AYO GORKHALI! Here comes The Gurkha Museum
For more than 210 years, the Gurkhas have earned global respect for their courage, loyalty, and unwavering honour. Their battlefield cry, “Ayo Gorkhali!” (“The Gurkhas are upon you!”) still sends shivers down spines of foes. It is a powerful declaration of the Gurkhas’ presence and indomitable fighting spirit, a phrase that has echoed through battles and is deeply ingrained in Gurkha military tradition. Recruited from Nepal, Gurkha soldiers have served the British Crown since 1815 and received twenty-six Victoria Crosses, Britain’s highest award for gallantry. Currently, over 4,500 Gurkha soldiers are integrated into the British Army. The Gurkhas continue to be essential contributors to UK defence, revered at home and abroad for their remarkable record of service and sacrifice. Today, the Gurkhas’ heritage, culture, and traditions are preserved, protected, and promoted by The Gurkha Museum Trust, which now embarks on its most courageous initiative yet: Project Kaida.
The world’s Gurkha museum
The Gurkha Museum narrates an extraordinary tale between two nations, distant in geography and culture, that have united to make an exceptional contribution to Britain and global security – a story that commenced in 1814 and endures to this day. Across two floors of public galleries, visitors uncover what sets Gurkha soldiers apart – their Nepali culture (kaida), their homeland and rigorous recruitment process, their unique uniforms, their weaponry (including the khukuri), and their battle honours.
The Gurkha Museum Trust is dedicated to ensuring that the stories and values of the Gurkhas are never forgotten and remain relevant. Three decades since its last significant renovation, this task is becoming increasingly challenging. The Gurkha Museum urgently requires refurbishment to modernise the Gurkha narrative, enhance accessibility, elevate the visitor experience, and attract a broader audience. It is time for the Museum to evolve.
Introducing Project Kaida
Kaida is a Nepali word referring to ‘the Gurkha way’ – what Gurkhas do and how they do it. Kaida is the glue that binds together the Brigade of Gurkhas and links the serving soldier to his veteran predecessors. Project Kaida is a once-in-a- generation redevelopment designed to transform The Gurkha Museum from a modest military museum into a world-class heritage destination and global reference centre for Gurkha history and culture. Project Kaida will:
- Deliver a new research and education centre – We hold over 3,500 books related to Gurkha heritage and Nepali culture, along with copies of regimental journals and personal records. The remodelled library now has dedicated spaces for discovery and learning, it includes:
a. A research room for those wishing to undertake academic research or family queries.
b. An archive room housing official records, diaries, photographs, and personal stories.
c. A flexible lecture and education space used for talks, unit visits, and children’s workshops.
- Bring the Gurkhas’ history online – We will be cataloguing and preserving over 30,000 unique documents and photographs, making them accessible globally through the digitalisation programme.
- Inspire current and future generations – Our three-year funded new education and outreach programme will bring Gurkha history and culture to life through engaging exhibitions and events at the Museum, travelling exhibitions and workshops to schools and communities, and online resources for all ages.
- A new museum experience – We will renovate both the ground floor and first floor public galleries to ensure the Brigade of Gurkhas’ artefacts are accessible to all future visitors. This will involve stripping-out, redesigning and refitting the Museum’s public galleries to represent the authentic Nepali and Gurkha story through a new dynamic and intuitive layout. (The full plans are available on The Gurkha Museum Trust’s website (www.TheGurkhaMuseum.co.uk/Future).
Cost of securing the Gurkha’s story
The total project cost of £5.2 million covers the transformation of the library into a research and education centre; digitalisation of the archives; an inspiring outreach and educational programme; and the stripping out and refitting the public galleries. The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded The Gurkha Museum Trust two grants totalling £2.9m. To receive the full National Lottery Heritage Fund grants The Gurkha Museum must fund-match. The Museum’s fundraising efforts are being led by the serving and retired members of the Brigade of Gurkhas.
“I am proud to serve in the Brigade of Gurkhas, with over two centuries of history. As part of my commitment to honouring our heritage, I fundraised for The Gurkha Museum Trust, an institution that preserves the incredible legacy of the Gurkhas and supports vital initiatives like Project Kaida.”
Rifleman Bikash Limbu – fundraiser
Countdown to change
The Gurkha Museum’s ground and first floor galleries will be available for viewing until 8 September 2025, when renovations of the public galleries will begin. Throughout Project Kaida, The Gurkha Museum will remain open and operational, dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting Gurkha heritage. Even during the necessary renovations of the public galleries, the medal room, library, research area, and office on the second floor will remain accessible – we will continue offering engaging exhibitions, events, and lectures onsite, offsite, and online.
2025 summer exhibition: Victory in 1945
Throughout August the Gurkha Museum Trust, during their annual summer exhibition, will honour the contributions of Gurkha units and individual soldiers in 1945, celebrating their roles in bringing about the end of the Second World War.
The exhibition will showcase an intriguing array of original documents, unique artefacts, inspiring narratives, and interactive activities suitable for all ages, along with expert insights.
Follow the progress of Project Kaida
From schoolchildren to scholars, veterans to visitors, The Gurkha Museum is a place for all of us. It is the sole museum responsible for the Brigade of Gurkhas’ records, collections, and artefacts. The museum holds and narrates the stories of steadfast service and sacrifice – a legacy that must never be forgotten and continues to this day. By visiting The Gurkha Museum and supporting Project Kaida, you help ensure that “Ayo Gorkhali!” continues to echo through future generations.
Click here to visit The Gurkha Museum website (opens in a new tab)