Kutch: The Smritivan Earthquake Museum in Bhuj has been awarded UNESCO’s Prix Versailles 2024 World Title for its interiors.

The award was accepted on behalf of the state government by State Minister Jagdish Vishwakarma, alongside GSDMA CEO Anupam Anand, at a ceremony held at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel congratulated the entire team of Smritivan for this achievement.

It is noteworthy that, under the prestigious Prix Versailles (Prix Versailles) award given annually for architecture and design, the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum in Bhuj was placed among the world’s 7 most beautiful museums at the start of 2024.

Now, by securing the Prix Versailles 2024 World Title, the Smritivan Museum has solidified its place as a cultural landmark on the global stage.

The Prix Versailles is a global architecture and design award presented for exceptional achievements across various categories, including museums, airports, campuses, passenger stations, sports facilities, emporiums, hotels, and restaurants.

The Smritivan Earthquake Memorial was built in memory of the citizens who lost their lives during 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 and features immersive galleries designed to educate visitors on disaster preparedness and resilience. The unique design and purpose of the museum have now been internationally recognised, earning global recognition for both Gujarat and India.

Developed by the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) with administrative assistance from the Kutch Collectorate, Smritivan reflects a shared effort of skill and vision. Smritivan stands as a symbol of Kutch’s resilience against adversity, telling the story of perseverance in the face of disaster, rebirth from the ashes, and creation from nothing.

Smritivan spans 470 acres on Bhujiyo Dungar in Bhuj. The site features the world’s largest Miyawaki forest with 300,000 trees. Additionally, memorial plaques bearing the names of 12,932 earthquake victims and walls from 50 check dams built on-site commemorate the lives lost.

Other features include a sun point, an 8-kilometre-long overall pathway, 1.2 kilometres of internal roads, a 1 MW solar power plant, parking for 3,000 visitors, restoration of a 300-year-old fort, 3 lakh trees planted, electric lighting across the site, and an 11,500-square-meter earthquake memorial museum.

A special theatre has been created to simulate the 2001 earthquake experience using a combination of shaking, sound, and light, allowing visitors to experience the earthquake through 360-degree projections. Today, the Smritivan Museum has become a major attraction for visitors coming to Kutch. DeshGujarat