Calico Textile Museum, Ahmedabad
Facts and practical information
Nestled in the heart of Ahmedabad, India, the Calico Textile Museum stands as a testament to the city's illustrious past in fabric design and production. This distinguished institution is not just a museum but a celebration of one of India's most ancient and vibrant art forms – textiles.
Founded in 1949 by the industrialist Gautam Sarabhai and his sister Gira Sarabhai, the Calico Textile Museum houses an impressive collection of fabrics that span five centuries. Its exhibits showcase an array of textiles, ranging from the majestic court textiles of the Mughal and Sultanate periods to regional embroideries and weaves from all corners of India.
As one of the foremost textile museums in the world, the Calico Textile Museum is renowned for its rare collection of antique fabrics, intricately woven silks, delicate brocades, and stunning pieces of apparel. The museum's exhibits are meticulously curated to tell the story of India's textile heritage, highlighting the diversity and sophistication of traditional techniques such as block printing, weaving, and dyeing.
Visitors to the museum can expect to be enchanted by the intricate patterns and vibrant colors of the historical textiles on display. The museum also provides educational resources, offering insights into the significance of textiles in the cultural and social life of India. It is an invaluable repository of knowledge for researchers, historians, and designers, as well as a source of inspiration for contemporary textile artists.
The Calico Textile Museum is not just a place of preservation but also a venue for learning. It conducts regular workshops, seminars, and exhibitions that bridge the past with the present, ensuring that the age-old textile traditions of India continue to thrive in the modern age.
Open to the public, the museum invites both locals and tourists to delve into the rich tapestry of Indian history. The experience is both enlightening and immersive, providing a unique perspective on the fabric of Indian society through the threads of its textiles. Whether you are a history buff, a fashion enthusiast, or simply curious about India's cultural legacy, a visit to the Calico Textile Museum is sure to weave an unforgettable narrative.
Calico Textile Museum – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)
Nearby attractions include: Sabarmati Ashram, Hutheesing Jain Temple, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial, Dariya Khan's Tomb.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is Calico Textile Museum open?
- Monday 10:30 am - 1 pm
- Tuesday 10:30 am - 1 pm
- Wednesday closed
- Thursday 10:30 am - 1 pm
- Friday 10:30 am - 1 pm
- Saturday 10:30 am - 1 pm
- Sunday 10:30 am - 1 pm
Which popular attractions are close to Calico Textile Museum?
How to get to Calico Textile Museum by public transport?
Train
- Sabarmati Junction (32 min walk)
Bus
- Ranip GSRTC (38 min walk)