The museum was first established within the Calico Mills compound, one of Ahmedabad’s pioneering textile enterprises. In 1983, it was moved to The Retreat in Shahibaug under the management of the Sarabhai Foundation. The relocation transformed the museum into a space that harmoniously combines architecture, art, and scholarship.
The architecture reflects the Gujarati haveli style, characterised by intricately carved wooden panels, shaded corridors, and interconnected courtyards. The museum is divided into two primary sections. The Haveli Galleries display historical and religious textiles, including brocades, temple cloths, and Mughal-era weaves. The Chauk Galleries exhibit regional embroidery, costumes, and decorative crafts that reflect India’s social and cultural diversity.
Together, they trace the evolution of textile design from sacred temple hangings to contemporary weaving traditions. Every object reveals how colour, technique, and form were used to express faith, identity, and craftsmanship across time.
