Design Concept for Bollywood Museum in Film City design by Yazdani Studio of Cannon Design

The design for the Bollywood Museum harnesses the power of this especially dynamic form of cinema by responding to its layered expressions of emotions. This fundamental aspect of Bollywood cinema inspires multiple facets of the design, from its undulating iconic form to the multiple waves of spatial experience that cascade across the site.

Envisioning the program as a series of scenarios generated of a rich pallet of experiences and spaces. Central to this exercise was submersing the museumgoer in an environment where they could be the star: guests enter the museum via a red carpet arrival, and orientation occurs in theaters designed for gala events. Some galleries are treated as working sets for a ‘behind the scenes’ feel, while others use interactive technology to immerse patrons in worlds only seen on screen.

Situated in Film City amidst working back-lots, the museum participates in the industry that supports it. Inside, multiple small theaters combine to support opening night screenings and major awards ceremonies. Conceived as an all-day affair, landscape and building merge to support the variety of experiences. Families having traveled from afar can picnic amongst set reproductions and enjoy screenings in the movie garden.

The concept of movement and flow carries thru to structure. Beneath the complex flowing form lies a rational structure that enables flexibility of programming. Warehouse-like volumes accommodate exhibits ranging from actual sets to intimate encounters with memorabilia. Fittingly, the Bollywood Museum is not a box containing artifacts, but a living space celebrating and supporting a living culture.

Location: Film City, Mumbai, India
Client: Maharashtra Film, Stage and cultural Development Corporation Ltd.
Architect: Yazdani Studio of Cannon Design in collaboration with Cannon Design International

Museologists: Lord Cultural Resources
Engineering: ARUP
Landscape Architecture: SWA
Interactive and Immersive Environments: BRC Imagination Arts
Audio Visual: Electrosonic
Lighting Design: AWA Lighting Designers