautifully mounted in very natural surroundings.

The museum charges a very modest entry fee from the visitors.

Prabhas Patan Museum

Prabhas Patan Museum, also known as Somnath Museum, is an archeological museum located near the Somnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

It is situated in Junagadh District of Gujarat. The museum exhibits the remnants of the earlier temples in the form of a clutter of old carved stones littering a courtyard. It also showcases sculptures, coins, inscriptions in Sanskrit and Persian and some natural history specimens.

Prabhas Patan Museum is open from 9:00 to 12:00 and 15:00 to 18:00 hrs.

Sardar Vallabhai Patel Museum

As the name suggests, Sardar Patel national memorial was established in the memory of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was a great freedom fighter. Located in the environs of Shahibaugh in Ahmedabad, Sardar Patel national memorial museum is also known as Moti Shah Mahal.
 
The museum houses various portraits of Sardar Patel, his family members and friends. You can also find the biography of Sardar Patel in the museum, which contains a detailed description of all the phases of his life.

A major attraction of the Sardar Patel national memorial museum in Ahmedabad consists of the national flag that was designed by the Indian National Congress in 1930 -1931. In the surroundings of the museum, lies a garden called Sardar Open Garden. The best thing about the garden is that, here you can get to see the peacocks (our national bird) roaming freely. Monkeys can also be commonly seen, so just be a little careful. Besides the museum and garden, there is also the Sardar Open Air Theatre, where documentary films are shown during specific occasions.

Shreyas Folk Museum

As the name suggests, the exhibits at the museum include art, craft, textile and clothing, coins, weapons, toys, costumes, masks, puppets and musical instruments. One of the highlights at this museum is a complete elephant skeleton (3.19m high).
 
The museum is open from 10.30am to 1.30pm and from 2.00pm to 5.30pm on all days except Mondays and public holidays. Photography is not allowed and visitors are charged a modest fee.

Tribal Museum

The highlight of this museum is that it gives a detailed picture of the tribal life of this region. The display includes ethnic ornaments, musical instruments, dress, day to day objects, agricultural implements, toys, masks and charts.

The museum has an excellent collection of photos, slides and films related to tribals and a library.

The timings are from 2.00pm to 5.00pm on weekdays. The museum remains closed on Sundays and holidays.

The visitors are charged an entry fee and photography is allowed with permission.

University Museum

It has an assortment of multidimensional objects like Bronze sculptures, a palanquin, stone and wooden sculptures, coins, carpets, some original paintings of Ravi Shankar Raval, manuscripts, weapons, ancient bricks, ancient articles, botanical, Zoological and geological specimens, a relief map of Gujarat, enlarged photographs of Sardar Patel and letters of felicitations belonging to Viththalbhai Patel.

The museum is open on all days from 11 a.m. to 4.30 p.m except Sundays 2nd and 4th Saturday and university holidays.

Utensils Museum

Surendra Patel, an interior designer by profession, has initiated a unique culi experience. He has set up on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, a quaint rural cr where visitors can savour authentic Gujarati village cuisine, before wandering through the grounds to see a museum devoted to Indian utensils.

Here the different utensils have been placed in a simple structure set around an open courtyard. Collected from all over India, the endeavour is to demonstrate the purity of form and shape in these objects of utility. The pot to store water in, utensils to cook and serve in, spoons, rolling pins, a huge vessel in which buttermilk was churned, each object is beautifully conceived and created to prove that beauty lay not only in the large and the splendid hut also in the simple objects of everyday use.

These then were the objects that were an integral part of every household and formed the basis for community life. The artisan created each piece for a specific purpose and this catered to a person's every need including worship. Yet today most of the vessels have been discarded, sold and melted down. However, this museum sponsored by a trustJormed to create cultural awareness, celebrates the simple but perfectly designed objects of everyday use.

Utensils Museum
Vechaar Vishalla Environmental Centre
Opp. Vasama Toll Maka
Ahmedabad 380 055

Timings: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm

Watson Museum, Rajkot

The Watson Museum is located centrally in Jubilee Gardens in the Memorial Institute Buildings and commemorates the life and times of Colonel John Watson.

The display at the museum inaugurated in 1888, includes silverware, pieces of Mohenjodaro artifacts, carvings from 13th century, exhibits of natural history, textiles, handicrafts, pottery, princely relics and a huge marble statue of Queen Victoria.
 
The museum remains closed on Sundays and other Public Holidays.