Indore, the heart of Madhya Pradesh, is often celebrated as India’s cleanest city. But beyond its urban accolades lies a layered architectural story, where royal palaces, Bauhaus dreams, smart-city interventions, and modern institutions quietly shape the skyline.
Whether you’re an architect, a designer, or a design enthusiast, Indore offers more than just visual appeal—it presents a dialogue between time, texture, and transformation.
Here’s a curated guide to the most iconic architectural landmarks in Indore that you shouldn’t miss.
1. Manik Bagh – A Forgotten Bauhaus Legacy
Few know that Indore once housed a palace that rivaled European design salons. Manik Bagh, designed by German architect Eckart Muthesius, was decades ahead of its time. With its chrome furniture, surrealist sculptures, and Art Deco sensibilities, it reflected the modernist aspirations of a visionary Maharaja.
While much of its original interiors have been dispersed across the globe, Manik Bagh remains a powerful symbol of India’s earliest experiments with global modernism.
Style: Bauhaus, Art Deco
2. Rajwada Palace – The Urban Anchor
At the heart of Indore’s historic fabric stands Rajwada Palace—a stunning seven-story structure that seamlessly blends Maratha grandeur, Mughal symmetry, and French colonial touches. But Rajwada is not just a monument; it’s the epicenter of the city’s urban life, surrounded by bustling bazaars and public squares.
For architects, Rajwada is a study in how heritage and active urban use can coexist, offering insights into placemaking in dense, layered cities.
Style: Maratha, Mughal, French
3. IIM Indore – Built on the Land, With the Land
Perched atop a 193-acre hill, the IIM Indore campus reflects a masterclass in topography-driven design. Designed by ARCOP Associates, its stepped terraces, natural ventilation, and strategic material use show how large institutions can be environmentally tuned and spatially fluid.
A must-visit for designers interested in institutional planning, sustainable campuses, and contextual architecture.
Style: Climate-responsive, Modern
4. Phoenix Citadel Mall – Retail with Architectural Rhythm
Rethinking the mall typology, Phoenix Citadel uses angled façades, textured cladding, and airy interiors to create a dynamic shopping environment. Unlike traditional malls, it allows for event zones, interactive art spaces, and daylight-filled atriums.
For commercial architects and interior designers, it’s a fresh take on how retail spaces can feel more human-centric and culturally aligned.
Style: Contemporary Retail Architecture
5. Holkar Stadium – Civic Space Beyond Cricket
More than a sports venue, Holkar Stadium functions as a civic landmark. Its sweeping curves, clear sightlines, and event adaptability make it an example of multifunctional urban planning.
Its architecture supports not just match days but cultural festivals, gatherings, and public programming, proving that stadiums can also be socially inclusive spaces.
Style: Modern Civic Architecture
6. Indore Smart City Projects – Where Design Meets Daily Life
Indore’s transformation under the Smart City initiative is a quiet revolution. From widened footpaths and bike lanes to efficient drainage and green infrastructure, these are examples of design at the scale of everyday life.
This movement reminds us that good design isn’t only about buildings—it’s also about systems, networks, and human experience.
Focus Areas: Public space upgrades, tactical urbanism, mobility
Why Indore Matters in India’s Design Conversation
Indore isn’t just preserving its architectural past—it’s actively reimagining it. The city’s evolving relationship with its built environment provides lessons in conservation, innovation, and urban intelligence.
Whether you’re exploring India’s forgotten modernism or understanding how smart infrastructure can shape cities, Indore offers a living studio for contemporary designers.
Join Us at Design Perspective: Indore Edition
Want to connect with the architects, thinkers, and brands driving this change?
Design Perspective: Indore Edition brings the conversation to life under one roof. Join us as we explore how design can shape identity, sustainability, and the future of Indian cities.