Vatsal S.
Google
Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum: A Personal Journey
I first came to know the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum in the early nineties, during my student days at CEPT. The building itself, designed by Balkrishna Doshi, struck me as unique. Its modernist vocabulary carried echoes of Japanese masters like Kenzo Tange—at least that was my interpretation. Yet, while the architecture fascinated me, my heart was drawn more to the sculptures on display, silent guardians of centuries of artistry.
My formal connection to the museum began through an elective on miniature paintings. Our classes were held within its walls, and that is how I truly discovered the richness of the place. A few years later, while working on my thesis, I would return often to seek guidance from Kanubhai Seth and Kalpana Seth in the manuscript division. It was during this period that I was introduced to the director, Mr. Lalit Sharma. Lalitji personally walked me through the museum, explaining the uniqueness and peculiarities of each exhibit. His own thesis on the worship of the Sun God across centuries was something I had the good fortune of hearing directly from him—an experience that left a lasting impression.
Over time, the museum became a quiet companion to my life. Whenever guests from out of town visited, I would take them there, eager to share its treasures. I even recall a city bus tour that listed the museum as one of its stops. Most of the travelers, coming from different parts of India, seemed more intent on ticking off destinations than savoring the exhibits. Still, for me, the museum remained a place of depth and discovery.
Recently, under the directorship of Ms. Sujata Parsai, the museum has found new energy. The initiative called Museum by Light has enlivened the space, transforming the last Friday of each month into a cultural celebration. On these evenings, the museum stays open late into the night, offering lectures, children’s games to identify exhibits, dance performances, and readings of old Gujarati literature. The atmosphere is vibrant, bridging scholarship with community, and making the museum not just a repository of heritage but a living cultural hub.
For me, the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum is more than a building or a collection. It is a place where architecture, art, and memory converge—a reminder of our roots and a beacon of how culture can be preserved and re‑imagined for generations to come.
