National Gallery of Modern Art in Bangalore- have you visited this wonderful treasure trove of art? Did you know the gallery displays paintings by paintings by Rabindranath Tagore, Raja Ravi Verma, Amrita Sher-Gil, Jamini Roy, and the like?
It is often said that you notice things about your city only when you have guests who want to sightsee. There are some monuments you may walk past every day without even realizing that they are there. The Manikyavelu Mansion is one such structure.
Doesn’t sound familiar? Well, that’s because it is now known as the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA). You’ve probably walked past this structure on your way to Cubbon Park or the Gold Course Club. Flanked by colonial bungalows like the Balabrooie Guest House, the Mansion is a sight for sore eyes with a glistening pool on one side and magnificent trees all around.
Quick Facts About National Gallery of Modern Art in Bangalore
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on Mondays and National Holidays.
- Entry Fee: Indian: INR: 20/. Foreigners INR: 500/-(Free for Student up to XII Class -School ID must)
- Professional Photography: INR 1,000/- per image
- Address: #49, Palace Road, Manikyavelu Mansion, Bengaluru- 560052 (MAP)
- Website: www.ngmaindia.gov.in
National Gallery of Modern Art in Bangalore – History
The property spans 3.5 acres. It was originally owned by a mining baron, Raja Manickyavelu Mudaliar after who the house was named. According to legends, he bought this property from the Mysuru Wadiyars.
Raja Manickyavelu himself is said to have been from a poor family but years of working in the chrome and manganese mines helped him build his fortune. Sadly, his wealth did not last long and the mansion was acquired by the Bengaluru Development Authority.
Later in 2000, the mansion was given to the Ministry of Culture and chosen as the southern headquarter of the NGMA. The NGMA has two other galleries in Delhi and Mumbai.
NGMA, Bangalore.Image courtesy Rameshng
The National Gallery of Modern Art In Bangalore – A Treasure Trove of Painting
After years of work, the gallery opened on 18 February 2009 with a display space spanning 1551 sq meters. A new gallery block of 1260 sq meters was subsequently added. This block was built in the same style as the original mansion so that it appeared as a cohesive unit. A café was also set up adjacent to the main building.
Today the NGMA is host to art from the 18th century right up to the current times. It showcases the cultural roots of India and its development with art by colonial artists as well as post-independence artists including Rabindranath Tagore.
From paintings and graphic prints to examples of early photography and sculptures, the NGMA showcases the cultural ethos of our country. The gallery also organizes talks on art and culture, film screenings, seminars, educational programs for children, guided walks and workshops.
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