Kutch Museum

Kutch Museum in Bhuj, Gujarat, is the oldest museum in Gujarat, established in 1877 by Maharao Khengarji III. Located on Museum Road opposite Hamirsar Lake, it is housed in an Italian Gothic-style building. The museum is notable for its extensive collection of Kshatrapa inscriptions, Kutchi embroidery and textiles, tribal artifacts, musical instruments, weaponry and archaeological objects that illustrate the history and cultural heritage of the Kutch region.

Visitors can expect a two-storey Italian Gothic building opposite Hamirsar Lake housing 11 galleries. Ground floor displays ethnographic collections including Kutchi embroidery, textiles, musical instruments, weaponry and silverware. Upper floor features archaeological section with Kshatrapa inscriptions, ancient coins, sculptures and tribal artifacts. The central hall displays the Airavat, an 18th-century wooden carving. Visitors can explore well-labeled exhibits showcasing the art, craft and history of Kutch in a compact, walkable museum setting.

Established on 1 July 1877 by Maharao Khengarji III of Cutch State as part of the School of Art, originally named Ferguson Museum after Sir James Ferguson, Governor of Bombay. Designed by state engineer McHarg in Italian Gothic style, it was built to preserve and display artifacts collected by the Maharao. It is the oldest museum in Gujarat and houses important archaeological finds from the Kutch region, including Kshatrapa period inscriptions dating to 1st century CE.

The museum preserves and showcases the cultural heritage of Kutch, including traditional Kutchi embroidery, Rabari and other tribal crafts, folk musical instruments, weaponry and silverwork. It serves as a key centre for understanding the diverse communities, textile traditions and artisanal heritage of the Kutch region.