The Calico Museum of Textiles

Fantastic place for heritage lovers. You will find many great art works on cloths here. This museum will make u fall in love with ahmedabad, which was known as manchester of ASIA once. Finely woven artistic cloth works are the speciality of this place.

I appreciate the museum is made available to the public and free to entry. I have heard many rumours about the staff being rude but I thought i will see for myself. Today I came to the front gate and the security demands my confirmation email, while I’m looking for it in my phone, he snapped his finger many times very loudly right at my face. I’m very shock and I feel terrible for a long time after. This behaviour is not acceptable and extremely disrespectful.

Terribly rude security staff and outrageous service. We turned up and was told we couldn’t enter without a booking. After asking many times not a single person came to help/assist us. Even after making a booking there and then and calling around 7 different numbers, we received no response. After emailing the office to come to the door to speak with me, they even refused, I had to communicate with them via email even though they were on the other side of the door. Bearing in mind there were NO other customers present it wasn’t like they were fully booked. Who has the time to book 2 weeks in advance as a tourist, what a terrible impression to set. Will never return here.

The museum of textiles is home to some of the most antique and celebrated artworks in pichwai, miniature paintings from 500-2000 years ago, jain manuscripts, historic textile artworks of India collected by the Sarabhai Family in their own haveli which is now converted into this beautiful museums where art is preserved very carefully. Must visit by appointments through websites for art lovers. They do not allow on the spot entry, so book in advance and reach on time for the group tour. They do not allow bag or phones for photography inside the museum. The landscape and architecture of the haveli is a gem for architects and designers.

A must visit for one interested in paintings n cloth work. Actually an aristrocratic bungalow is made into museum. A guide takes us around for a full 3hrs. There is no entrance fee or tips, absolutely free. Snacks n tea is served after guided tour. Book for tour slots in advance.

The museum seems interesting, however there was not possible to enter, as entry allowed by appointments only.
Staff is very rude, the gate was shut in front of me and i was told to call a manager.
I did so, but the manager dropped the phone in the middle of conversation, pointless.
Beautiful premises, mentality behind.
Unsuitable for foreign guests.
As it is so private, unwelcoming and full of specific rules,
It should be advertised locally only, instead publically on maps,
so nobody will decide to bother you in a different from your own way.

No payment required. Email and get the confirmation. Then you get the time slot. Very nicely maintained textile museum. Photography not allowed.

It's not open. We returned as the guard gave us list of prerequisites to do before visiting. Better don't waste time. Don't visit here.

Awful experience. Came all the way to visit this museum. Had an email confirming the tours. Reached the museum only to be told it was sent by mistake and the museum is closed due to public holiday. Pathetic reservation system for a place that prides itself on making textile art accessible and free.

Free museum, all you need to do is reserve beforehand by email. Info on how to do that is on the website and explained clearly.

We only had time for the afternoon tour, which shows an amazing textiles collection, really something else. In hindsight, I would definitely have scheduled in time for the morning tour during our stay in Ahmedabad.

Mind boggling place. A must visit. Best ever museum that I have ever visited. World class standard. Maintained very well.

"An Artist may visit a museum but only a pendant can live there". Calico Museum of textiles was renowned by the Sarabhai Foundation galleries and collections of sacred bronzes from southernmost India, Images and abodes of Indian deities, various manuscripts, sculptures and various kinds of ritual objects i.e Indian miniature paintings, the Chauk [Housed Royal tents, carpets[Kaleen], and ancient Maurya hereditary monologue of the great Ashoka, embroidered carvings and its techniques, Tibetian culture flag with prayers inscriptions as well as paintings, laughing Buddhas etc.
The tour was divided into two parts, ours from 10: 30 am [It is advised to reach earlier] to 12: 30 pm followed by tea and some freshwater-soaked peanuts at the end of the tour. The tour was free of cost and it is also advised that online booking should be done 4 weeks before the time for the visit. The guide will explain most of the things contained in the museum throughout the tour.
The Calico Museum of textiles was inspired by the pioneering art historian and philosopher Dr Ananda Coomaraswamy. After through 15th century when textile production and its trade centre got a boost a vision was to be made, therefore in 1949 this museum was founded by Gautam Sarabhai with the assistance of his sister Gira Sarabhai.

