Ahmedabad Ni Gufa — Attraction in Gujarat

General information Architectural style- Modern, blobitecture, novelty Location- Ahmedabad

Construction started in 1992 Completed in 1995 By -M. F. Husain

The gallery is called gufa ("cave" in Gujarati) because of its resemblance to a cave. It was known earlier as Husain-Doshi ni Gufa, after its architect, B.V. Doshi, and the artist, M.F. Husain. Later it was renamed after the city of Ahmedabad. The structure's contemporary architecture draws on ancient and natural themes. The domes are inspired by the shells of tortoises and by soap bubbles. The mosaic tiles on the roof are similar to those found on the roofs of the Jain temples at Girnar, and the mosaic snake is from Hindu mythology. The Buddhist caves of Ajanta and Ellora inspired Doshi to design the interior with circles and ellipses, while Husain's wall paintings are inspired by Paleolithic cave art. The interior is divided by tree trunks or columns similar to those found at Stonehenge. While visiting Ahmedabad, Husain asked his friend Doshi to design a permanent art gallery for the exhibition of his works. Together they planned an underground structure capable of withstanding the area's severe summer heat. Computer-assisted planning facilities were used to resolve the structure's unorthodox design. A simple floor of wire mesh and mortar was used instead of a traditional foundation. All the structure's components are self-supporting, relieving stress by their ubiquitous continuity. Ferrocement, only one inch thick, was used for the undulating walls and domes in order to reduce load. The cave was constructed by unskilled tribal labourers using only hand tools. Broken ceramic crockery and waste tiles were used to cover the domes' exterior, which bears a transversal mosaic of a snake. Work was carried out in two phases: the first was the construction of the main cave as an underground art gallery, while the second covered the surrounding structures including the paving, the cafe, and a separate art gallery for exhibitions. The gallery space is below ground level. A partially hidden staircase leads to a circular door which opens into a cave-like space. Though designed to display paintings, the cave has no straight walls, instead using a continuation of the curved dome structure which extends down to the floor. The domes themselves are supported by irregularly shaped inclined columns, similar to those found in natural caves. They are also said to resemble the trunks of trees. The entire design is made up of circles and ellipses. Light arrives though snouts, creating spots of light on the floor which move around as the day progresses, intended to create a mystic atmosphere. Husain used the gallery's walls as a canvas, painting on them with bold strokes and bright colours. The artwork depicts human figures and motifs of animals, including his famous horse figures. He also decorated features such as doors and even air conditioners. The figures were designed to resemble ancient cave paintings in a modern environment. Husain also placed a few metal sculptures of human figures between the inclining columns. His largest work, Sheshnag (the divine serpent), stretches over a length of 100 feet (30 m). The Gufa and the Exhibition Gallery are open on all days, except on Mondays and public holidays, from 4:00 p.m....

I visited Amdavad ni Gufa last Sunday afternoon after hearing a lot about its unique design and connection with MF Husain. To be honest, from outside it looks a bit strange with those dome-like bumps popping out of the ground. I was not sure what to expect. But once I stepped inside, it felt like entering another world.

The cave gallery inside is really something else. The temperature suddenly drops and there is this calm silence all around. The light coming through the small holes in the domes creates a beautiful pattern on the floor. It almost feels spiritual in a weirdly artistic way. The pillars are oddly shaped and the walls are uneven, but everything somehow fits together. I found out later that it was designed by BV Doshi. It really shows his creative genius.

The artworks by MF Husain are bold and honestly a little wild. Some of them made me pause and stare for a while, trying to understand what he wanted to say. If you are an art lover you will definitely enjoy it. If not, it is still a cool experience.

One thing I must mention is the Cafe 121 outside the entrance. There were quite a few couples sitting very close to each other. It is not exactly a problem but if you are visiting with family or parents it might make things slightly awkward. Just a heads up. The café itself looked nice and relaxed though.

The whole campus is filled with trees and has a peaceful vibe. I sat under one tree for a while and just observed people around. It felt refreshing. A good spot to clear your mind.

The only reason I am giving four stars instead of five is because I wish there was more information inside the cave. Like some small boards explaining the structure or the meaning behind the artworks. That would have helped a lot.

Overall I would say it is definitely worth a visit if you are in Ahmedabad. Go with an open mind and take your time to observe...

The Amdavad ni Gufa was built during my final years at CEPT, a time when it captured the imagination of every student. Its cave-like form was mesmerizing, not just for its concept but also for its unconventional construction techniques, particularly the use of ferrocement.

Colleagues who had worked at B.V. Doshi’s office shared fascinating insights—Doshi, the visionary Pritzker Prize-winning architect, would often sketch directly on-site, and the team would build from those sketches. The steps leading to the Gufa’s entrance, they say, were first marked directly on the ground, constructed, and only then documented into drawings.

The shimmering china mosaic domes were a source of fascination for students. It was commonly referred to as the "Doshi-Hussain Gufa," though originally named "Hussain-Doshi Gufa" before it was dedicated to the people of Ahmedabad and rechristened "Amdavad ni Gufa."

At the back, a door and pathway evoke images of Indus Valley Civilization structures unearthed at Lothal and Mohenjodaro, with a ramp descending into the earth. The intricate designs on the door grills add to its enigmatic charm.

A building with no defined purpose—simply a place to sit, read, and reflect. M.F. Hussain had painted spontaneous, sketch-like figures on the interior domes, though nothing substantial. Some of his cutout drawings remain, adding to the ambiance. Children are particularly enthralled by the mysterious structure. For years, they were allowed to play atop the domes, but recently, this has been restricted to preserve the aging china mosaic.

A marvel of architecture, the Gufa stands strong—though perhaps in the near future, it may require thoughtful restoration to...