Bhuj’s Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum joins UNESCO’s most beautiful museums list
Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum
Gujarat – In a historic achievement, the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum in Bhuj, Kutch district, has secured the third spot in UNESCO’s prestigious Prix Versailles Award, recognizing it as one of the world’s seven most beautiful museums. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel hailed this accomplishment as a “proud moment” for both Gujarat and India.
Taking to his official X handle, Bhupendra Patel wrote, “A proud moment for Gujarat and India! Bhuj’s Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum has been placed on the list of the seven most beautiful museums in the world under the prestigious Prix Versailles Award in the field of architecture and design announced annually at UNESCO.”
Expressing his pride, Patel stated, “It is a matter of pride for Gujarat that for the first time, a museum in India has received global recognition for its expression of local culture and nature conservation.”
The Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum is celebrated not only for its architectural brilliance but also for its profound cultural significance. “The design of this museum is amazing, as it is built on the Bhujia hill amidst the greenery of thousands of trees. This museum is a story of bravely facing challenges and reinventing them. This museum is an ethereal realisation of divinity. Heartiest congratulations to the entire team involved in the construction and management of Smritivan,” added Patel.
The museum’s recognition is particularly noteworthy as it follows the A4 Art Museum in Chengdu, China, and the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt. Other distinguished museums on the list include the Simose Art Museum in Hiroshima, Japan, Paleis Het Loo in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, Oman Across Ages Museum in Manah, Oman, and the Polish History Museum in Warsaw, Poland.
Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 28, 2022, the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum commemorates the lives lost during the devastating earthquake in 2001. According to the museum’s official website, the facility spans 11,500 square meters and is divided into seven thematic blocks: Rebirth, Rediscover, Restore, Rebuild, Rethink, Relive, and Renew, each representing a different aspect of the museum’s mission.
This accolade not only highlights the architectural and cultural richness of the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum but also underscores the resilience and spirit of the people of Gujarat. It stands as a testament to the community’s ability to rebuild and thrive in the face of adversity, making it a beacon of hope and inspiration for visitors from around the world.
About Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum
The Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum is dedicated to commemorating the lives lost in the 2001 earthquake in Bhuj. It serves as a symbol of resilience and regeneration, capturing the spirit of the people who bravely faced the disaster and rebuilt their lives. The museum, with its innovative design and thematic exhibits, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural conservation, making it a must-visit destination for tourists and scholars alike.
