The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) is a large-scale cultural and tourism development located at Lothal, Gujarat—the site of one of the world’s oldest known dockyards. Commissioned by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (Government of India), NMHC is conceived as a world-class destination celebrating India’s maritime legacy.
The project’s core proposition is to create India’s largest integrated maritime museum and heritage park, blending education, tourism, and cultural storytelling at scale. Planned to accommodate up to 25,000 visitors per day, NMHC spans multiple zones anchored by the National Maritime Museum. The museum—one of the largest of its kind globally—will feature 14 curated thematic galleries supported by digital exhibits, immersive storytelling, and interactive experiences. Together, these will narrate India’s maritime history from the Harappan era to present-day naval and coastal initiatives.
The overall layout follows a phased development strategy. Phase 1A includes Part 1 of the National Maritime Museum, a recreation of Lothal town, and supporting infrastructure. Phase 1B expands the museum and adds a 77-meter-tall Lighthouse Museum and a public interchange precinct (Bagicha Complex). Phase 2 introduces a Heritage Theme Park, Coastal State Pavilions, a Maritime Institute, a Naval Theme Park, Museum-themed hospitality, and ecological resorts. Public circulation is organized around landmark nodes to guide orientation and manage footfall.
Architecturally, the complex emphasizes cultural narrative and visitor engagement with a traditional aesthetic and contemporary spatial planning. As India’s flagship maritime heritage project, NMHC is envisioned to become a long-term cultural landmark—linking past achievements with future aspirations in maritime education, tourism, and public engagement.
