Written by Anwesha Das (2024)

INtroduction

The Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum built in 1984-85 is a leading art museum in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Some of the museum galleries are: the Muni Punyavijayji Collection (one of the finest collection of illustrated Jain manuscripts), the NC Mehta Gallery (collection of Indian miniature paintings), and the Priyakant Munshaw Collection (a coins' gallery that showcases coinage from different regions and historical eras). The museum and the LD Institute of Indology are both institutions that were shaped by the visions of the Jain Acharya Muni Punyavijayji and the industrialist Seth Kasturbhai Lalbhai. Today, the museum with its collection of paintings, manuscripts, sculptures is a hub for scholars interested in medieval art and Jain history.

The Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum is open all days except Mondays (and public holidays) from 10.30am to 5pm.

The museum is located in the Navrangpura area of Ahmedabad in the premises of the LD Institute of Indology.

Location: Google Maps

GOING THERE

LD Museum is located in the premises of the LD Institute of Indology in the Navrangpura area on the western part of Ahmedabad. The area has several educational institutions like the CEPT University, Gujarat University, LD College of Engineering, St. Xaviers College. One can easily take the BRTS buses as there is a bus stop very close to the museum. The other option is to take a cab. From the main entrance of the LD Institution of Indology campus, the museum is just a short walk away (barely 2 minutes). You might be greeted by monkeys and peacocks along the way!

GETTING IN

The museum is open to public and there is no entry fee. Researchers could write an email to the museum with any queries or set up an appointment to meet the museum keepers and the director Sujata Parsai. Please be mindful that photography is not permitted in all areas of the museum. There is also a baggage counter near the entrance to store your belongings.

Finding your material

You can check out the museum publications authored by prominent art historians. Another option is to check the catalogue.

Ordering your material

The museum collections are open to the public. For any specific information you can get in touch with the museum keepers or the director, Sujata Parsai.

Ordering scans

Digital images can be requested by sending a request via email to the staff. A support letter from the advisor is required. Currently, the cost per image is 500 INR (around 6 USD).

Food and well-being

It is best to carry your lunch when you are visiting the museum. There are also few cafes nearby that mostly serve vegetarian food. There are washroom facilities on the first floor of the museum.

ADDITIONAL REMARKS

If you are new to Ahmedabad and looking for an intellectual community in the city, the LD Museum is a good place to build these connections. They also host many talks, exhibitions and other events around the year. The museum keepers and the director Sujata Parsai are approachable and are genuinely interested to support scholars.