Smritivan Museum in Gujarat Wins UNESCO Prix Versailles 2024

Gandhinagar : Gujarat has achieved another remarkable global milestone. Bhuj-based Kutch’s Smriti Van Earthquake Memorial Museum has been honoured with the prestigious UNESCO Prix Versailles 2024 World Title for its outstanding interiors. At a ceremony held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, the award was received by Minister of State Shri Jagdish Vishwakarma and GSDMA CEO Anupam Anand, representing the state government. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel conveyed heartfelt congratulations to the entire Smritivan team for this outstanding achievement. Significantly, the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum was also named among the seven most beautiful museums in the world in the prestigious Prix Versailles list at the beginning of 2024.

Further solidifying its status as a cultural landmark on the global stage, the Smritivan Museum has won the prestigious Prix Versailles 2024 World Title. The Prix Versailles is a global architecture and design award, recognizing exceptional achievements across various categories, including museums, airports, campuses, passenger stations, sports facilities, emporiums, hotels, and restaurants. The Smritivan Earthquake Memorial was created under the inspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to honour the lives lost in the devastating earthquake that struck Kutch on January 26, 2001. The memorial was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 28, 2022.

The architecture of Smritivan seamlessly blends with the historic Bhujiyo Dungar (hill/mountain), featuring immersive galleries designed to educate visitors on disaster preparedness and resilience. Its unique design and purpose have earned international recognition, bringing a global accolade to both Gujarat and India. Developed by the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA), with administrative support from the Kutch Collectorate, Smritivan stands as a testament to collaborative expertise and vision. Smritivan embodies Kutch’s resilience in the face of adversity. A story of overcoming disasters, rising from the ashes, and transforming challenges into triumphs. It serves as a living testament to the strength and spirit of the region.

Aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision, the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial spans 470 acres on Bhujiyo Hill in Bhuj. The site features the world’s largest Miyawaki forest, with 3 lakh trees. A plaque bearing the names of 12,932 earthquake victims serves as a tribute, alongside the walls of 50 check dams built in the area. The memorial also includes a 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 fort, and a plantation of 3 lakh trees. Electric lighting illuminates the entire area, while an 11,500 square-meter museum stands as a dedicated space for the earthquake’s history.

A special theatre has been constructed to simulate the 2001 earthquake experience, combining vibrations, sound, and light. The immersive 360-degree projection allows visitors to experience the intensity of the disaster firsthand, making the museum a must-visit destination for those exploring the rich history and resilience of Kutch.