A Jewel Reborn: The Museum of Meenakari

The Museum of Meenakari Heritage in Jaipur masterfully celebrates an ancient craft, elegantly blending cultural preservation with contemporary 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 tracing back to Persia, yet deeply intertwined with Rajasthan’s artistic identity. Conceived by renowned jewelry designer Sunita Shekhawat and brought to life through the visionary collaboration of Studio Lotus and Siddhartha Das Studio, the museum transcends conventional retail or exhibition spaces to become a living narrative of craftsmanship and heritage.

Originally a crumbling shell on Jaipur’s Amer Road, the building was restored and reimagined rather than rebuilt anew. This approach not only preserved the embodied carbon footprint but also respected the history embedded within the structure. Rising from the ground, a curved façade of red sandstone commands attention, its hand-carved surfaces paying homage to Jaipur’s iconic pink city palette and the client’s heritage. Carved jalis—traditional lattice screens—wrap the upper levels, filtering sunlight into intricate shadow play across the interiors. By night, the structure glows softly from within, its quiet radiance evoking the enamel-detailed jewelry it was designed to showcase.

Inside, the museum continues this dialogue between past and present. The semi-vaulted ceilings of the retail spaces below are adorned with intricate frescoes depicting local flora, fauna, and architectural motifs—hand-painted by skilled artisans over several months. These frescoes, alongside the sculptural central staircase that physically and symbolically connects the museum, retail, and artisan workshops, create a spatial narrative that is both luxurious and deeply rooted in tradition.

Curated by jewelry historian Dr. Usha R. Balakrishnan, the museum’s collection traces the evolution of Meenakari from its Renaissance European origins to its vibrant Rajasthani expression. Visitors encounter over 120 reproductions of historic jewelry pieces, each telling a story of meticulous enameling and cultural significance. The museum’s lighting and spatial design invite intimate and contemplative engagement with the craft, elevating the experience beyond mere display to one of reverence and discovery.

The Museum of Meenakari stands as a beacon of how cultural heritage can be thoughtfully preserved and reinterpreted through modern design. It serves as a sanctuary for artisanship and luxury, ensuring the legacy of Meenakari continues to inspire and captivate discerning audiences worldwide.

Photos | Ishita Sitwala
Video | Sunita Shekhawat Atelier