India boasts a plethora of modern museums that cater to history, archaeology, art and science. Here is the list of modern museums in India to look out for in 2024. They feature contemporary design language, impeccable concepts and a wider perspective towards museum designs.
Situated on the Bhujiyo hill in Bhuj, Gujarat, India, is the museum. The museum is a part of the larger Smritivan earthquake Memorial masterplan. It was made to commemorate the 2001 earthquake of which Bhuj was the epicentre. The journey of the museum is anchored by Bhuj and the distinctive heritage, culture, and crafts of the Kutch region, as well as by the region’s numerous villages and animal reserves.
The JPN Museum is a gateway framing the centre placed as a wedged-shaped monument with a massive arch carved out of the mass. It’s nine-metre height and twenty-metre ambitious span are attempts to push the limits of structural design and construction. Its stepped roof terminates in a pavilion that gifts a panoramic view of the R.M. Lohia Park and the Convention Centre.
A remarkable testament to the vibrant Sikh heritage and spiritual legacy, the Virasat-e-Khalsa stands proudly in the sacred town of Anandpur Sahib. Designed to preserve the profound legacy of the Khalsa, this museum celebrates Punjab’s history and culture. Its architecture and exhibits reflect the timeless teachings of the 10 Sikh Gurus.
Studio Lotus’ design for the brand’s flagship store and Museum of Meenakari in Jaipur is a nod to the region’s vibrant cultural heritage. The identity of the building is shaped by multiple historical influences of the region—Rajputana, Mughal, and Art Deco. It is to create a unique composite distinct from any particular style. This new vocabulary mirrors Sunita Shekhawat’s own design approach to her jewellery. It is rooted in tradition, crosses over seamlessly into European and other contemporary iterations.
The museum boasts a diverse array of regional treasures and features spaces for events and education. Thereby fostering a renewed sense of pride and connection to Bihar’s illustrious history. Its exterior is distinguished by the extensive use of weathering steel, a robust material that harmonizes with its surroundings. It provides a dignified contrast to the lush greenery. This choice of material not only pays homage to India’s historic advancements in metallurgy but also acknowledges Bihar’s significant role in the nation’s steel industry, thanks to its abundant natural resources.
The Bangalore-based private museum opened its doors this year to visitors. As the name depicts, the five-story museum houses pre-modern, modern, and contemporary art along with photography. The building is designed by local architecture firm Mattew and Ghosh, featuring four art galleries, an auditorium, a conservation centre, and a research library.
The recently opened Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Center is one of the most anticipated buildings including exhibition spaces, theatres, and display areas. Art House is a 16,000-square-foot exhibition space. The space also lends itself well to tech programs, workshops, and educational events. However, keeping community building and collaboration at its core, the Art House encourages new talent and enables India to see the world through a wider cultural lens.
The recently established museum endeavours to embrace the city’s esteemed cultural heritage with the ambition of evolving it into India’s “Art City.” Through a variety of initiatives including upscale galleries, art restoration centres, artist studios, and an open-air performance venue, the museum aims to empower local artists, enabling them to actively contribute to the development of their community.
Established at the initiative of the avid art collector Kiran Nadar, the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) opened its doors to the public in January 2010, as the first private museum of art exhibiting Modern and contemporary works from India and the sub-continent. Located in the heart of New Delhi, India’s capital city, KNMA as a non-commercial, not-for-profit organization intends to exemplify the dynamic relationship between art and culture through its exhibitions, publications, educational, and public programs.
The establishment of the art centre designed by Sameep Padora associates (sP+A) is inspired by the historical importance of Vijayanagar, the former capital of the Vijayanagar Kingdom. It reflects an era when art, architecture, and literature thrived during the 14th to the 16th centuries.
The Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya is a tribute to every Prime Minister of India since Independence and a narrative record of how each one has contributed to the development of our nation over the last 75 years. The Sangrahalaya is a seamless blend which begins at the renovated and refurbished Nehru Museum building, now completely updated and technologically advanced displays on the life and contribution of Shri Jawaharlal Nehru.