Phones are not allowed inside. This place is a must visit. Its very aesthetic. The tour is if 2 hours and they also offer you tea and snacks. Other than the museum, the gardens Are very beautiful. The museum courtyard has a very huge tree with lilac flowers than spin and fall slowly and it is the prettiest thing that i have ever experienced. The museum has textiles from across India from different time periods and the guide explains in detail the story of that fabric. You have to book on their website and then send them an email regarding the same or else they won’t consider you for entry. Getting a booking is difficult since they accept only a few people every day and the timings are very strict.

If you are a fashion freak then you must visit this textile museum with detailed fabric information from the medival period.

Total time waster, not welcoming for foreign or national guest from other part of India. If you want to know about bureaucracy in Tourism, please visit this place. If you cannot accommodate tourists please make it a government office.

Had to be taken through at the pace of the guide so there was little time to see the textile part which was what I was interested in.

A painstaking effort and an excellent collection to narrate the history and highlight our culture through the years. The Haveli which houses the museum is a heritage building. There are cloth paintings and costumes too. The temple recreated with the restored pieces from an old temple that was being demolished also showcases skills our artisans. There are tents, carpets and furnishings on display. It's a must see for everyone.

However, you need to plan 5 weeks before and apply for visitors pass on line. The moment you apply, you will receive an acknowledgement. But that is not a valid permission. Please make sure you receive a confirmation email that you are permitted to visit. Please call up and get the confirmation if need be. Otherwise you won't be allowed. Also make sure to be at the gate minimum 15 minutes before that is by 10.15 AM. Getting the permission seems to be the most difficult part of the visit.

The place is just too beautiful! The building, the landscape, too good. Very large in area and so much to explore. Also, there are peacocks inside the museum area.

Free roam inside the museum was not allowed, it was a guided tour. So, this is the only small flaw here.

Must visit museum for every craft and textile enthusiast. The guided tour is mind-blowing!

Do not forget to pre-book a tour from their website as entry without one is not allowed.

Had heard a lot about this place, but it has very visitor unfriendly entry policies. We tried booking a few days in advance as well, but did not receive any reply. The phones remain unanswered. The guard is extremely unhelpful and refuses to let people in even to talk to the manager. One is made to wonder if they really want people to visit. Definitely do not recommend unless able to book months in advance. Very disappointed.

This is the best historic place I ever had
Every student need to visit this place once in a life
You just get lost in old this
Lighting you that still you are in past
Pls visit it
There is not charge
Just you need to fill a form before one day
On calicomuseum. Org

It was a great experience. As a parents I will suggest that every one should take their child to the museum to make them able to explore our rich heritage. It is full of nature and culture. The staff was really friendly and polite. It's collection was also beautiful. One should definitely visit it if they are interested into art and culture.

It was a awesome experience. I really suggest that one should visit it once if you are a fan of art and wants to feel asthetic.
The staff was really friendly with a great smile on face which made our day.
And the guide was really cool.
She was really good at explaining and she was awesome.
At last I would say that its perfect blend of art, culture and nature.whole India.

I am standing at gate 1 and was told that one day prior booking is needed. Also was asked to get in touch at the 2 landline nos given in their brochure, both the no remained unanswered. They really dony want anyone to come for the visits.

