Within the base of the 82.3-metre high Statue of Belief in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, India, a museum to evoke self-analysis—bringing together a holistic combination of the soul (aatma), mind (mana), and body (tann)—has been created in a space of 1672-square-metres. In keeping with the concept of the museum and what needs to be portrayed, the overall space is divided into a series of rooms, each of which offers a different experience through the depiction of natural elements in immersive settings.

The museum is entered through a large foyer, purposely designed as a fluid volume. The walls, ceiling, structural columns, reception desk, and seating benches are homogeneously finished with a thin layer of foam concrete that fluidly encapsulates all these elements while simultaneously absorbing sound. This sculptural volume, enveloped in a concrete grey, calms the visitors—transporting them to a tranquil state prior to entering the 18 sequential zones created.

Visitors are led from this cavernous entrance to a narrow undulating corridor with images portraying the making of the museum. Following this, each room is entered one by one, with different themes conveyed through audiovisuals and immersive experiences.

The design of this museum overcomes the challenge of working with a floor plan that is irregular in shape with multiple structural elements, creating a sequential flow of volumes and experiences with a neutral palette throughout to enhance the audiovisual and immersive elements within.

Photography: Mr. Vinay Panjwani