Kite Museum

The Kite Museum, also known as Patang Kite Museum, is located on the first floor of Sanskar Kendra in Paldi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Established in 1985, it houses the private collection of kite enthusiast Bhanubhai Shah. The museum displays around 125 rare kites and related materials, showcasing the history and craftsmanship of kite-making in Gujarat and its association with the Uttarayan festival.

Visitors can expect a small, single-hall museum inside the Sanskar Kendra building designed by Le Corbusier. The display includes a curated collection of kites in various sizes, shapes, colours and materials, including large painted kites, mirror-work kites, block-printed kites and Japanese kites. Information panels explain kite history, types and making techniques. The setting is quiet and educational, suitable for a short sightseeing stop.

The museum was established in 1985 to house the lifelong collection of Bhanubhai Shah, a noted kite creator and enthusiast from Ahmedabad who collected kites for over 50 years. He donated his collection to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. It is housed in Sanskar Kendra, the City Museum building designed by Le Corbusier and built in 1954, which serves as a cultural centre for the city.

The museum documents Gujarat's deep-rooted kite culture, particularly the annual Uttarayan (Makar Sankranti) kite festival celebrated on January 14. It preserves traditional kite-making crafts, regional designs, and artistic techniques, reflecting the social and festive importance of kite flying in Ahmedabad and across Gujarat.