Time Required:  2-3 hours

Timings:  10: 30 AM to 1: 00 PM
Closed on Wednesdays and Public Holidays

Entry Fee:  None

Established in 1949, the Calico Textile Museum located at the Retreat on Airport Road is the oldest textile museum in Ahmedabad. Started by the renowned industrial personality, Gautam Sarabhai and his sister Gita Sarabhai, this museum was opened by the former Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

The museum has been preserving various weaving material, an array of designer and colourful fabric from different parts of the country. Although initiated at the Calico House, the Calico Textile Museum was further moved into a part of the Sarabhai House called "The Retreat" in 1983.

The museum is currently managed and maintained by the Sarabhai Foundation; an NGO organised by the Sarabhai family. Besides textiles, the museum also showcases South Indian bronze art, temple hangings, furniture, miniature artworks and Jain artefacts. The Calico Textile Museum also has gallery sections and a library as well.

A must visit. The best private museum I have ever been to, showcasing Indian handloom craft, fabric, weaves, embroidery. Actually in a way we should be thankful to them for preserving it for humanity. The experience is beyond words.

Very very Excellent service
Vinayak enterprise are nikol office and manufacturing by flour mill vinayak enterprise sales and service.

Must visit museum in the city. Can do the adjacent kasturbhai lalbhai museum as well the same day.both need prior reservations.

This is worst place ever, the staff, security and booking center is so rude. I didnt book in advance because I didnt know. They told me I cant go inside because the tour is full they gave me a number. Bug the lady that I talked so rude, she doesnt know how to talk. She told me the only avaliability is 3 days later but Im gonna be here. Not helpfull at all. She told max is 20 people but I saw the list at that morning and it was 24 people. So unorganized place everywhere like in India. Im so sorry but this indian people they dont know how to organise the things and dont know how to talk polite

The Calico Museum of Textiles is located in the city of Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat in western India. The museum is managed by the Sarabhai Foundation.
It is really an amazing place
Must visit
Have a nice journey
Padharo mhare desh

All traditional Gujarati cloths and ancient dresses as well as the fabric works and the work of art which is done only by a fixed family like Patan Ka Patola, Mata Ni Pachedi, as well as the tradition of regular clothing styles of common and kings are seen hear. Traditionally how the clothes are used in regular days and all are seen. Carpets, wall clothes, hand fans, and many more are seen over here. Some disappeared art work are seen like carving, wooden Home, way of living styles, instruments of doing the art. Blok's are also seen over here by which we can see how block printing is done and what are the effect on fabric. I think I had a great opportunity to have visited over hear. And i must say that Amdavadi people please visit the museum. Please do registration before the visiting the museum.

The best! The collection is awesome and the guide is an expert on textiles. She explains well but the problem is that we didn't have a lot of time to look at the beauty. The site is also very good. Super!

Calico Museum is owned by Sarabhai Family. So basically your experience of it will be like visiting a royal home cum museum with lots of do's & don't at the museum. You need to register 1 day prior your visit through email. Once you arrive the museum you'll be body searched throughly & all your belongings will be taken away including mobile & camera at the entrance. The guide was a lady in her late 50's, she is very strict & have an unpleasant personality. Due to her the whole tour becomes boring and sour.

Nice to visit, beautifully arranged monument of historical elements. Take prior information about timetables, also visit nearby rani sati temple. Lush green road beautiful seen in evening hours.

This place is one of the most wonderful spots in all of India. Everything from the building, grounds and the content has been carefully considered. The only negative is that you are not permitted to take pictures. We where told that we could purchase books about the museum at the end of the tour but none of the books they have in the store truly take the buildings and grounds into consideration.

There's no information to visit this museum, they are following some procedures to visit.
I went here to see, but security guard told you need to call and infrom office number before one week.
Once it's confirmed, you can go and visit.
Timing is from morning 10am to 1pm

A must place to visit for people who know textiles. Appointment has to be booked in advance. It is a very very knowledgeable place to know about the different types of textiles. The guide is from the museum who explains very well.

Calico Museum of Textiles!

