Monolithic Museum of Socialism opens in India's Uttar Pradesh
by Kim Megson | 18 Oct 2016
The chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, India, has inaugurated a new museum dedicated to socialist political leader Jayaprakash Narayan.
Shri Akhilesh Yadav declared the JN Interpretation Centre, also known as the Museum of Socialism, open on 11 October – 114 years on from the birth of Narayan, who fought for independence and social reform in India.
Designed by architecture studios Archohm and Design Factory India, and constructed by the Lucknow Development Authority, the building and its gardens are spread across an area of six acres in the city of Lucknow.
The monolithic structure forms a huge triangle, representing the three main tenets of socialism, as conceived by Narayan – freedom, equality and brotherhood.
The building is designed to exude empowerment and create a new landmark for the city. The terracotta cladding responds to historical architecture, and the wedge shape and colour also echo the forthcoming Jayaprakash Narayan International Centre – a sports complex and convention building being created nearby.
Inside, large voluminous spaces allow bespoke backdrops to be created for different exhibitions and experiences, providing curatorial flexibility. Visitors will be given a remote control and headphones at when they enter the museum, and an audio guide voiced by Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan will guide them through the museum. Exhibits will include a theatre telling Narayan’s story through a 3D hologram.
Jayaprakash Narayan Museum of Socialism Uttar Pradesh architecture design Lucknow
A view from the top of the building looks out at the city and museum gardens Credit: André J Fanthome
The building is designed to exude empowerment and create a new landmark for Lucknow Credit: André J Fanthome
The museum has been officially inaugurated and is open to the public
The chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, India, has inaugurated a new museum dedicated to socialist political leader Jayaprakash Narayan. Shri Akhilesh Yadav declared the JN Interpretation Centre, also known as the Museum of Socialism, open on 11 October – 114 years on from the birth of Narayan, who fought for independence and social reform in India. Designed by architecture studios Archohm and Design Factory India, and constructed by the Lucknow
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