The Museum of Meenakari Heritage in Jaipur masterfully celebrates an ancient craft, elegantly blending cultural preservation with modern design. This unique space functions as both a museum and flagship boutique, offering an immersive experience that honors the exquisite Indian art of Meenakari—an enameling technique with roots in Persia, now deeply embedded in Rajasthan’s artistic identity. Conceived by renowned jewelry designer Sunita Shekhawat and brought to life through a creative collaboration between Studio Lotus and Siddhartha Das Studio, the museum goes beyond a typical showroom or gallery to become a living space that tells the story of tradition, artistry, and timeless interpretation.
Set along Jaipur’s historic Amer Road, the building that houses the museum was a crumbling structure thoughtfully brought back to life. Rather than demolish and rebuild, the team chose to restore it—a decision that preserved not just its history, but its environmental footprint as well. Today, a curved red sandstone façade rises from the street, its hand-carved surface paying homage to Jaipur’s iconic pink city palette and the founder’s lineage. Carved jalis—traditional lattice screens—wrap the upper levels, filtering sunlight into delicate shadow play across the interior. By night, the structure glows softly from within, its radiance evoking the enamel-detailed jewelry it was designed to showcase.
Step inside, and the interplay of time and craftsmanship continues. The retail area below features semi-vaulted ceilings hand-painted with intricate frescoes—scenes of native flora, fauna, and Mughal architectural motifs, hand-painted by master artisans over many months. At the heart of the space, a sculptural staircase connects the boutique, museum galleries, and artisan studios, physically and symbolically tying together the threads of past, present, and future.
Curated by jewelry historian Dr. Usha R. Balakrishnan, the museum’s collection traces the evolution of Meenakari from its Renaissance beginnings in Europe to its vibrant Rajasthani expression. More than 120 reproductions of historic jewelry pieces invite visitors into a deeper understanding of the techniques, symbolism, and cultural moments shaped by this celebrated art form. Carefully composed lighting and intimate spaces draw guests into quiet, meaningful moments with each display, creating an experience of reverence and discovery that feels deeply personal.
The Museum of Meenakari is a graceful example of how tradition can be thoughtfully preserved and reimagined through contemporary design. It serves as a sanctuary for artisanship and luxury, ensuring the legacy of Meenakari continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
Photos | Ishita Sitwala
Video | Sunita Shekhawat Atelier
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