Kasturbhai Lalbhai Museum

Went for the 10 am guided tour on a Thursday and it was a wonderful experience. The guide gives concise explanations and the collection (miniature paintings/statues/furniture etc.) is in amazing condition as they have taken very good care. You may not get enough time to look at all the beautiful pieces for as long as you want but it is definitely worth visiting. Took the appointment by writing an email a day prior. Arrived 15 minutes early (as mentioned in the mail) but the security let us in only 5 minutes before 10 am. You will need to deposit your bag and phone before entering the museum. Another bonus is you will get to see so many peacocks in their garden!

Beautiful art museum nestled in a beautiful heritage building built in 1905, originally residence of Kasturbhai Lalbhai, an Indian industrialist and philanthropist. Heritage gallery displays beautiful Mughal and Deccani paintings including rare collection of Khamsa of Nizami dating 1200 CE. Rajput and Pahari paintings on Indian epic stories like Ramayana and Gods are also displayed . Bedroom portion of building displays lovely Shringara Rasmanjari paintings collection based on poetic work of Bhanudatta.Bengal paintings include collection of Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose and modern art of Gaganendranath Tagore. Postcard letter writings along with paintings of Shantiniketan students is an unique collection. One can see sculptures in the drawing room. One needs to book in advance for this guided tour of this collection. Guides are knowledgeable and kind for thoughtful discussions.

One of the most extraordinary art museum experiences I’ve ever had. We stumbled upon this place so luckily they could fit us in for the 12 PM tour, but do be sure to book ahead. There are two spaces - the Indigo Gallery and the Hertiage Collection. For the Heritage Collection you must take a guided tour as they keep the lights off most of the time to protect the natural dyes. The Indigo Gallery you can explore by yourself, works well before or after your tour of the Hertiage Collection. Our tour guide was truly fantastic, very smart, kind and an amazing communicator. I learnt so much and it helped to pull together all I have seen in India so far. Both collections were full of stunning world class work, and tucked away in beautiful grounds. It’s nice and cool with some AC and lots of fans inside so a good thing to do during the heat of the day. No photos inside, you have to lock up your bags etc and then hold onto your key for the duration of your visit. A must visit while in Ahmedabad.

You need to book your slot in advance. No photography allowed here, no mobile phone. You may face parking issues if you're coming by 4 wheeler. Worth visiting one time to see the paintings & artworks uniquely designed by various artists.

In the same plot there seems to be three museums. I came without reservation and enjoyed a fantastic and fascinating exhibition of Kashmiri (pashmina) shawls. Truly a revelation. You can take fotos of everything. Then moved on to Indigo Museum inside the same plot where a non- English speaking guard shouted at. I assume he told me to return to entry pont if all the museums to leave my phone with the guards. Since i was tired and not in the mood of fighting, I left for my hotel without seeing the Indigo Museum. My loss, but signaling is completely absent and guard training as well.

Remember to book in advance if you want to visit this museum. I made a mistake by not checking the opening hours carefully. It is closed on a Monday. Same with few other tourist attractions. If you come all the way from overseas to visit Amdavad, it is worth visiting this museum if you do the free guided tour to understand the history of the museum with historical artefacts and ancient private collections housed in a colonial mansion built in 1905. While you are there, it is also worth having at a look at the indigo art exhibition in a separate building next to the colonial mansion. Unfortunately no photography is allowed. I had to leave all my personal things and bag inside a locker. It is safe. It is my only disappointment that I am not allowed to take any photos. Not even at the indigo art exhibition as there are some beautiful arts collection in that building. I’ve never imagined indigo dyeing can be done so beautifully on other things other than clothing. Ive no photo to show except my own selfie with the colonial mansion in the background 🤣

Tapi collection was extra ordinary from 17 th & 18th century and beyond - very well displayed with each item with information next to it - has costumes, textiles pieces chintz, Kalam Kari, embroidery, shawls, vintage madras stripes and checks were outstanding

Wonderful exhibit on Kashmiri art/fabrics, including decent narratives in English. Worth a visit in combination with the Indigo Museum. Yes, a bit strict about taking photos. Guess will just have to go to Kashmir. 🥸