Established on April 1977 by Smt. Leena Sarabhai, Shreyas Folk Museum is situated on the campus of Shreyas Foundation, atop the beautiful and lush green Shreyas Hill. In the exhibition galleries, exquisite pieces with colourful embroidery, bead work, wood carvings, metal work and utensils, leather work, costumes, caparisons and objects of household use—collected from all over Gujarat—are on display. Cultural aspects of Kathi, Rabari, Ahir, Charan, Bharvad, Kanbi, Koli, Mer, Bhansali, Rajput, Brahmin, Vania, Meghval, Khoja, Bohra, Memon, Miana and many other communities are represented.
Kalpana Mangaldas Balayatan is the museum of toys, crafts and performing arts. The museum is a treasure chest of exhibits from more than 54 states and countries. A large elephant skeleton (more than three metres high), coins, articles of personal, ceremonial and domestic use, weapons, toys, costumes, masks, puppets, musical instruments and objects made of wood, metal, cloth, papier-mache, leather, clay, etc., are some of the artefacts on display. Kathani, established in February 2004, is a permanent gallery of fairs and festivals held at Shreyas, comprising of puppet and stage shows, shadow plays, folk and classical performances, art and craft stalls, and food stalls. Shreyas has celebrated 36 festivals since 1952, focusing on various areas of the world.
The Shreyas Foundation campus is spread over 28 acres. The campus also serves as a peacock conservation centre and houses a deer park.
This guided tour is free.
