Step into a world where history and artistry collide at the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. For art and culture lovers, this place has ancient Indian sculptures with rare manuscripts and beautiful paintings all in one place. But here’s a twist: Among them is the first painted paper manuscript of the Shantinath Charitra, which UNESCO lists as an object of immense value. You will also be immersed in such exhibits as the head of a monumental Buddha from the 5th century and Chola bronzes. The Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum is not only a museum but a door to Indian art and history.
Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum History
The Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum was established in 1956 with the help of Muni Punyavijayaji and Sheth Kasturbhai Lalbhai. Muni Punyavijayaji was a monk scholar of high repute, and Kasturbhai Lalbhai was an industrialist of great repute.
Their vision resulted in the formation of the museum, which was initially part of the L. D. Institute of Indology. As the number of items in the collection increased, the need for a proper museum building arose, and a new building was built. The museum was officially opened to the public in 1984 and was formally inaugurated by the Governor of Gujarat, Braj Kumar Nehru.
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Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum Architecture
Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum is a fine example of modern Indian architecture designed by Balkrishna Doshi. The building incorporates conventional and contemporary architectural designs to make it functional and artistic.
Doshi’s design is in harmony with the museum’s cultural objectives and has provided an open and spacious environment in which to display its extensive collection. The museum’s architecture is not just a setting but an active participant in the experience of visiting it.
Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum Collections
The Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum has some of the best collections in the region. The Madhuri D. Desai Gallery is on the ground floor, where an extensive collection of sculptures from different areas of India, including Gandharan, Gupta, and Chola, is presented.
The ground floor has the Muni Punyavijayaji Gallery, which houses Jain and Mughal paintings and a collection of painted manuscripts. It also has carved wooden artefacts, beadwork, and many coins, making the museum a one-stop centre for art and history lovers.
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Tourist Attractions Near Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum
Besides exploring the museum and its collections, you can also explore the nearby places such as:
1. Kankaria Lake
Image Credit: Kondicherry for wikimedia commons
Kankaria Lake is the largest lake in Ahmedabad, about 7 km from the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum and is famous for its tourism and recreational activities. The lakefront is a clean circular walkway with various amenities such as a children’s playground, butterfly park, night zoo, and boat rides. A miniature train operates along the promenade and is ideal for families. While the adventure zone design is questionable regarding safety, and the butterfly park has been criticised for the absence of butterflies, the lakefront continues to be an active recreational area.
Opening Hours: Every day, but especially in the evening.
Entry Fee: ₹10 for adult and ₹5 for a child
2. Auto World Vintage Car Museum
Image Credit: Shaunak Modi for Wikimedia Commons
The Auto World Vintage Car Museum, located outside the city centre of Ahmedabad, has a rich collection of cars from British, American and European makes. Some of the vehicles include the Indian Maharajas’ cars, giving the collection a historical touch. The museum provides extensive information on the exhibits; a visitor can drive a 1954 Plymouth. Though there are additional charges for photography, the museum boasts a large and well-preserved collection that is a major attraction for car lovers and history lovers.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹300 per adult, ₹150 per child; additional charges for photography.
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3. Hathee Singh Jain Temple
Image Credit: Nichalp for wikimedia commons
The Hathee Singh Jain Temple, located 4 kilometres from the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum, is another architectural wonder built in the mid-nineteenth century. Built by Seth Hutheesing, a merchant, and completed by his wife Harkunwar, the temple has fine artistry of Gujarati-Maru style. It has interior work with gold-plated statues of Jain tirthankars. The stonework and the inlay floor are well done, but no photography is allowed inside the temple. It is a cultural and spiritual site because of the quiet setting and intricate workmanship.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
4. Gujarat Science City
Image Credit: Nizil Shah for wikimedia commons
A major scientific complex established by the Gujarat Government is the Science City, situated 15 kms from the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum. It covers an area of 107 hectares and includes such facilities as the interactive zone, the planetarium, and numerous educational installations. The centre combines education and fun, where visitors can learn through touching and seeing and develop an interest in science and technology. Due to its large area of coverage and its many features, it is a valuable facility for families and groups of students.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50 for adults, ₹30 for children.
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5. Hare Krishna Mandir
Image Credit: Harekrishnamandir for wikimedia commons
The Hare Krishna Mandir, located about 20 km from the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum, is a holy place of worship famous for its architecture and festivals. This temple is of Sri Sri Radha Madhav and is renowned for the intricate carving work done on the walls and the divine feeling one gets when visiting the temple. It is a place of worship and a centre for social functions and other activities. People are attracted by the calmness of the temple and the possibility of joining the festivals that are enthusiastically held.
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum Entry Fee
There is no charge for visitors to visit the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum.
The museum is closed on Mondays and public holidays and operates from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It is recommended that visitors visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds that are usually experienced during the weekend.
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How To Reach Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum
By Road: The museum is easily accessible by road, as several significant roads connect it to various parts of Ahmedabad.
By Air: The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, 12 km from the museum.
By Rail: The museum is well connected by rail, and Ahmedabad Railway Station is approximately 7 kilometres away.
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The Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum is among the best places for those eager to dig deeper into Indian art and history. Its splendid collections and architectural style make it an ideal cultural tourist attraction in Ahmedabad. If you are a traveller, do not miss the chance to get acquainted with the art of India in this beautiful museum. If you want an enriching cultural experience, a trip to Gujarat will be a great addition to your travel destinations.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum
When is the museum open?
The museum is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. except Monday and public holidays. So plan your visit during this time.
Are cameras permitted to be taken inside the museum?
Is there a possibility to have a guided tour?
The museum also has guided tours on request. It is advisable to ask at the reception when one gets there.
Is it possible to buy tickets through the Internet?
Since the museum is accessible to the public, there are no tickets to purchase. However, it is advisable to check the website of the museum for any updates or any event that may be taking place.
Is there any provision for disabled persons in the centre?
The museum has amenities for the physically challenged persons to enhance their experience. If you have special requirements, it is recommended to inform the museum in advance, and they will help you.
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