Paper Short Abstract:

The Conflictorium, India’s first participatory museum, in Gujarat, examine the concept of conflict and contests the traditional museums by restructuring it to confront hegemonic norms. This abstract delves into how it serves as a blueprint for rewriting museums as inclusive, transformational spaces.

Paper Abstract:

Being the first participatory museum of India situated in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the Conflictorium challenges the traditional museum norms by centring itself as a space for collective healing, dialogue and dissent. The museum examines the concept of conflict and amplify marginalised voices, restructuring the museum as an institution that confronts hegemonic norms of colonial, hierarchical and patriarchal traditions.

The Conflictorium unwrites current structures of power and traditional divisions with the museum community through their participatory exhibits, such as The Sorry Tree and the Memory Lab. These exhibits prioritise emotional engagement, community participation, and alternative epistemologies, thus breaking the traditional division between art and activism, and expert and layperson. The Conflictorium serves as a blueprint for rewriting museums from a static repository into a living, participatory space for collective healing. Through this space that address societal issues, the Conflictorium demonstrates the transformational ability of museums to restructure museum as a dynamic platform to societal healing and transformation that challenges the cognitive hierarchies. This case study aims to examine the Conflictorium as it serves as a powerful model for the global museological community, showcasing how participatory practices can unwrite hegemonic norms and redefine the relationship between museums and its’ audiences.