7 Art Galleries in India That You Must Visit When You Travel Next

Travelling in India is truly one big adventure. While the mountains, forts and temples are popular, the art galleries in India are unknown to the regular traveller. Since time immemorial, India has been a centre for art. It comes as no surprise that India boasts of art galleries that house within them pieces ranging from traditional masterpieces to pieces that are contemporary classics. India’s art scene is developing with art festivals like the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival and Kochi Biennale. Today, some of the biggest cities in India offer more than just historical marvels.

So let us look at 7 art galleries in India that you must plan on visiting:

1. Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai

Established in 1952 in Bombay’s hip Kala Ghoda district, Jehangir Art Gallery is one of the finest art galleries in the country. Getting their work exhibited here is a dream for any artists. The gallery hosts several interactive events and often collaborates with art schools and colleges . The gallery is also one of the venues for the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival. If you’re in Mumbai and have been to Marine Drive too many times, ditch the cliche and head to Jehangir Art Gallery instead.

2. Kashi Art Gallery, Kochi

Kochi is a hub for art and artists today. One of the people who made that happen was Anoop Scaria, a connoisseur of art and founder of Kashi Art Gallery. The gallery, which has its own cafe for travellers, is housed in a restored Dutch house in Fort Kochi. Since it aims as encouraging budding artists, the display includes work of local artists and is updated regularly. If you’re in Kochi and looking to spend a quiet day amidst art, you know where to go. Since the cafe is equally welcoming, you might just end up staying back for longer!

3. Victoria Memorial, Kolkata

Since the Victoria Memorial was launched in 1921, it is almost a hundred years old and still one of the best arts galleries in India. The gallery houses different sections that contain works of Indian as well as foreign artists. The gallery also an impressive collection of miniatures.  The Royal Gallery is dedicated to paintings of Queen Victoria. If you’re in the City of Joy, the Victoria Memorial deserves a visit.

4. National Gallery of Modern Art, Delhi

The Government of India established The National Gallery of Modern Art in 1954. The collection has only become better since then. The gallery contains a collection of over 14000 painting by artists from all over the world. If you wish to browse through the works of Raja Ravi Varma, Jaimini Roy, Tagore brothers, you know where to go!

5. Mahua- The Art Gallery- Bangalore

Bangalore, besides being an IT hub, is also a centre for creativity and art . One of the best places to catch the works of such minds in Mahua Art Gallery. Meena Jaipuria, who belongs to a family of art collectors, founded the gallery. It houses the works of young, upcoming artists. Since her interest lies in contemporary art, the gallery exhibits the work of some of the best contemporary artists.

6. Sakshi Gallery, Mumbai

If you’re someone who likes visiting galleries that support new artists, Sakshi Gallery is the one you must visit. Over the last 30 years, it has become one of the best art galleries in India. Since it is located in the art district of South Bombay, you can easily drop by and check out the exhibits. The gallery has brought the works of renowned world artists like El Anatsui, Gregory Crewdson and Julian Opie to the Mumbai art scene. If world art is your poison, Sakshi Gallery is where you must go.

7. Project 88, Mumbai

Sree Goswami founded Project 88 in Colaba. It is housed in the premises of an old metal printing press. If you love minimalism, you will instantly fall in love with this space. The studio is a haven for young and upcoming artists to showcase their work. Many of the gallery’s artists are in major international collections, biennales and museum shows. While it works with several mid-career artists, the main aim is to encourage new talent.

If you are someone who enjoys traditional art, you may visit the Jehangir Art Gallery or Victoria Memorial. If you appreciate contemporary art, you can check out spaces like Project 88. While more and more galleries are opening up, these are some of the best art galleries in India! If you wish to explore the art scene in any of these places, this is where you can start.

Need help planning that art-cation? Since ScoutMyTrip partners with locals, you get constant recommendations about local haunts and hidden gems. With our scouts, you get to travel as per your needs and desires. Hire a Scout to plan your holidays now!