hand-carved red sandstone clads jewelry store’s facade by studio lotus in jaipur

Museum of Meenakari Celebrates traditional Indian craft

 

Studio Lotus presents a new archetype in retail design with the Museum of Meenakari, a flagship store for Sunita Shekhawat in Jaipur. Renowned for its contemporary take on the traditional Indian craft of meenakari, Shekhawat’s brand merges heritage with modern aesthetics. Studio Lotus honors the brand’s vision by creating a space that bridges cultural preservation and contemporary design. Instead of demolishing the existing structure, Studio Lotus opted to adapt and preserve the original building, minimizing the project’s carbon footprint while promoting sustainability in design. A key feature of the store is a dedicated meenakari gallery, which elevates the retail experience by offering visitors an opportunity to explore the craft’s history and significance. The gallery, the first of its kind, provides an educational journey for all who visit.

all images by Ishita Sitwala

 

 

Studio Lotus preserves hand-carved red sandstone facade

 

The concept by design practice Studio Lotus draws on a blend of Rajputana, Mughal, and Art Deco influences, creating a balanced fusion of historical elements. The facade is clad in hand-carved Jodhpur red sandstone, reflecting both the heritage of the craft and the client’s background. On the lower level, private interaction pods feature semi-vaulted ceilings adorned with frescoes depicting regional architectural motifs, flora, and fauna. Crafted by twelve artisans over several months, these frescoes combine traditional techniques with luxury design elements, further enhancing the space’s cultural and artistic value.

Studio Lotus conceives Museum of Meenakari, a flagship store in Jaipur for Sunita Shekhawat

the store merges heritage with contemporary design, reflecting her modern approach to traditional meenakari

the project preserves and adapts an existing structure, minimizing its carbon footprint

a hand-carved Jodhpur red sandstone facade pays homage to the brand’s roots and heritage

inspired by Rajputana, Mughal, and Art Deco influences, the design is a fusion of distinct historical references

Museum of Meenakari blends cultural preservation with modern design, offering a new retail experience