Gandhi Smriti, formerly known as Birla House or Birla Bhavan, is a historical site and national memorial in New Delhi commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s life and legacy. Located at 5 Tees January Marg, it preserves the place where Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life and was assassinated. The museum, gardens, library and exhibits offer a glimpse of his life and teachings. For more information, see Gandhi Smriti.
History and Significance of Gandhi Smriti
Early Years of Birla House
Birla House was built in 1928 by Ghanshyam Das Birla, a prominent Indian industrialist and close confidante of Gandhi. Gandhi was a frequent guest at the house during his visits to Delhi, using it as a base for political and social activities.
Gandhi's Final Days at Birla House
After India’s independence in 1947, Gandhi moved permanently to Birla House. He worked to heal the wounds of partition and promote peace and unity, undertaking several fasts, including his last fast in January 1948, to quell communal violence.
The Assassination and its Aftermath
On January 30, 1948, Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse while walking through the Birla House gardens to his daily prayer meeting. The spot where he fell is marked by the Martyr’s Column.
Transformation into Gandhi Smriti
After Gandhi’s assassination, there was a widespread desire to preserve Birla House as a national memorial. The Birla family handed over the property to the Government of India in 1971. In 1973, it was dedicated to the nation as Gandhi Smriti, meaning “Gandhi Remembrance.”
Significance of Gandhi Smriti
Gandhi Smriti is a living memorial to Gandhi’s life, teachings and legacy. The Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, manages the memorial and promotes Gandhian values through programs, exhibitions and publications.
Place of Pilgrimage
People from all walks of life visit to pay homage to Gandhi and draw inspiration from his life and message.
Center for Gandhian Studies
The memorial promotes Gandhian values and provides opportunities to learn about Gandhi’s life and philosophy.
Repository of Gandhian Artifacts
The museum houses Gandhi’s personal belongings, photographs, letters and other artifacts, offering a glimpse into his life.
Symbol of Peace and Non-Violence
Gandhi Smriti recalls Gandhi’s belief in truth, love and non-violent resistance, and stands as a symbol of peace and non-violence.
Attractions and Exhibits at Gandhi Smriti
Visualizing Gandhi's Final Days
Gandhi's Room
Preserved in its original state, Gandhi’s simple room contains a few of his belongings, including his spectacles, sandals and a spinning wheel.
Martyr's Column
This pavilion marks the spot where Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948.
Steps to Mahatma's Final Prayer Meeting
The steps leading from the house to the prayer ground are marked with inscriptions of Gandhi’s final words, “Hey Ram.”
Immersive Multimedia Exhibits
Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum
The Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum presents Gandhi’s life and teachings through interactive multimedia presentations, holographic projections and virtual reality experiences.
Gandhi in South Africa
This section explores Gandhi’s formative years in South Africa, his struggles against racial discrimination and the development of his philosophy of Satyagraha, or non-violent resistance.
Gandhi's Vision for India
This exhibit explores Gandhi’s vision for an independent India based on peace, non-violence and social justice, including his views on poverty, untouchability and communal harmony.
Art Gallery - A Tribute in Colors and Strokes
Gandhi Smriti Art Gallery
Located within the complex, the gallery displays paintings, sculptures and photographs depicting different aspects of Gandhi’s life and work. The artworks were created by renowned artists.
Library and Archives
Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti Library
The library has books, journals and documents related to Gandhi, his contemporaries and the Indian independence movement.
Serenity Amidst the City
Gandhi Smriti Gardens
The gardens surrounding the museum offer a quiet space for reflection, with greenery and flowers.
Visitor Information
Visiting Hours and Tickets
Gandhi Smriti is listed as open 10 - 00 AM to 5 - 00 PM daily, except Mondays and national holidays. It is also listed as open 10 - 00 am to 5 - 00 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. National holidays include Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15) and Gandhi Jayanti (October 2).
Entry is free for all visitors.
Photography without flash is permitted within the museum premises, except in certain restricted areas. Videography is strictly prohibited.
Free guided tours are available in English and Hindi. Visitors can ask about their availability at the information desk.
A typical visit may take 1.5 to 2 hours. Visitors who want to explore the exhibits in detail and spend time in the gardens may stay longer; another recommendation is to allocate at least 2-3 hours.
A souvenir shop in the complex sells books, photographs and other memorabilia related to Gandhi and his teachings.
The best time to visit is during the cooler months between October and March.
Accessibility
Gandhi Smriti is wheelchair accessible and has facilities for visitors with disabilities.
Wheelchair Accessibility
- Ramps are provided at all entrances and throughout the complex.
- Wheelchairs are available free of charge at the entrance; visitors can ask staff for assistance.
- Designated restrooms for visitors with disabilities are available.
Visual Impairment Assistance
- Braille signage provides important information and directions throughout the museum.
- Tactile maps are available at the information desk.
Hearing Impairment Assistance
Sign language interpreters may not always be available on-site, but visitors can request them in advance by contacting the museum administration.
Other Amenities
Clean drinking water, restrooms and basic first aid facilities are available. Limited parking is available near the entrance, but finding a space can be challenging because the museum is in a busy area.
Getting There
Gandhi Smriti is accessible by metro, bus, taxi, auto-rickshaw and car.
By Metro
One listing identifies Central Secretariat as the nearest metro station. Another identifies Race Course on the Yellow Line, approximately 500 meters from the museum.
By Bus
Several Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses stop near Gandhi Smriti. Visitors can check the DTC website or app for routes and timings.
By Taxi or Auto-Rickshaw
Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available throughout Delhi. It is advisable to negotiate the fare beforehand or ensure the driver uses the meter.
By Car
Driving to Gandhi Smriti is possible, but parking can be difficult. Public transport or a taxi or auto-rickshaw is another way to reach the site.
Visitor Tips
- Consider visiting early in the day, on a weekday or in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Dress modestly out of respect for the memorial.
- Maintain silence in the museum and memorial areas.
- Remove footwear before entering the Martyr’s Column area and Gandhi’s room; shoe racks are provided.
- Carry a water bottle, especially during the summer months, and stay hydrated in warmer weather.
- Do not touch or damage exhibits; be mindful of other visitors and behave respectfully.
- Follow local guidelines and respect the sanctity of the memorial.
- Engage with the multimedia exhibits and spend time in the gardens.
- Visitors interested in Gandhian literature can explore the library.
- If possible, attend one of the prayer meetings held at the prayer ground.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby places to explore include India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, the National Museum and Lodhi Garden.
Related links: India Gate and National Museum.
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Gandhi Smriti?
It is listed as open from 10 - 00 AM to 5 - 00 PM daily except Mondays and national holidays, and also as open from 10 - 00 am to 5 - 00 pm Tuesday to Sunday.
Is there an entry fee?
No. Entry is free for all visitors.
How can I reach Gandhi Smriti?
The site is accessible by metro, bus, taxi and auto-rickshaw. The nearest metro station is identified as Central Secretariat in one listing and Race Course on the Yellow Line in another.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Free guided tours are available in English and Hindi; ask at the information desk about availability.
Can I take photographs inside Gandhi Smriti?
Photography without flash is permitted, except in certain restricted areas. Videography is prohibited.
