An Urgent Effort to Preserve an Artistic Legacy
Recent critical damage to the F.A.T.E. Diorama Museum’s Changing Bodies exhibit made one thing unmistakably clear: this historic exhibition needs urgent attention.
The truth is, all of the exhibits have serious damage. Some figures have broken fingers, others have cracked ankles, the hair and beards are deteriorating, the scenes are falling apart and the clothing and jewelry need repair. In addition, the sound and audiovisual systems require improvement, and the electrical and lighting components need attention. At present, the Diorama Museum of Bhagavad-gita is in disrepair and is closed to public tours.
In 2027, the F.A.T.E. Diorama Museum, also known as the Diorama Museum of Bhagavad-gita , will mark fifty years since it first opened in Los Angeles. Without timely restoration, these irreplaceable works of transcendental art are at risk of further deterioration.
We are seeking to raise $100,000 by Gaura Purnima on March 22, 2027 to fund Phase One , so the museum’s most urgent needs can be addressed in preparation for reopening by the 50th anniversary in August 2027.
Created under the direct guidance of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the original F.A.T.E. [First American Transcendental Exhibition] opened in Los Angeles in 1977. The museum’s eleven dioramas present the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita through an immersive display of sculpture, painting, architecture, costume, lighting, sound, and Bengali clay sculpting techniques.
The Restoration Project and Team
The F.A.T.E. Restoration Project is managing the renovations to the Diorama Museum of Bhagavad-gita. Several of the original artists have joined the Restoration Project efforts to help lead and carry out the restoration. They bring firsthand knowledge of how the dioramas were originally conceived, constructed and presented.
In addition, the restoration team of professionals includes an electrician, an audio-visual specialist, an art conservationist, a museum preparator, a project manager and a marketing and web designer. Many of these professionals are volunteering their time and expertise to help restore the Diorama Museum of Bhagavad-gita.
The restoration project was undertaken by Transcendence Inc. in collaboration with ISKCON Los Angeles/New Dvaraka.
Our Phase One Goal: $100,000
In Phase One the museum’s most urgent restoration needs will be addressed:
- Emergency structural repairs
- Cleaning and dust mitigation
- Basic lighting and electrical troubleshooting
- Figure stabilization and repair
- Paint touch-ups
- Costume stabilization
- Safety-related repairs
- Professional consultation fees
- Artists’ travel expenses
Every contribution, in any amount , will help support the Phase One work. Together, these efforts will stabilize the museum, address its most urgent needs, and help prepare it to resume public tours by Gaura Purnima 2027.
To give you an idea of how your donations can help:
- $50 may contribute toward materials for paint touchups
- $100 may repair costumes and jewelry
- $250 may purchase supplies for structural repairs
- $500 may contribute toward the restoration team travel expenses
- $1000 may fund safety related repairs
- $2500 may help cover professional consultation fees
These are examples of the types of Phase One work that donations can help fund. They do not represent the actual cost of a particular repair or guarantee that an individual donation will be assigned to a specific item. Funds will be directed first toward the museum’s most urgent needs.
Why Now?
Our goal is to raise $100,000 by Gaura Purnima on March 22, 2027 and to complete Phase One work in time for the museum’s Golden Jubilee.
The 50th anniversary presents an opportunity not only to restore what has deteriorated, but also to provide the Diorama Museum of Bhagavad-gita with the protection and infrastructure necessary for its continued preservation.
Future phases of the Diorama Museum of Bhagavad-gita restoration will build upon Phase One work to include more extensive renovations and upgrades.
Why the Diorama Museum Is Unique
The Diorama Museum of Bhagavad-gita has its roots in a sacred artistic tradition. In 1973, Srila Prabhupada arranged for several of his Western artist disciples to travel to Mayapura, West Bengal, to study the Bengali art of making traditional sculptures. The resulting dioramas brought this traditional art form to the West as a powerful way of presenting the teachings of Bhagavad-gita through the visual arts.
Preserving the museum means preserving not only eleven historic dioramas, but also Srila Prabhupada’s vision for sharing spiritual knowledge with the public through experiential portrayal of art.
Now, you have the opportunity to help carry that vision forward.
Every donation brings us closer to completing the museum’s most urgent restoration work.
Make a Difference!
Donate Now. Help us complete Phase One of Preserving the Diorama Museum of Bhagavad-gita for future generations.
Donations to the Diorama Museum of Bhagavad-gita Restoration are received by Transcendence Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. EIN: 86-2042614.
https://transcendenceinc.betterworld.org/campaigns/bhagavad-gita-diorama-museum
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