The Calico textile Museum is a private museum established by the Sarabhai family (who are textile tycoons). It is housed in a huge Haveli (traditional palatial Gujarati mansion) and the ambience is very pleasing. Some of the structures are typical Gujarati (woodwork, tiling etc). The campus is full of trees and plants and you can enjoy the company of squirrels and birds, including peacocks. This is a guided tour where they not only show you the evolution of textiles, but also relate it to socio-cultural traditions and history. Also on display are bronzes and crafts. Thus, it is a treat not only for textile aficionados but also people who like history of various cultures. The display is well curated and the artifacts are well preserved. The guide is efficient and knowledgeable. At times it appears that she is hurrying us, but that is because there is so much to see within 3 hours. They serve tea and snacks (it's free) at the end of the tour and you can buy souvenirs and books in the museum-shop.
The guided tour is free, because the Sarabhais run the museum as a social service to educate people. But we need to be conscious of their rules: (1) You need to book in advance, you cannot just walk in unannounced. You can easily mail them or phone them (check their website) and get confirmation of your booking. (2) There is only one tour per day for 20 people since they want the guide to focus on the audience. There are no tours on weekly holidays (Wednesdays) and public holidays. So please plan accordingly. (3) Even if you arrive early, you will not be let in, but there is a nice sit-out by the roadside where you can wait. If you arrive late you cannot enter at all, even if you have booked in advance (4) Cameras, mobiles, tablets are not allowed, and photography is prohibited (5) You cannot carry outside food into the complex.

Good maintaining, clean and calm place. Zabardast campus. All varieties of clothes, sculpture of India are included in this museum

It was a nice and informative experience. The guide explained ample displays with various stories.the collection is marvelous.it is from a lot of centuries.a different history textbook.it is a must visit for people interested in art and history.the ambience is amazing.beautiful peacocks here and there.

Museum was great, feels good. The guide explained very gracefully. After visiting this museum I have interacted with hidden technique of art.

Exceptional museum featuring some of the finest examples of North Indian textiles and textile art, miniature painting, brass sculptures and more.the musuem can only be viewed by guided tour, there is no general admission.

For textile and Asian art lovers this will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience. Works have been carefully preserved and presented to dramatic effect throughout a series of interconnecting restored havellis set in landscaped gardens. A tranquil, incredible experience amongst the hub bub of the city. Honestly, my only complaint is that it's not longer, although with no break inbetween perhaps 2.5hrs is long enough. I just wanted more time to take in the awesomeness of the collection!

The guided tours are once daily (closed Wednesdays and some holidays, check their website), 2.5 hours in length and must be booked via their website. They are free of charge and incr.edinly informative There is a maximum of 20 people per tour and they book out quickly so they recommend booking 4 weeks in advance.

Nice colleCtion, good maintenance, and guidence with brief historical information.they warm welcome you. Totally free of coast, Tour time is 10.30 to about 1.30.3 hr. Tour. But with fast movement and guidance.

This is one of the best museum of ahmedabad. A large collection of all kinds of textiles and art are kept here. One can see the museum only during the guided tour provided by museum itself. Tour is free but Prior bookings needed. The tour usually starts around 10-10: 30 and finishes at 1

The museum is a lovely place, with an excellent collection. It is also free, although reservations are required. But the hyper-controlled tour leaves a lot to be desired. You are rushed through, focusing only on those items and stories the guide finds interesting, with little time to look at other things and no information about them provided

You have to book in advance. I couldn't able to visit. Only twenty people are allowed. No proper guidance from them. Entrance door is always closed. Difficult to contact their staff.

Guided tour is conducted between 10.30 and 12.30. People are not permitted inside during other time.

One of the ultimate repositories of the best of Indian period textiles, very well preserved and restored, anywhere in India. Call to make a booking.as it has a two month waiting period. Has only one session a day now - with maximum of 15 people per session, from the earlier two scheduled walks. Has now an expanded section, with two authentic re-assembled and restored Pols Havelis, from the old city area of Ahmedabad, with some amazing samples of Mughal textiles from all over India