Gwalior has been recognized as a UNESCO City of Music

UNESCO has recognized Gwalior as a City of Music under the Creative Cities Network (UCCN). This global Network comprises 55 cities demonstrating a solid commitment to harnessing culture and creativity as part of UNESCO's development strategies. Gwalior was acknowledged for its innovative practices in human-centered urban planning. The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board led the project with the Municipal Corporation of Gwalior, Gwalior Smart City Development Corporation Limited, Raja Mansingh Tomar Music & Arts University, music artists, and other stakeholders. The Network now includes 350 cities from over one hundred countries, representing seven creative fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music.

Since 2019, continuous efforts have been made including multiple stakeholder consultations and a dedicated feasibility study of the city to map the potential for UCCN membership followed by the drafting of the application. Gwalior serves as an exemplary example of living cultural heritage and it houses one of the biggest annual music festivals of India, The Tansen Sangeet Samaroh to celebrate the rich culture of Madhya Pradesh.

Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Department and Managing Director, MP Tourism Board Sheo Shekhar Shukla (IAS) said 'Inclusion of Gwalior by UNESCO under the creative cities network is a big shot in the arm which goes a long way to tell the whole world about the cultural richness of Madhya Pradesh. Gwalior, being the city of Tansen, BaijuBawra, the birthplace of Dhrupad Music form and Gwalior Gharana, which are world known for musical practices and traditions which are alive even today, have been very persistently conserved and preserved. Now on Madhya Pradesh Foundation Day, it has been recognized by UNESCO by including Gwalior as a city of music.

I am certain that the richness and depth of cultural diversity in Madhya Pradesh, specifically in Gwalior, will draw the attention of the entire world. This will positively impact international tourism in the city and help showcase the best of its architectural and heritage assets. We are extremely grateful to UNESCO, the Minister of Culture, the Government of India, and all those who have ever been associated with Gwalior for this wonderful opportunity. As a city of music, this is a massive achievement for everyone involved in music and for Gwalior.

Prashant Singh Baghel, Joint Director of Planning at Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, emphasized the importance of the city's designation to the UCCN. He explained that this designation aims to achieve sustainable development of the town by using music as a key driver. This includes creating new economic and artistic opportunities for local youth, making the city an education hub for music and developing cultural infrastructure, connecting the music sector with tourism, urban renewal, mobility, and improving access to arts and culture.