The Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum in Bhuj, Gujarat, has been awarded the prestigious UNESCO Prix Versailles 2024 World Title for its exceptional interiors. This recognition, celebrated as a symbol of architectural and design excellence, was presented at a ceremony held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on Tuesday. The award was received by Minister of State Jagdish Vishwakarma and Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) CEO Anupam Anand.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the Smritivan team, acknowledging their extraordinary achievement. Earlier this year, the museum was also ranked among the seven most beautiful museums globally in the esteemed Prix Versailles rankings, further solidifying its global cultural significance.
A proud moment for Gujarat, and India!
I am happy to share that Bhuj’s Smritivan Earthquake Museum and Memorial has been honoured as the world’s most beautiful museum with the Prix Versailles 2024 World Title for Interiors, held at @UNESCO, Paris.
Our iconic Smritivan Museum… pic.twitter.com/UaH457ZUj7
— Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) December 3, 2024
The Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, commemorates the lives lost in the devastating earthquake that struck Kutch on January 26, 2001. Inaugurated on August 28, 2022, the memorial stands as a powerful symbol of Kutch’s resilience, celebrating the region’s recovery and the indomitable spirit of its people.
Located on Bhujiyo Dungar (hill), the memorial integrates its design with the surrounding landscape, offering immersive galleries to educate visitors about disaster preparedness and resilience. The design excellence and innovative concept of the museum have earned international acclaim.
Spanning 470 acres, Smritivan aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for holistic development. It includes the world’s largest Miyawaki forest, featuring 300,000 trees, and a plaque bearing the names of 12,932 victims of the 2001 earthquake. The memorial also houses 50 check dams, reflecting the region’s focus on sustainability and water conservation.
Additional features include a sun point, an 8 km pathway, a 1.2 km internal road, and a 1 MW solar power plant. The site also provides parking for 3,000 visitors and has restored a 300-year-old fort. The museum itself spans 11,500 square meters, offering a dedicated space to preserve the history and legacy of the earthquake.
