The art scene in Bangalore : Exploring the city's galleries and museums

When I visit Bangalore, I'm always drawn to its vibrant art scene and the array of galleries and museums it offers. I love exploring the city's cultural hubs and immersing myself in the diverse range of art forms on display and the museums of Bangalore.

Stunning view of the Garden City!

National Gallery of Modern Art

One of my favourite places to visit is the National Gallery of Modern Art. It's a must-visit for all art enthusiasts. The museum showcases paintings, sculptures, and photographs that represent modern and contemporary Indian art. The National Gallery of Modern Art is open from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., except on Mondays and national holidays. The entry fee for Indian nationals is Rs. 20, and for foreign nationals, it is Rs. 500.

Visit the National Gallery of Modern Art (Picture Source- Venkataramanan Associates)

Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath

Another must-visit spot is the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath. It's an art institution established in 1960 and features a vast collection of Indian and Western art, including paintings, sculptures, and prints. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, workshops, and art competitions. The Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day. The entry is free.

Experience the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath museum (Picture Source- Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath)

Venkatappa Art Gallery

The Venkatappa Art Gallery, located within the Karnataka Government Museum, is also a place I make sure to visit. It showcases a vast collection of paintings and sculptures by renowned Indian artists, including K.K. Hebbar, S.G. Vasudev, and Yusuf Arakkal. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Mondays and national holidays. The entry fee for Indian nationals is Rs. 10, and for foreign nationals, it is Rs. 100.

Explore the Venkatappa Art Gallery (Picture Source- Tripadvisor)

Tasveer Gallery

For contemporary photography, Tasveer Gallery is my go-to place. It's one of the leading contemporary art galleries in Bangalore and features a diverse range of photography, from traditional to contemporary. The gallery also hosts talks, workshops, and film screenings related to photography. Tasveer Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Sundays and national holidays. There is no entry fee to visit the gallery.

Immerse yourself in this contemporary art gallery (Picture Source- Picture Source- jdmagicbox)

Sublime Galleria

When I'm in the mood for a more eclectic mix of art forms, I head to Sublime Galleria. It's located within the UB City mall and showcases paintings, sculptures, and installations by renowned Indian and international artists, including S.H. Raza, M.F. Husain, and Paresh Maity. Sublime Galleria is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. There is no entry fee to visit the gallery.

Visit India's first Mid-Air Art Gallery (Picture Source- Sublime Galleria)

Shanthi Road

For a taste of contemporary art and artist residencies, I visit 1 Shanthi Road. It's a contemporary art space that hosts exhibitions, artist residencies, and art workshops. The space also has a library that houses a vast collection of books on art and culture. Shanthi Road is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., except on national holidays. There is no entry fee to visit the space.

Step inside this creative contemporary art space (Picture Source- LBB)

Art Houz & Gallery Sumukha

Art Houz and Gallery Sumukha are two more contemporary art galleries I thoroughly enjoy. They showcase a diverse range of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, and installations by renowned Indian and international artists, including Manjunath Kamath, Bose Krishnamachari, and Sudarshan Shetty. Art Houz is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on Sundays and national holidays. There is no entry fee to visit the gallery. Gallery Sumukha is open from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on Sundays and national holidays. There is no entry fee to visit the gallery.

Explore these contemporary art galleries (Picture Source-Gallery Sumukha)

Bangalore International Centre

And, of course, I can't forget the Indian Heritage Academy, which allows me to delve into the rich heritage and culture of India through its impressive collection of textiles, paintings, and sculptures. This museum of Bangalore is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. The entry fee for Indian nationals is Rs. 20, and for foreign nationals, it is Rs. 200.

Delve into a varirty of contemporary paintings! (Picture Source- ArchDaily)

If you're planning a trip to these galleries and museums of Bangalore , here are some of the best ways to travel around the city:

1. Metro

The Bangalore Metro is a fast and efficient way to travel around the city. It connects major areas of the city and is a great option for those looking to avoid the city's notorious traffic. The Metro operates from early morning until late at night, and tickets start at just Rs. 10, making it a convenient and affordable option.

2. Auto Rickshaw

Auto rickshaws are a popular mode of transportation in Bangalore and are readily available throughout the city. They can take you to most areas, including the art hubs and museums of Bangalore. However, it is important to negotiate the fare with the driver before starting your journey (you can always check Uber, Rapido, or Ola to get an estimate of the rates).

3. Bus

Bangalore has an extensive bus network that covers almost all parts of the city, including areas near galleries and museums. The buses are affordable and offer a great way to explore the city. However, the buses can be crowded, and the schedules may not always be reliable.

4. Cab

Cab services like Ola and Uber are widely available in Bangalore. They offer a convenient way to travel around the city, especially if you are travelling in a group or with a lot of luggage. During non-peak hours, cabs can be a comfortable and time-saving option.

5. Bike Rental

If you prefer to explore the city on your own, renting a bike can be a great option. There are several bike rental companies in Bangalore that offer a range of bikes at affordable rates. Riding a bike gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and can be a thrilling way to navigate the city.

Experience the serenity of the city's landscape!

So, Plan Your Trip Here Because...

This city has a rich and brimming art scene, with numerous galleries and museums of Bangalore waiting to be explored — showcasing a diverse range of art forms. Whether you are a traditionalist or a contemporary art enthusiast, there is something for everyone in Bangalore's art palate. So, the next time you are in the city, be sure to explore these galleries and museums and immerse yourself in the beauty of Indian and international art. Mentioned above are some of my favourites that you should definitely visit!