Museums are at the heart of contemporary societies, representing history, culture, craftsmanship, art, and much more. They have capability to become vital spaces for learning, exploration, and educating children and youth, connecting them to our heritage.

Museums of Ahmedabad was founded in 2014 by Avani as a public interest initiative, born out of her passion to explore the diverse types of museums in her birth-city and understand how they operate, along with the experiences people have with them. This initiative has grown to address the challenges faced by museums and private collectors, working to transform these spaces into dynamic, experiential learning environments.

Through this work, she strives to ensure that museums are not just places to view artefacts, but immersive spaces where visitors can engage, learn, and connect with the rich cultural legacy of Ahmedabad.

Her on-going research and documentation of city’s museums aim to provide authentic, verified information, with periodic updates to the MAP. Over the past few years, this initiative has successfully increased museum visitors and delivered curated, memorable experiences.

She invites individuals, institutions, and organizations to buy and gift the Museums of Ahmedabad Map, while also partnering to create dynamic programs that inspire local exploration and celebrate the city’s rich museum culture.

The initiative aims to:

• Collect and compile comprehensive information on museums and private collections in Ahmedabad.
• Promote and popularize museum culture throughout the city.
• Foster connections and collaborations between museums and private collectors.
• Transform museums into dynamic, vibrant learning spaces via curated programs.
• Offer expert consultation to museums, private collectors, educational institutions, and cultural organizations.
• Provide services to museums on brand building, promotion, revenue generation, publications, souvenirs, and more.
• Sell the MAP of Museums of Ahmedabad with authenticated information.

Landmarks:

• Short Film that aspired Avani to start this initiative: “How Many Museums are there in Ahmedabad?” (July 2013) –  Watch video
• Launch of ‘Museums of Ahmedabad MAP’: Launched by Padma Shri Kartikeya Sarabhai on 18 May 2017. Media photo
• Museum Collaborations: The first All-Museum Meet of Ahmedabad was held on 18 May 2016 for International Museum Day, and since then, regular meetings with team members from all museums in the city have facilitated creative program development, organizational strategies, and problem-solving to enhance the museum ecosystem.
• International Museum Day: Celebrated annually on 18 May with both online and in-museum programs since 2014; this is an ongoing activity.
• Museum Week Participation: Representing the Museums of Ahmedabad in Museum Week, a global cultural event powered by UNESCO. Notably, the Museums of Ahmedabad team was one of only three participants from India from the year 2015, ongoing.
• Avani Varia was invited Ambassator of India for Museum Week 2024, representing museums of India.
• India Heritage Week Festival 2020/2021: Curated events in partnership with museums in Ahmedabad and Vadodara for special needs individuals and underprivileged children.
• Curated Programs: Avani Varia designs and curates bespoke programs for diverse audiences, including special needs individuals, underprivileged participants, corporate groups, and school or college students. These tailored museum visits and educational events are organized across Ahmedabad and Gujarat’s museums, offering unique and enriching experiences for all.
• Instagram Live Programs: Specially designed virtual programs post-COVID-19 pandemic, check here
• Interview of Avani Varia by Trilok Sanghani at Akashvani Ahmedabad – ‘Aapnu Amdavad ek Mulakat’ Interview link