Ahmedabad was established in the 15th century and is now the largest city in Gujarat state in western India. It is famous for Calico Museum of Textiles and Sabarmati Ashram, which was once a residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Ahmedabad is home to a different kind of museum. Conflictorium –Museum of Conflict is not your typical gallery of historical artifacts. The museum is housed in a 90-year-old Parsi home named Gool Lodge. Specially curated exhibits revolve around one theme–socio-political conflict–and encourages visitors to recognize the role of dispute and discord in society. At the least, Conflictorium leaves a lasting impression. For many, the museum awakens a renewed interest in how people and governments deal with conflict issues and how disagreement and friction can give rise to artistic expression. Learn more in this guide to Conflictorium, Ahmedabad.
Things to do / Highlights
Pre-1977 version of the Bhāratīya Saṃvidhāna
In the room called Moral Compass you will find a copy of the longest written Constitution in the world, The Constitution of India (Bhāratīya Saṃvidhāna). The document, which serves as the supreme law of India, took effect on January 26, 1950 when India became an independent democracy. The copy of the Constitution is open to visitors. You can read it from start to finish if you choose. It’s quite an experience to hold in your hands an important document with the signatures of the original members of the constitutional assembly. On the walls of Moral Compass are photographs from India’s human rights movement to remind visitors of India’s former struggles and triumphs to attain sovereignty.
Conflict Timeline and Gallery of Disputes
Mulling over conflict may not be your idea of a typical museum visit. But, you will be encouraged to think about it from another perspective in Conflict Timeline and Gallery of Disputes. Conflict Timeline presents the violent events that shaped Gujarat since its founding. View the timeline with the purpose of understanding how conflicts in society arise. For instance, you will learn that the Gujarat riots of 1985 to 1986 originated as a caste dispute and evolved to a Hindu-Muslim argument causing hundreds of fatalities and thousands of injuries.
Meanwhile, Mansi Thakkar designed the Gallery of Disputes to highlight the different kinds of conflicts and their origins. The gallery seeks to widen people’s understanding through an interactive story of a donkey. The narrative is punctuated with sensory input–lights, sounds, and visual aids to bring the message home.
Empathy Alley
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi) are two of the revered historical figures of post-independent India who are featured in Empathy Alley. Their silhouettes are presented with an audio recording of a speech delivered in their lifetime. In this exhibit, you will have the opportunity to hear the voices of exemplary citizens who shaped the nation.
Things to buy
Customized handmade paper, made using natural colors & spice. These ones have a pinch of turmeric, red chilly and...
Posted by Conflictorium on Friday, 10 May 2013
A unique set of souvenirs is at hand in the Conflictorium Store. You may send an e-mail to conflictorium@gmail.com to ask what’s available in case you are planning to buy a bagful for your friends and family members. You can also order souvenir items via email. On your visit expect to see a range of merchandise, including posters, bookmarks, and postcards. Posters and bookmarks cost 20 INR (0.3 USD) each, while a postcard has a 40 INR (0.5 USD) price tag. Meanwhile, a badge costs 50 INR (0.7 USD) per item. If you’re lucky, exclusive merchandise from a special exhibit could be on sale!
You can also bring home a distinctive Conflictorium T-shirt for 600 INR (8 USD) apiece. For techies, it’s possible to purchase a pen drive (USD flash drive) for 500 INR (7 USD) only. It’s something unique to remember your visit to Museum of Conflict.
Travel tips
Posted by Conflictorium on Saturday, 2 February 2019
Interactive exhibits and activities
Conflictorium is known as a participatory museum owned by Bachuben Nagarwala, Ahmedabad’s first professionally trained hairstylist. Avni Sethi is a dancer and artist and the mastermind behind the museum’s unique concept. Sethi believes that accepting conflict is important in achieving resolution in the end, arguing that conflict resolution is futile without acceptance. As such, Museum of Conflict has interactive exhibits for visitors who are unafraid to explore their own thoughts about discord. The museum staff will guide you through the interactive exhibits. You won’t be harassed into hurrying to participate. It’s best to allot at least two hours of your time in the Conflictorium so that you can benefit the most from its exhibits and activities.
What’s in store for you? The Power of New exhibit features “In This House and That World”–a sound installation that locates the audience within the building’s layered structure. In Memory Lab visitors can express their thoughts onto empty jars. The Sorry Tree is a peepal tree on the museum grounds. There, visitors are encouraged to unburden and strengthen their trust in the power of one word of apology. Perhaps, you would be moved to write an apology to someone and hang it on the tree.
Talks and movie screenings
Prior to your visit, check the museum’s website for special events such as movie screenings and talks from local artists and influencers. Writing and art workshops are offered as well. Short-term exhibits may be featured in the museum during your stay in Ahmedabad.
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How to get there
Conflictorium - Museum of Conflict is located in a building known locally as Gool Lodge. The house is opposite R.C. High School. A nearby landmark is Chalte Pir Ki Dargah, a religious site. When you reach Ahmedabad you can take a taxicab that will take you to the museum on Mirzapur Road. The museum does not require an entry fee.
Where to stay
You may rent a room in the Conflictorium for the duration of your stay in Ahmedabad. The residences are within the premises. The museum can accommodate two residents at a time. Communicate with them through the official website if you are interested in making a reservation.
Conflictorium information
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Conflictorium
Address: 101/102, Mirzapur Rd, Old City, Mirzapur, Bhadra, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001, India
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11am - 8pm (closed on Mon)
Cost: Free entry
Official website: Conflictorium
Department of tourism: Visit Ahmedabad
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