Museums and galleries in Bengaluru provide glimpses of the city’s past, present and future through art. (Supplied)
Museums, they say, are the soul of a city. There are several reasons why people visit them. While some want to learn about the past, the others are curious about the city they are in and want to enjoy its art and culture.
If you are in Bengaluru and looking to discover the city’s soul, there are several museums and art galleries here that will provide you glimpses of the city’s past, present and future through art.
Here is a guide to what the city has to offer to art aficionados.
Located in a heritage mansion in a sprawling area of 3.5 acres lush with trees and greenery, the NGMA is home to artworks from the 18th century to the contemporary times.
NGMA is home to artworks from the 18th century. (Supplied)
The collection has been classified into different categories according to time periods or art schools.
Besides their extensive collection of art which is on permanent display, they also host retrospective and contemporary art exhibitions on a regular basis.
One would need 1-2 hours to view almost 500 artworks which span two floors.
Guided tours are available as well as regular gallery walks on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 4 pm.
Location: 49, Manikyavelu Mansion, Palace Road, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru-52
Timings: 10 am – 6 pm (Not open on Mondays and national holidays)
MAP is a private art museum which opened its doors to the public in 2023.
MAP has five galleries inside. (Supplied)
Founded by Abhishek Poddar, an industrialist and one of India’s most prominent art collectors, the museum houses around 20,000 artworks. It includes 7000 from Poddar’s private collection.
This 44,000 sq feet museum has five galleries, an auditorium, a library and a sculpture garden.
Education in art is one of MAP’s main focus areas and they provide workshops, lectures and online courses in art history.
A visit to this museum is an immersive experience and should not be missed!
Location: 22, Kasturba Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru- 1
Timings: 10 am – 6:30 pm (Not open on Mondays)
The Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, established in 1960, is a vast complex that has 18 galleries.
The Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath is a vast complex that has 18 galleries. (Supplied)
While 13 of these display a permanent collection of artworks that include paintings, sculptures and folk art, the remaining are rented out periodically to artists for their exhibitions.
Every January, the Parishath organises Chitra Santhe or Art Street where affordable art is available for the general public to admire and purchase.
Location: Art Complex, 1, Kumara Krupa Road, near The Lalit Hotel, Seshadripuram, Bengaluru- 1
Timings: 10 am – 5.30 pm (Open all days)
Founded by artist, art historian and writer Suresh Jayaram, 1 Shantiroad is a studio gallery where exhibitions, lectures and performances provide art lovers a space to gather together.
At 1 Shantiroad, exhibitions, lectures and performances provide art lovers a space to gather. (Supplied)
Through its residency programs, it houses artists from several countries who live and work in the space for a specified period of time.
A wonderful place to watch artists at work and interact with them away from a typical art gallery ambience.
Location: No.1, Shanti Rd, Bheemanna Garden, Shanti Nagar, Bengaluru- 27
Timings: 10 am- 9 pm (Open all days)
Gallery Sumukha is one of the leading art galleries in South India and a fine place to buy contemporary art.
Established in 1996, the gallery has held exhibitions with leading artists as well as with young upcoming talent.
Location: 24/10, BTS Depot Rd, Wilson Garden, Bengaluru- 27
Timings: 10:30 am -6 pm (Not open on Sundays)
Founded in 1998, Gallery Time and Space has steadily evolved into one of the most significant galleries in the city.
Gallery Time and Space hosts both solo and group exhibitions regularly. (Supplied)
The gallery hosts both solo and group exhibitions regularly and also has been a space for several art discussions and workshops.
Location: 2nd Floor, The Guild, Lavelle Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru-1
Timings: 11 am – 7 pm (Closed on Sundays)
This is a place perfect for all cartoon fans. The tastefully designed 2000 sq feet Indian Cartoon gallery which is within the premises of the institute is the first of its kind in India.
Indian Cartoon Gallery is a place perfect for all cartoon fans. (Supplied)
They showcase cartoon exhibitions featuring both professional as well as upcoming cartoonists every month.
Location: Midford House, Craig Park Layout, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru- 25
Timings: 10 am – 6 pm (Closed on Sundays)
Venkatappa Art gallery came into being in 1975 primarily to hold the paintings of Karnataka’s renowned artist, K Venkatappa.
It is also a space for contemporary artists to showcase their works and thus, functions as a fine blend of a museum and an art gallery, housing the past and the present.
The museum has a permanent collection of artworks by KK Hebbar and sculptor Rajaram and has also held several shows of the leading artists of the time.
The gallery is temporarily shut now for restoration work.
And finally, for those who are looking for some fun with art, rather than all the contemplative stuff, the Click Art Museum is sure to keep you smiling.
The interactive 3D artworks at Click Art Museum provide great photo opportunities. (Supplied)
The interactive 3D artworks in this museum provide great photo opportunities.
There are 24 trick images laid across two rooms, with some striking images that create an illusion- like Mona Lisa pouring you a glass of water or a crocodile eating your head.
There is however a time limit of 30 minutes when one can be inside the museum.
Location: Virginia Mall, Varthur Rd, Palm Meadows, Whitefield, Bengaluru-66
Timings: 11:30 am – 7:30 pm (Open all days)
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