National Gallery of Modern Art

Overview

The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) Bengaluru is a branch of India's premier modern art institution, housed in the heritage Manikyavelu Mansion, a 19th-century colonial building on Palace Road. It showcases Indian modernism from the 18th century onwards.

Highlights

• Permanent Collection: Works by masters including Raja Ravi Varma, Amrita Sher-Gil, M.F. Husain, and Rabindranath Tagore.
• Heritage Mansion: The colonial-era building itself is a work of art with high ceilings, wooden staircases, and arched verandahs.
• Rotating Exhibitions: Regular temporary exhibitions featuring contemporary Indian and international artists.

History

The Bengaluru branch opened in 2009 in the 1882 Manikyavelu Mansion, which was restored for the purpose. The building originally served as the residence of a Mysore nobleman before becoming a government guest house.

Visitor Tips

• Photography: Not allowed inside the galleries.
• Combine: Near Cubbon Park and other cultural institutions for a full art day.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.