Mindgym by Manshakti Ashram was designed and completed in 2019 by Pune-based Shabbir Unwala, founder of Design Workshop. This is a space that “enhances concentration, creativity and coordination (all matters of the mind) by prioritising movement and natural light”. Unwala says each of these requisites was realised seamlessly “by taking the Hindu symbol of spirituality- a form which made it possible to introduce a circular movement ”.
The Payana Vintage Car Museum, on the outskirts of Mysuru, is an innovatively designed museum that showcases a collection of automobiles curated over the last five decades. The museum, situated on the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway, features a facade resembling the silhouette of a car tyre.
Music Experience Museum is India’s first interactive museum design, located in Bangalore. Being part of the advancing technological India, this museum is a big deal to showcase various exhibitions interactively. Besides exhibitions, the museum also focuses on conservation, education, audience development, and community outreach. Thus, for all music lovers, this place is a must-visit to add to your bucket list.
Museo Camera is India’s first Centre for the Photographic Arts. The permanent exhibition is derived from Aditya Arya’s collection. He is an eminent Indian Photographer and visual historian, as well as the Founding Director of the Museum. The museum houses over 3000 objects including rare cameras, equipment and photographic ephemera. These antique cameras have been collected from more than 100 countries.
Nestled within Prakriti Farms, this residence epitomizes rustic farmhouse interior design charm and a deep connection with the natural world. Its elegance lies in its emphasis on elemental materials and its seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. With three bedrooms and a spacious living area, the home was strategically designed in an L shape to […]
House of Heights: How design shapes relationships and well-being? “A house can transform its people. The living room, the tallest space in my home, is where we socialize, express our feelings, and spend the most time—an open arena for life’s conversations. The impact of front elevation design on home and harmony further emphasizes how thoughtful design […]
Spacious, inviting, and intimate, courtyards have an integral place in the vernacular architecture across India. Beyond their climatic purposes, courtyards assume the role of a social space, a space for contemplation, and a space where something happens. Their presence in various forms, proportions, and sizes has been a ubiquitous feature in Indian vernacular architecture. The […]
Located in Bangalore, opposite a large neighborhood park, a set of 4 houses was to be built—one of which was to be the personal house for the client, and the others were to be let out. The intent of these Bangalore homes was to create a quiet presence on the street and evoke a sense of […]
The modern residence integrates contemporary architecture with biophilic design principles, offering a luxurious and nature-connected living experience. The exterior features clean lines, landscaped lawns, and vertical green walls that soften the structure while promoting sustainability. The minimalist contemporary interior designs of this are designed with an open-plan layout, double-height ceilings, and large glass openings, ensuring […]
Some homes are big on square footage but don’t maximize space—and then some compact ones make the most of precious space at a premium. Located in Bangalore, this 3,000 sq. ft. villa interior design exemplifies this residential project, exploring staggered volumes that led to creating spaces at multiple levels, including a mezzanine floor. As per […]
In the heart of Gurugram, where the city’s energy pulses with both hard work and hard play, a 2600 sq. ft. rooftop terrace design has been transformed into the ultimate hangout spot. Designed for the young and the young at heart, this terrace captures the spirit of a city that knows how to balance the […]
In the vibrant town of Kannur, Kerala, the contemporary house design of this residence is more than a home—it’s a sanctuary designed to nurture both body and soul. Built for a family of five, it blends minimalist elegance with everyday comfort, creating a space that feels alive, welcoming, and deeply connected to nature. Editor’s Note: […]
The one-acre site of Saukhya Farm is nestled in the lush valley of Beze Village, on the outskirts of Nashik. Surrounded by small farms, it offers sweeping views of Beze Dam and the surrounding hills. The clients’ brief was to transform the site into a farmhouse and to cultivate part of it into an orchard. Work […]
Nestled on the bustling Karnavati Road in Ahmedabad, this modern residence spans over a 10,881 sq. ft. corner plot, seamlessly integrating form, function, and tranquility. The house is thoughtfully planned in an L-shaped configuration of this house design, with its entry oriented to the east and a lush garden strategically placed in the southwest corner […]