The Aatma Manthan Museum, located within the base of the towering 270-foot high Statue of Belief in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, India, offers a journey of self-analysis and introspection. Designed by Sanjay Puri Architects, this 18,000-square-foot space integrates the essence of the soul (aatma), mind (mana), and body (tann), creating a holistic experience that engages visitors on multiple sensory levels. The museum’s design not only complements the spiritual aura of the Statue of Belief but also stands as a significant cultural landmark, inviting visitors to explore the deeper facets of human consciousness.
The museum’s interior is thoughtfully divided into a series of rooms, each curated to provide a distinct experience. These spaces employ natural elements and advanced immersive technologies to evoke a range of emotions and states of mind. The careful planning of these zones ensures that the transition from one room to another feels seamless, maintaining the visitor’s engagement throughout the experience.
Upon entering the museum, visitors are greeted by a large, fluidly designed foyer that sets the tone for what lies ahead. This space is characterized by its sculptural form, where walls, ceilings, and structural columns merge into one cohesive entity. A thin layer of foam concrete envelops these elements, creating a monochromatic grey environment that not only absorbs sound but also provides a calming effect. This serene entrance is intended to prepare visitors, gradually easing them into a reflective state of mind before they proceed to explore the rest of the museum.
From this cavernous entrance, visitors are guided into a narrow, undulating corridor that visually narrates the making of the museum. This corridor acts as a transitional space, providing a narrative bridge between the entrance and the series of themed rooms that follow. As visitors proceed through the museum, each room presents a unique theme, brought to life through carefully curated audio-visual displays and immersive experiences.
The design of the Aatma Manthan Museum is a masterful example of overcoming architectural challenges. The irregular shape of the floor plan and the presence of multiple structural elements posed significant hurdles, yet the architects have successfully crafted a coherent flow of spaces. Each room seamlessly transitions into the next, guiding visitors on a curated path that enhances their overall experience. The neutral color palette throughout the museum further enhances the impact of the audio-visual installations, ensuring that the focus remains on the immersive content rather than the surroundings.
Project Name: Aatma Manthan Museum
Location: Nathdwara, Rajasthan.
Client Name: Tatpadam Upvan
Site address: 120 Feet Rd, Nathdwara, Rajasthan 313301
Start Date: January 2024
Completion Date: August 2024
Carpet Area: 18,000 SQ.FT.
Cost: 9 cr.
Architect: Sanjay Puri Architects
Lead Architect: Sanjay Puri
Design Team: Madhavi Belsare, Payal Raut, Subodh Amin
Consultants:
Interior design Consultant – Sanjay Puri Architects
MEP consultants: Resonance Mep consultants
Lighting consultant- Ashish Thakkar
AV consultant: Mr. Avijit Samajdar, Axis Three Dee Studios Pvt.
Acoustic consultant: Sonosphere Acoustic design consulting.
Photo credits: Mr. Vinay Panjwani
