Design
Several years ago, the leaders of the Mahatma Gandhi Library (see attachments for further details) were inspired by the idea of building on the synergy of their existing programs and partnerships by opening a new museum in Houston inspired by the Eternal Gandhi Museum in New Delhi, India.
The mission of the Eternal Gandhi Museum of Houston is to cultivate the universal values of peace, truth, nonviolence, love, and service through children’s education and community dialogue.
In May 2017, after months of intensive discussion and planning, MGL purchased a conveniently located 3-acre property at Beltway 8 South and Riceville School Road to become the future site of the Eternal Gandhi Museum.
Soon after, RdlR Architects was chosen to design the Museum, and MGL Board members began visiting local museums to inform the design process.
The Eternal Gandhi Museum will be a 10,000 square foot, LEED-certified facility featuring:
- Multimedia exhibits contributed by the Eternal Gandhi Museum in New Delhi, India, an initiative of the Aditya Birla Group, and adapted for the new building in Houston.
- A beautiful mural depicting leaders of peace and nonviolent resistance, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Lech Walesa, Nelson Mandela, and others.
- Multipurpose hall for screening films, stage performances, guest speakers, etc.;
- Glimpses of Gandhi Gallery featuring more than 100 photographs from Gandhi’s life and times;
- Stamp exhibition showcasing stamps featuring Gandhi from more than 100 countries;
- Extensive library containing books and digital resources provided through a collaboration with the Gandhi Research Foundation in Jalgaon, India;
- Welcome Center and souvenir shop; and
- Multisensory gardens and outdoor gathering space.
The Eternal Gandhi Museum will be a 10,000 square foot, LEED-certified facility featuring:
- Interactive Timeline-where visitors can explore photographs and archival film footage, and hear interviews with Gandhi
- E-Harmonium—where visitors can press the keys to play interfaith songs
- Stambha—where visitors can turn the prayer wheel to show Gandhi’s 11 vows for becoming a person of Truth
- Ashram Story-where visitors can explore Gandhi’s concept of an ashram as a house without caste, creed, or religious boundaries
- Kaleidoscope-showing the story of Gandhi composed by children
- Raghupati Xylophone—where interaction reveals a mural depicting religious unity
- E-Charkha—which visitors explore films relating to the Charkha’s political, economic, and spiritual dimensions
- Design of Route—where visitors pick up salt from an urn to reveal the route of Gandhi’s salt march from Ahmedabad to the Dandi seashore
- Radio Gandhi—featuring excerpts of Gandhi’s speeches
Educational Programming
Consistent with its mission, the Eternal Gandhi Museum will provide highly engaging education programs, including field trip experiences for school children from across the Houston area. Ageappropriate activities and content will be tailored to meet the needs of each group. Our hope is that every child in the region will visit the Museum at least once during their school years.
The Museum will also offer an array of educational programs for adults, including seminars, classes, lectures, and Wisdom of Gandhi workshops in partnership with Unity of Houston.
MGL is contracting with experts to assist in developing a detailed master plan for the museum, including adaptation and installation of the exhibits and curriculum development. The master plan will be developed in consultation with stakeholders.