Sanskar kendra, Paldi, Ahmedabad

If you are an architecture student than you are in for a visual treat in this city. The Sanskar Kendra building, intended as a cultural centre when built is a fine example of modernist architecture by an internationally renowned architect, Le Corbusier in 1954. Located near the Sardar bridge in the vicinity of the famous Tagore Hall, across the National Institute of Design it is a discerning example of modernist architecture. Over the years it had fallen prey to vandalism, encroachments, neglect and commercialization, epitomizing the eroded social and cultural values of a traditional city. On the initiative of Vastu Shilpa Foundation, a proposal was made to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to allow for its restoration and revitalization with new use sympathetic to the cause of the building and to foster social interaction. It was agreed upon to convert the place to a City Museum which would nurture and restore the values, pride and aspirations of the city of Ahmedabad and its citizens. A cultural node of a city with living heritage, the museum is conceived as an event, an experience that recreates the pulse of the vibrant and living city with avant-garde outlook of its enterprising people yet its rootedness in traditions.

This museum is aimed to celebrate the living heritage of the city and the pioneering spirit of its people. As Vastu Shilpa states, "To capture these nuances of the city of Ahmedabad, the museum is consciously conceived as a linear journey through overlapping and interconnected facets of city life ranging from art to industry, craft to culture, history to architecture, individual to institution." Also on display here are old relics, sculptures and the history of this city, informed by photographic, illustrated and textual panels.

Sanskar Kendra also houses the famous Kite Museum designed by Bhanu Shah who has created a fascinating and striking collection of kites with a rare devotion since he was 21 years of age. This collection that gradually grew in range and repertoire is today showcased in the museum accompanied with interesting illustrations and photographs. The musuem needs some revision to connect with changing times, but it can still be worth a visit to a kite enthusiast.

Unique in its theme, the museum is now open to public viewing at Sanskar Kendra.