Last Updated on July 5, 2024 by Tariq
Are you ready to embark on a cultural journey rich with artistic wonders?
Visit the National Gallery of Modern Art, Bangalore, a historic museum housing over 14,000 remarkable artworks spanning centuries.
Originating from the restored Manikyavelu Mansion, this grand gallery was established in 2009 by the Ministry of Culture to showcase India’s diverse artistic heritage.
As one of the country’s premier art institutions, it holds a priceless collection featuring traditional as well as modern artists like Rabindranath Tagore, Jamini Roy, Raja Ravi Varma, Amrita Sher-Gil, and many others.
While wandering through the spacious halls and airy rooms, you can observe paintings, sculptures, and installations that depict the evolution of Indian art from the 18th century to today.
The gallery also hosts a variety of enriching programs throughout the year for visitors of all ages, including film screenings, talks on art and culture, seminars, and workshops to further complement its diverse collection.
Let’s explore this cultural treasure together, built to both educate and inspire all art lovers.
Quick Info
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Location | National Gallery Of Modern Art, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru |
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Entry Fee | Rs. 20/- for Indians Rs. 500/- for Foreigners FREE entry for students (requires valid ID proof) |
Timings & Visiting Hours | Open from 11 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., from Tuesday to Friday Open from 11 A.M. to 7.30 P.M. on Saturdays and Sundays Closed on Mondays and all national holidays |
Nearest Metro | MG Road Metro Station (Purple Line). It is approximately 3.4 km from NGMA and takes around 30 mins of walking Mantri Square Sampige Road Metro Station (Green Line). The metro station is approximately 3.6 km away from the destination and takes around 30 mins in walking. Sir M Visveshvarayya Stn Central College Metro Station (Purple Line) The metro station is approximately 2.9 km away from the destination and takes around 26 mins in walking. |
Phone Number |
011 – 23384640, 23382835 (Delhi)
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Address | 49, GF, Manikyavelu Mansion, Palace Road, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560052, India |
National Gallery of Modern Art Bangalore Entry Fee
The entry ticket price is fixed for individuals at all times of the year.
Check out the current ticket prices here:
- For Indians: Rs. 20/- per person
- For Foreigners: Rs. 500/- per person
- For Students: FREE entry (required valid ID proof)
- Photography fee: Rs. 1000/- per image
Note:
The NGMA Bangalore keeps organizing exciting events from time to time.
Visit http://ngmaindia.gov.in/ngma_bangaluru.asp to stay updated.
Rules and Regulations at the National Gallery of Modern Art Bangalore
- Do not touch objects in the galleries
- Keep at least two feet distance from artworks at all times
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times
- Use the free checkrooms for backpacks and large bags
- Treat staff with respect and courtesy
- All galleries and facilities are wheelchair accessible
- Silence cellular phones in galleries and auditoriums. Free WiFi is available
- Laptops, cameras, and other items of value may be carried in but not checked in
- Only water bottles are permitted. No food or drink is allowed in galleries
- Independently led groups should yield to National Gallery tours
- Limited parking for disabled visitors is available
- Personal photography is permitted except where prohibited. No tripods inside buildings
- Do not use drones on the property
- Pencils and dry media only are allowed for sketching
- No smoking anywhere on the property
- Strollers are available on a first-come, first-served basis
- Visitors to non-public spaces require staff attestation
- Prohibited activities include damaging property, climbing exhibits, shouting, soliciting, carrying weapons, displaying signs, and projecting images on buildings
Want more information?
Visit the visitor policies page of the National Gallery Of Modern Art.
National Gallery of Modern Art Bangalore: Main Attractions
NGMA offers visitors more than just an impressive collection of exhibits, sculptures, and paintings.
