Ahmedabad: The “A” Block of Sardar Patel Bhavan, located at the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) headquarters in Danapith, has been included in the Heritage Notified List under Grade–I. As part of the Management Plan committed in the UNESCO nomination dossier for the Historic City of Ahmedabad, AMC had undertaken to establish a Heritage Gallery under its Programme for Action.

In line with this commitment, the corporation will carry out restoration of the heritage structure, installation of secretariat-style furniture, and development of a dedicated exhibition-cum-heritage gallery. The gallery will showcase the history of the Amdavad Municipal Corporation, the chronological development of Ahmedabad city, and details of Ahmedabad’s World Heritage sites. The project also includes installation of pedestals and showcases, gallery and façade lighting design, public information systems, signage, and audio-visual and multimedia inputs.

The foundation stone for the upcoming “Exhibition/Heritage Gallery” at the restored heritage building in Sardar Patel Bhavan, Khadia Ward (Central Zone), was laid by Mayor Pratibhaben Jain. The event was attended by Deputy Mayor Jatinbhai Patel, Standing Committee Chairman Devang Dani, Municipal Ruling Party Leader Gaurang Prajapati, Whip Sheetalben Danga, and chairpersons of various committees.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel served Ahmedabad for 3,800 days as a councillor and 1,555 days as President of the Municipality, playing a pivotal role in the city’s urban development and governance. During his tenure, he administered the municipality from the A Block building. He also renamed the Revan Hall on the third floor of A Block as “Gandhi Hall” in honour of Mahatma Gandhi.

Gallery Plan and Features

• Ground Floor: Sardar Patel Gallery and Conference Hall.
• First Floor: A mini-theatre narrating the city’s story across four historical phases; two main display halls covering the history of Asaval, Karnavati and Ahmedabad; a large model of the World Heritage City featuring monuments, pols, havelis and chabutras; and a gallery on city governance and civic administration.
• Second Floor: A gallery dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s activities during his stay in Ahmedabad. Gandhi Hall will feature statues of Patel and other municipal presidents, along with an audio-visual show. To create a lifelike experience, Patel’s statue will be installed in a seated position.

A laser show will also be organised in the evening on the façade of the building.

The tender worth Rs 9.93 crore for the project has been approved, under which the restoration and gallery development work will be undertaken.