The spirit of India: a museum of Indias sports heritage/

Abstract

India’s rich sporting heritage spans traditional, regional, and modern games that have historically brought communities together. Despite this cultural significance, there remains a lack of a comprehensive national-level institution to celebrate, document, and display India’s diverse sporting history. This thesis proposes a Sports Museum in New Delhi to fill this gap, acting as both a cultural archive and an experiential space to honor Indian athletes and indigenous sports. Located on the site of the Bhairon Mandir Parking near prominent cultural institutions such as Purana Qila, National Science Centre, and the Crafts Museum, the design strategically utilizes the context to enhance visibility and accessibility. The sunken site condition is addressed through a circulation strategy that gradually engages visitors, leading them into a spatial journey that unfolds through layered experiences. The design revolves around a central courtyard that doubles as a climate-responsive spatial break and a unifying core. This courtyard aligns with the main circulation spine, ensuring continuous spatial connectivity and allowing natural light and ventilation to penetrate the interior volumes. Galleries are arranged around this courtyard, with thematic zoning based on types of sports, providing clear spatial logic and immersive storytelling. The museum is designed to be inclusive and dynamic, offering diverse exhibition typologies: immersive experiential zones, interactive digital displays, traditional sports re-creation spaces, and temporary exhibition galleries. A multipurpose hall on the ground floor supports live events, screenings, and sports talks. Strategic placement of service areas, vertical circulation cores, and emergency egress ensures operational efficiency without compromising user experience. Materiality, spatial scale, and lighting are thoughtfully curated to reflect the energy, movement, and legacy of sports. The museum informs and inspires - celebrating achievements, preserving traditions, and shaping future narratives of Indian sports culture. Keywords: Sports Museum, Indian Sports Heritage, Traditional Games, Immersive Galleries, Experiential Spaces