By Kratika Agarwal

Art holds the power to impact minds and connect souls by evoking emotions that are untouched and unwritten. India has been a hub of art and artists since time immemorial. Back in the day, kings used to commission, collect, and display paintings in their palaces. In the modern world, contemporary art galleries and fairs have taken on the role of bridging the gap between the mystical world of art and the common people, who have seldom had access to it. These galleries not only celebrate age-old artistic traditions, but also support the works of up and coming artists. Here, we have curated a list of the best art galleries in the country for you to bookmark for your next visit.

1. Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata

One of the oldest galleries in the country, Academy of Fine Arts was established in 1933 by Lady Ranu Mukherjee. Located in the heart of the city, it is home to famous paintings by many eminent artists of their time, like Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, M.F. Husain, and many others. The gallery also features live performances. You can visit anytime between 10am to 5pm.

2. Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai

Jehangir Art Gallery was established in 1952 by Sir Cowasji Jehangir and is now considered one of the most prestigious art galleries in the country. Located near Gateway of India in South Mumbai, it is a haven for art lovers, with artists lining up to display their works even outside the gates of the venue. The gallery contains many halls decked with contemporary photography, paintings, and more. You can pay a visit anytime between 11am to 7pm.

3. Victoria Memorial, Kolkata

Dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria, Empress of India under British Rule, Victoria Memorial is the largest monument made for a monarch anywhere in the world. You can find some rare books and various illustrated works by literary legends on display here. The white marble building carries elements of British Colonial architecture and is magnificent at any time of the day. However, the light and sound shows in the evening turn it into a sight to behold. You can visit it between 10am to 5pm.

4. Shrine Empire Gallery, New Delhi

Founded in 2008, Shrine Empire Gallery is a private gallery in Defence Colony, Delhi, with an aim to promote South Asian artists and contemporary visual art. Anahita Taneja and Shefali Somani have created a unique space where curated exhibitions display commissioned projects and artworks.

5. National Gallery of Modern Art, Bengaluru

Housing around 500 remarkable works by celebrated artists like Raja Ravi Varma, Amrita Sher-Gil and many others, the gallery boasts of a splendid collection of modern as well as traditional art. You can wander through these artistic walls between 10am to 5pm on all days except for Mondays.

6. Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, Delhi NCR

Located in Noida, this gallery showcases artworks by Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi artists. The museum opened its door to the general public in 2010 and aims to showcase the relationship between art and culture through cultural exhibitions and public and educational programs. A philanthropic dream of art collector and founder Kiran Nadar, the gallery is open

between 10:30am to 6:30pm on all days except for Mondays and Sundays.

7. Sree Chitra Art Gallery, Thiruvananthapuram

Opened to the public in 1935, this is one of the most prominent galleries in the state of Kerala. It was set up by the then Maharaja of Travancore, Sree Chithira Thirunal. Here, you can find masterpieces by artists like Raja Ravi Varma, V. S. Valiathan, and Govindan Achari. The gallery features various genres of paintings including murals and art from regions like Bali, Tibet, Rajasthan etc. You can visit the gallery from 10am to 5pm on all days except for Mondays.

8. Chemould Prescott Road, Mumbai

This Mumbai-based gallery was established by Kekoo and Khorshed Gandhy in 1963. It highlights modern and contemporary art through its online platforms, artists’ projects, and presence at global fairs. It has significantly contributed to the early careers of India’s leading artists of today. In 2007, the gallery shifted to a large loft-like space in a historic building on Prescott road, under the current directorship of Shireen Gandhy. The gallery remains closed on Sundays. On all other days, you can visit between 10am to 6pm.

9. Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre

This newly opened one-of-its-kind cultural centre in Mumbai has already captured the world’s attention with its grand opening this 2023, which saw national and global celebrities walking the red carpet. Apart from various fashion exhibits, ticketed events, and cultural shows, the venue is also home to a spectacular Art House. This multidisciplinary cultural space is located in the heart of Mumbai in Bandra Kurla Complex. The centre is open on all days of the week from 10am to 10pm.