“Smritivan Among World’s Top 7 Most Beautiful Museums”

Gandhinagar: Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Named Among World’s Most Beautiful Museums.

Another jewel has been added to Gujarat’s crown. Gujarat’s identity and reputation as a global destination have once again been highlighted on the world stage. The Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum in Bhuj has been ranked among the seven most beautiful museums in the world, as per the prestigious Prix Versailles Award for architecture and design, announced annually by UNESCO.

Under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat’s global image has been continuously strengthened. Smritivan is the first museum in India to receive global recognition for its expression of local culture and nature conservation, marking a moment of immense pride for every Gujarati.

Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel congratulated the entire team involved in the construction and management of Smritivan for this remarkable achievement.

“Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial.”

The devastating earthquake that hit Gujarat on January 26, 2001, prompted the construction of the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial to honor the citizens who lost their lives. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated this memorial on August 28, 2022.

What is Smritivan?

Smritivan is a testament to Kutch’s resilience, showcasing a journey from adversity to glory. Spread over 470 acres on Bhujio Dungar (Bhujia Mountain) in Bhuj, it includes the world’s largest Miyawaki forest with 500,000 trees, 50 check dams, and a memorial with 12,932 plaques honoring the victims. The site also features Sun Point, an 8 km pathway, a 1.2 km internal road, a 1 MW solar power plant, parking for 3,000 visitors, a renovated 300-year-old flood fort, extensive sapling plantations, and an 11,500 square meter earthquake museum.

A special theater at Smritivan offers an immersive experience of the 2001 earthquake through a combination of vibration, sound, and light, using 360-degree projection technology.

Other Awards Received by Smritivan Earthquake Memorial:

• A’ Design Award – Best International Exhibition Design Project
• SBID International Design Award – Public Spaces
• Red Dot Design Award 2023 – Brand and Communication Design
• Global Architecture Design Award – Platinum Award – Cultural Architecture
• CII Design Excellence Award – Special Design
• London Design Award – Platinum Award – Interior Design
• Global Architecture Design Award – Gold Award – Green Architecture
• Event APAC Award 2023 – Tourist Attraction

Since his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has consistently strived to bring the state’s cultural heritage and historical monuments to global prominence. As a result of efforts like ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi,’ Gujarat’s Garba and Dhordo village in Kutch have received international recognition. The Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, has also gained worldwide fame. Now, Smritivan joins these globally renowned destinations, further enhancing Gujarat’s international reputation.

“Garba of Gujarat and Dhordo village of Kutch also received international honors.”

Last year, Gujarat’s Garba received international acclaim when UNESCO included ‘Gujarat Ka Garba’ in its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity. Additionally, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) named Dhordo in Gujarat as the ‘Best Tourism Village.’

What is the Prix Versailles Award?

Since 2015, the Prix Versailles Awards have been announced annually at UNESCO’s headquarters. Prix Versailles selects the best architects and designs from around the world, covering categories such as airports, campuses, passenger stations, sports facilities, museums, emporiums, hotels, and restaurants. For the first time in 2024, the museum category was introduced, with Bhuj’s Smritivan Earthquake Memorial being included in the list of the world’s most beautiful museums.

List of Most Beautiful Museums in the World 2024:

1. A4 Art Museum, Chengdu, China
2. Grand Egyptian Museum, Giza, Egypt
3. Smritivan Earthquake Memorial, Bhuj, India
4. Simos Art Museum, Hiroshima, Japan
5. Palais Heit Loo, Apeldoorn, Netherlands
6. Oman Across Ages Museum, Manah, Oman