The gallery also hosts a variety of engaging events and programs:
- Tree walks and nature programs for visitors to connect with the outdoors
- Gallery walks led by NGMA experts twice a week, on Wednesdays from 11 A.M. to 12 P.M. and Saturdays from 3 P.M. to 4 P.M., giving visitors behind-the-scenes insights
- The Friday Films program screens documentaries, and educational and cultural films related to art every week
- Art and design workshops for people of all ages to learn new skills
- Photography displays showcasing the work of talented artists
- Dance performances showcasing modern and classical Indian dance styles
- Informative talks by acclaimed speakers on art, culture, and history
- Storytelling sessions that transport listeners to different times and places
- Regular film screenings on topics related to art and education
Tour Of National Gallery Of Modern Art Bangalore
The ground floor features some of the finest Indian artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and prints by legendary artists.
You can admire works by Raja Ravi Varma and Amrita Sher-Gil, along with renowned paintings by Rabindranath Tagore, Abanindranath Tagore, and Gaganendranath Tagore portraying rural Indian themes using traditional materials.
The adjacent gallery hosts sculptures by eminent Indian sculptors such as Kanayi Kunhiraman and S. Dhanpal, as well as important pieces by Anjolie Ela Menon and Arpita Singh.
Climbing the staircase reveals another illuminating treasure – a significant compilation of modern Indian paintings from the 20th century, including masterpieces by the likes of Mukul Dey, M.F Hussain, and V.S Gaitonde.
The collection focuses on epitomizing the spirit of Indian modernism through the works of pioneering artists of the time.
History And Architecture Of The National Gallery Of Modern Art Bangalore
The National Gallery of Modern Art Bangalore is housed in the historic Manikyavelu Mansion, a colonial-style residence.
The mansion was originally built in the early 20th century by Raja Manikyavelu Mudaliar, a businessman who made his fortune from manganese and chrome mines.
The City Improvement Trust (now Bengaluru Development Authority) later acquired the property in an auction.
In 2000, the mansion was handed over to the Ministry of Culture and restoration work began three years later.
The original two-storey structure was transformed into an art gallery, with massive windows to admit natural light and spacious rooms and halls to display artworks.
Two new gallery blocks were added to the sides of the original mansion, doubling the total area. They were built in a complementary style, respecting the heritage character.
The restored mansion and new extensions created the National Gallery of Modern Art, which opened to the public in 2009.
How to Reach the National Gallery of Modern Art
By Metro: The nearest metro stations to NGMA are MG Road station and Sir M Visveshvarayya Stn Central College Metro Station on the Purple Line, and Mantri Square Sampige Road Metro Station on the Green Line. The museum is around 3 km away from all the metro stations and you can take an auto-rickshaw, taxi, or walk.
By Train: If you come by train, the nearest railway station is Bangalore Cantonment. The distance between NGMA and the railway station is around 1.4 km and takes 18 mins to reach by walking. You can also take a cab or auto-rickshaw to reach NGMA.
By Bus: Several city buses ply to the museum, with the nearest stop at Basaveshwara Circle Sophiya School, just 500 meters away. You can walk or take an auto-rickshaw from there.
By Taxi/Cab: For a comfortable trip, book a taxi or cab from the numerous taxi service providers in the city. Depending on traffic, it usually takes 30 minutes to an hour to reach the gallery from different parts of Bangalore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best time to visit the National Gallery Of Modern Art?
Any time of year is suitable for visiting the National Gallery of Modern Art as it is an indoor gallery. However, Bangalore’s winter months from November to February offer the most pleasant weather conditions. Weekdays generally see lesser crowds compared to weekends, so you can plan your visit then.
How much time is required to explore NGMA Bangalore?
Around 1 to 2 hours is needed to view the extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and other art exhibits on display. On event days, you may need additional time if you participate in the activities. You may also need extra time if you spend time in the garden, by the pool, or in the library.
Are parking facilities available at NGMA Bangalore?
Yes, parking facilities are available at NGMA Bangalore, however, charges may apply.
Is photography allowed inside NGMA Bangalore?
Yes, photography is allowed in NGMA Bangalore but professional photography costs 1000/- per image.
(Featured image and other images sources from Google Photos)