Bangalore is known for its pleasant climate and rich culture. This megacity, often referred to as the IT hub of India, boasts a plethora of architectural marvels and an intriguing fusion of the past and future. The city’s art galleries thrive, showcasing diverse artworks that captivate the imagination. In this guide, we explore the top 14 art galleries in the city.
Top 14 Bangalore art galleries
National Gallery of Modern Art
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Closed on Mondays
Time required: 2 – 3 hours
Entry fee: Indians – Rs 20; Foreigners – Rs 500
Nestled within the restored Manikyavelu Mansion on Palace Road, Bangalore, the National Gallery of Modern Art is a contemporary hub with a touch of heritage. Inaugurated in 2009, this gallery showcases over 14,000 artworks, including pieces by Raja Ravi Verma, Jamini Roy, Amrita Sher-Gil and Rabindranath Tagore. The museum’s colonial-style architecture and lush gardens create an ambience, offering visitors a glimpse into the evolution of Indian art. Moreover, with sprawling gardens and well-lit rooms, it is a haven for art enthusiasts.
Mahua Art Gallery
Timings: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Time required: 1 – 2 hours
Entry fee: None
Founded in 2002, the Mahua Art Gallery in Armane Nagar is an art gallery in Bangalore that attracts art enthusiasts with its focus on emerging talents. Its online platform extends the reach of these young artists, fostering a connection between creators and collectors. This gallery is a testament to Banglore’s commitment to nurturing new artistic voices.
Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath
Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Time required: 1 – 2 hours
Sheshadripuram’s cultural gem, the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, celebrates art’s multifaceted nature. Comprising thirteen museum galleries and five exhibition spaces, this institution houses the College of Fine Arts. Its corridors echoes creativity and offers a journey through diverse artistic expressions.
Sublime Galleria
Timings: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Closed on Sunday
Time required: 1 – 2 hours
India’s first sky gallery, Sublime Galleria, situated in the heart of UB City, elevates art to new heights. Bridging two towering skyscrapers, it showcases various contemporary artworks, including photography and digital creations. Art enthusiasts can also partake in workshops that enrich their artistic journey.
Gallery G
Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Closed on Sunday
Time required: 1 – 2 hours
Founded in 2003, Gallery G, located in Ashok Nagar, embodies the spirit of artistic exploration. Beyond showcasing established and emerging artists, it pioneers the Artists’ Initiative Program, fostering a space for creativity to flourish. This gallery stands as a testament to Bangalore’s evolving art landscape.
Venkatappa Art Gallery
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Closed on Mondays
Time required: 1 – 2 hrs
Entry fee: Adults: Rs 10, Kids: Rs 5
Situated within the Karnataka Government Museum, the Venkatappa Art Gallery pays homage to Bangalore’s artistic legacy. Boasting a collection of over 600 paintings, it honours celebrated artists like K. Venkatappa while welcoming contemporary talents. This gallery serves as a living canvas of Bangalore’s ever-evolving creative tapestry.
Crimson Art Gallery
Timings: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM, Closed on Sunday
Time required: 1 – 2 hours
Cunningham Road hosts the Crimson Art Gallery, a haven for varied artistic expressions. This gallery mirrors Bangalore’s eclectic art scene, from M.F. Hussain’s celebrated works, including many contemporary pieces. It offers a captivating space where art enthusiasts can immerse themselves in a world of imagination.
Shanti Road Gallery
Timings: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Time required: 1 – 2 hours
Founded by Suresh Jayaram, the Shanti Road Gallery embodies artistic liberation. With workshops and events, this gallery symbolises the city’s commitment to fostering artistic growth. This non-profit haven offers emerging artists a platform to showcase their creations, detached from commercial constraints.
Gallery Sumukha
Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Closed on Sunday
Time required: 1 – 2 hours
Since its inception in 1996, Gallery Sumukha is a popular art gallery in Bangalore. It is situated in Wilson Garden and presents contemporary artworks that span various forms and mediums. As a meeting point for artists and enthusiasts, it embodies Bangalore’s evolving art scene.
Rangoli-Metro Art Centre
Timings: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Time required: 1 – 2 hours
Founded by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation, the Rangoli-Metro Art Centre goes beyond being a transportation hub. It encompasses a unique cultural space with galleries, play areas and an auditorium. Here, art blends seamlessly with daily life, showcasing Bangalore’s dedication to integrating art into its urban fabric.
Tasveer Art Gallery
Time Required: 1 – 2 hours
Kasturba Cross Road is home to the Tasveer Art Gallery, a dynamic space dedicated to photography. Emerging and international photographers find a canvas here to showcase their lens-captured narratives. The gallery’s focus on visual storytelling represents the multicultural ethos of the city.
Galleryske
Time required: 1 – 2 hours
Galleryske, nestled in Langford Town, is a blend of styles and media. From Sheela Gowda’s intriguing pieces to Tara Kelton’s masterful artworks, it exemplifies the city’s artistic dynamism. With a history of promoting emerging and established artists, this gallery is popular among tourists.
Abstract Art Gallery
Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Closed on Sunday
Time required: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: Rs 200
The Abstract Art Gallery on Cunningham Road is a treasure trove for contemporary art enthusiasts. Carefully curated pieces from diverse artists adorn its walls, offering a feast for the eyes. With its commitment to promoting genuine talent, this gallery reflects Bangalore’s dedication to artistic authenticity.
Gallery Manora
Timings: Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday – 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Closed on Sunday
Time required: 1 – 2 hours
In the heart of Indira Nagar, Gallery Manora provides a unique blend of show space and cultural events. An 1870 villa turned art haven, it showcases a wide spectrum of artistic expressions. Bangalore’s art enthusiasts find solace and inspiration within its hallowed walls.
FAQs
What is Bangalore known for?
Bangalore is renowned for its pleasant climate, dynamic populace, rich culture and history. It is also known as the IT hub of India.
How does Mahua Art Gallery support emerging artists?
Mahua Art Gallery focuses on emerging talents and extends its reach through an online platform, connecting young artists with collectors.
What is unique about Sublime Galleria?
Sublime Galleria is India's first sky gallery, located between two skyscrapers, showcasing contemporary artworks, including photography and digital creations.
What is the Artists' Initiative Program by Gallery G?
Gallery G pioneers the Artists' Initiative Program, fostering a space for creativity to flourish and supporting both established and emerging artists.
How does Venkatappa Art Gallery celebrate Bangalore's artistic legacy?
Venkatappa Art Gallery within the Karnataka Government Museum honours Bangalore's artistic heritage with a collection of over 600 paintings from celebrated and contemporary artists.
How does Shanti Road Gallery support emerging artists?
Shanti Road Gallery offers a non-profit platform for emerging artists to showcase their creations and provides workshops and talks to foster artistic growth.
What is the focus of Gallery Sumukha?
Gallery Sumukha, established in 1996, presents contemporary artworks in various forms and mediums, serving as a meeting point for artists and enthusiasts.
What is unique about Rangoli-Metro Art Centre?
Rangoli-Metro Art Centre, founded by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation, integrates art with daily life through galleries, play areas, and an auditorium.
How would you describe Galleryske in Langford Town?
Galleryske in Langford Town embodies an eclectic blend of styles and media, promoting both emerging and established artists.
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