Exploring Ahmedabad’s culture and history through the lens of heritage museums from the '80s

India’s first-ever UNESCO World Heritage City, is a treasure trove of cultural riches boasting museums preserving our traditional art forms
Calico Museum of Textiles
Calico Museum of Textiles
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Ahmedabad, India’s first-ever UNESCO World Heritage City, is a treasure trove of cultural riches boasting traditional residential clusters of the medieval period, sites related to the Indian independence era and more. Popular for its Indo-Islamic monuments of the 15th to 17th centuries, the city was nicknamed Manchester of the East thanks to its thriving textile industry. But beyond its famous tourist spots, its host of heritage museums from the 1980’s showcase an extraordinary spectrum, from the intricacies of ancient textiles and traditional utensils to vintage automobiles — each museum tells a unique story, immersing visitors in India’s diverse heritage and history. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff or just curious, these five museums provide a window into the heart and soul of Ahmedabad.

Laurel by Flavours
Laurel by Flavours

For a complete experience, stay at The House of MG, a premier boutique heritage hotel in Ahmedabad that also boasts restaurants serving authentic local cuisine and thalis but if you wish for modern gastronomy, head to Paresh Desai’s Laurel by Flavours, a new fine-dining restaurant serving a globally-inspired vegetarian menu.

Calico Museum of Textiles

Under the aegis of the Sarabhai Foundation, Calico is globally acclaimed for its unparalleled collection of Indian textiles — antique and modern — all handmade and up to 500 years old. The displays include court textiles used by the Mughal and provincial rulers of the 15th to 19th centuries, regional embroideries of the 19th century, tie-dyed and religious fabrics. Located in The Retreat Shahibaug since 1983, a historic house surrounded by a lush botanical garden, the museum houses South Indian bronzes, temple hangings, furniture craft, Jain manuscripts and miniature paintings. Visitors can choose from two distinct tours: the Haveli galleries tour in the morning or the Chauk galleries tour in the afternoon.

Don’t miss: The intricately designed Vaishnava picchavais and rare Jain art.

Fun fact: The museum is home to over 800 plant species and attracts diverse wildlife in its garden.

Entry: Free with pre-registration; tours operate on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Vechaar Utensils Museum

Established in 1981, the Vechaar Utensils Museum is a one-of-a-kind exhibition showcasing daily-use utensils from different eras and regions of India. Set in the charming Vishalla Village Restaurant, this museum highlights the craftsmanship of vessels made from brass, copper, bronze, zinc and German silver. A long U-shaped path runs along a decorated rustic hall lined with urns, pots, locks, jugs, spittoons and more, offering a glimpse into rural and urban Indian kitchens of the past.

Don’t miss: Antique cooking vessels, spittoons, fire kilns and a curated walk through a hut-like display.

Fun fact: Created by designer Surendra Patel and anthropologist Jyotindra Jain to preserve the essence of Indian culinary tools.

Entry: ₹20 per person.

Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum

This place, housing an exquisite collection of manuscripts, bronzes, beadwork, woodwork and miniature paintings, was inaugurated in 1985. The Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum is known for its specialised collections, including the Pahari School Ramayana Drawings, Ragamala paintings and artefacts donated by prominent families like the Lalbhais. Explore miniature illustrations of sacred and secular books, poetic compositions, epics, Ragamala paintings, darbar scenes, portraits and religious and social festivals.

Don’t miss: The Gopi-Anand Beadwork Collection and the Lilavati Lalbhai Woodwork Collection.

Fun fact: The museum allows only 20 visitors at a time, ensuring an intimate experience with the artefacts.

Entry: Free; book your visit by calling +919408536883.

Auto World Vintage Car Museum

Bentley, Lagonda, Rolls Royce, Cadillac, Austin, Jaguar, Mercedes, Maybach, Packards, Lincolns and Auburns — find all these cars under one roof at the sprawling 2,200-acre Dastan estate. Here sits the Auto World Vintage Car Museum featuring an extraordinary collection of vintage cars, motorcycles and horse carriages in its verdant gardens. The museum was founded by Pranlal Bhogilal Patel and boasts rare models and even holds a Guinness World Record for the largest garage in 1987.

Don’t miss: A 3.5 km ride in one of the museum’s designated vintage cars for 1,000.

Fun fact: Some exhibits belonged to royalty, including opulent vehicles from India’s princely states.

Entry: 100 per person.

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