World’s largest Jain museum: The newly opened Abhay Prabhavana museum and its unique architecture

India now has a new feather to its cap as it has become the host to the largest Jain museum and knowledge center in the world. That’s right! The world recently witnessed the inauguration of the Abhay Prabhavana Museum and Knowledge Center, in Pune, India.
The museum takes people on a journey into the teaching of Jainism, the beautiful ethos of the religion, the lessons of wisdom, truth, non-violence, and much more. And not just this, the museum also features modern, aesthetic, and cutting-edge architecture that beautifully blends the age-old with the new aspects of the world, making the lessons more relevant for the younger generation.

Abhay Firodia, the founder of the museum, thinks of it not just as a museum building, but rather a global landmark that will help people connect with the core values of Jainism. The museum gives a tribute to the principles of Jainism, non-violence (Ahimsa), non-possessiveness (Aparigrah), and respect for all living beings. The museum features specially commissioned artworks, sculptures, and replicas, each designed to explain Jain philosophy and its relevance in today’s world.


The Abhay Prabhavna Museum is spread in over 50 acres of land and covers a massive 3.5 lakh square feet. There are state-of-the-art facilities, and its design is meant to enchant visitors into a world that blends Jain philosophy with modern technology.
One of the first things that visitors will notice is a huge marble tower that stands at the center of the museum. The tower is not just an architectural feature, but also symbolises the Jain spiritual journey, with murals that show practices that elevate the soul. This tower is also the heart of the museum and is a fitting focal point.

Another feature that catches eyes is a colossal statue of Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara. It is unarguably the most iconic structures in the museum and quickly enchants people with its simplicity and minimal beauty.
The hi-tech features
What sets the Abhay Prabhavana museum and knowledge center apart is that it is not just a traditional museum with artificats, and dusty books, but it also uses modern technology to educate and entertain. It has about 35 projectors, 675 audio speakers, and 230 LED TVs, all of which work together to give people a dynamic experience inside the museum.
There are virtual reality setups, interactive kiosks, and animations, making the ancient teachings of Jainism more relatable and engaging to a modern audience.
The galleries inside
The museum is divided into 30 galleries, each dedicated to a different aspect of Jain philosophy. These galleries explore topics like the evolution of Jainism, the path to happiness, and the eternal stream of Indic values.
Plus the combination of indoor and outdoor exhibits promises people a holistic experience.
An institution fit for the future
The architecture of the museum is carefully planned to meet both modern needs and ancient values. The museum is climate-controlled with an HVAC system The design of the museum is rooted in sustainability and functionality. Plus, it is wheelchair-friendly and has been built with accessibility in mind, ensuring that people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy and learn from the exhibits.
The golden-hued open dome had the most beautiful captures with drones and aerial photography, and the pillar right in the middle gives perfect harmony to the museum and knowledge center, bring every element together.