The Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum in Bhuj has been shortlisted for the prestigious Prix Versailles Award by UNESCO, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced on Friday. This recognition places the museum among the seven most beautiful museums globally for 2024, a significant honor for Gujarat and India.

“A moment of pride for Gujarat and India! The Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum in Bhuj has been listed among the 7 most beautiful museums in the world under the prestigious Prix Versailles Award, which is announced annually at UNESCO for architecture and design,” Patel shared on X.

The recognition marks a historic achievement for an Indian museum, celebrating its expression of local culture and commitment to nature conservation. The museum was envisioned by then Gujarat Chief Minister and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi to honor the victims of the devastating 2001 earthquake and to pay tribute to the resilience of Kutch.

“Based on that vision, Smritivan was constructed in Bhuj. The design of this museum, built amidst thousands of trees on Bhujia Hill, is remarkable. This museum is a saga of courageously facing challenges and building anew from them. This museum is a transcendental experience of the supreme element,” CM Patel added.

UNESCO’s Prix Versailles release highlighted the uniqueness of the award, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The World’s Most Beautiful Museums List for 2024 features seven newly opened or reopened museums that exemplify creativity, local heritage, and ecological efficiency. These museums will compete for three 2024 World Titles – Prix Versailles, Interior, and Exterior – with winners to be announced at UNESCO Headquarters by late November.

Jérôme Gouadain, Secretary General of the Prix Versailles, expressed his delight at the recognition of museum buildings. He noted that museums offer unique settings for intercultural dialogue and now, enhanced by technology, provide immersive experiences that disseminate knowledge and shape visitor tastes.

“By creating the World’s Most Beautiful Museums List, we also wanted to emphasise the importance of wonder, which elevates the human gaze and allows us to be surprised,” Gouadain said. He added that museums play a crucial role in intelligent sustainable development.

The Prix Versailles, established in 2015, is an annual series of architectural competitions highlighting the finest contemporary projects worldwide, announced each year at UNESCO.

This nomination not only honors the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum but also underscores Gujarat’s dedication to preserving its heritage and promoting sustainable development through innovative architecture.

Note: Smritivan Earthquake Museum. (Photo Credit: X/PrixVersailles)

admin
Author: admin