The Calico Museum of Textiles is one of India’s leading and the most popular museums. Established in 1948, this museum abodes one of the best collections of textile and is enhanced by a stunning line of Patachitras and Pichhwais (paintings made on cloth). The museum housed in two buildings display beautiful textiles of not only religious significance but also of conventional court tents, costumes, fabrics and carpets.
Three buildings with conventional carved wooden façades built around the chowk houses secular or courtly pieces of art work like costumes, decorated and embroidered Shamians, carpets and wall hangings. Moreover, you can see great works of Phulkaris from Andhra, Kalamkaris and Punjab and saris. A gallery devoted to the different techniques of weaving displays sample works along with technical notes and their link to the different sects.
The major attractions of this museums are exquisite artwork, beautifully hand-woven pieces of work and intricate designs. Tourists from all over the world visits this historic museum when in India. From some of the best designs to finest prints, this museum located in Ahmedabad is known for great collection of beautifully designed fabric dating back to the seventeenth century.
Brainchild of the Sarabhai, this museum is a house to some of the greatest textiles and fabric works of the seventeenth century. Initially, it was housed in the Calico mills, however with the ever-increasing number of collectibles including other fabrics, it was soon shifted to the Sarabhai House, now known as Calico Museum of Textiles.
The great work of textiles display incorporates court textiles and fabrics used by the Provincial rulers and the Mughals of fifteenth and nineteenth century. Other things on display include religious textiles, regional and religious embroideries of the nineteenth century and tie-dyed textiles. You can also see temple hangings, furniture and crafts, South Indian bronzes, sculpture and ritual art, miniature paintings and sculpture and Jain art. This museum has played a key role in determining both the curriculum and course taught at the prestigious fashion designing institute, National Institute of Design, located in Ahmedabad.
The items displayed in the museum are protected by the authorities of museum. Excellent textile and fabric works are protected from changing temperatures, air pollution and duct by the trees planted around the complex of museum. To preserve the textiles from some damage, lights are dimmed and humidity is controlled between visiting hours.
Located 4km north of the main city, you can visit this museum any time of the year. However, keep in mind that photography is prohibited inside the museum. So, visit Calico Museum of Textiles to know more about the textiles and fabrics of country like India.
How to Reach
The Calico museum of textiles is situated right by the side of Balwantrai Mehta road. You will be required to drive down from the intersection road which marks the Jain colony if you want to reach here. The state of Gujarat is well connected with a close range of dense network of railway lines, airway paths and roadways to the rest of the major cities in India.
Best Time to Visit
The winter and spring months are considered to be the best times to visit this museum since the temperature is pleasant and extremely comfortable for a visit. Preferably the months of October to March.
Opening and Closing Time
The museum remains open for all days of the week except Wednesday from 10:15 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:45 pm to 4:30 pm.
