Delhi boasts of a remarkable artistic and cultural heritage, encompassing a diverse range of traditional and contemporary expressions that cater to a wide array of tastes. Moreover, Delhi’s art scene is flourishing at a decent pace, with numerous art aficionados and enthusiasts actively engaging in the creation, purchase, and appreciation of art. In this blog post, we present a compilation of the best places to see art exhibitions in Delhi.
1. National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA)
The National Gallery of Modern Art is a premier art museum located in New Delhi near India Gate. It houses a vast collection of modern and contemporary Indian art. The gallery also organizes several temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Given the potent air-conditioning at the gallery, it’s a perfect activity for a summer weekend in Delhi.
Days & Timings: The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm every day except Mondays and national holidays.
Entry Fee: The entry fee for Indians is Rs. 20, and for foreigners, it is Rs. 500.
Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat, located on the Yellow and Violet lines.
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2. Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) Saket
The Kiran Nadar Museum of Art is a private museum located in Saket, New Delhi. It is the first private museum in India dedicated entirely to contemporary art. The museum has a collection of works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. A gallery beyond just paintings – KNMA, Saket regularly organises art and cultural events that go beyond the art on canvas. These events include classical and contemporary music, dance, talks, fashion, art workshops, talks and much more.
Days & Timings: The museum is open from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm every day except Tuesdays and national holidays.
Entry Fee: Admission is free.
Nearest Metro Station: The nearest metro station is Malviya Nagar, which is located on the Yellow Line. You can take an auto or e-rikshaw from here to reach the gallery.
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3. India Habitat Centre (IHC)
The India Habitat Centre is a multipurpose building located on Lodhi Road, New Delhi. It has several spaces for exhibitions, including the Visual Arts Gallery, Experimental Art Gallery, and the Open Palm Court. The exhibitions at IHC are a mix of traditional and contemporary art forms. We have often seen exhibitions by new and budding artists here. Many a time the artist is also present to interact and take you through the collection. The gallery area has a tiny coffee and dessert counter. We love their coffee, cakes and doughnuts.
Days & Timings: IHC is open from 10 am to 8 pm every day.
Entry Fee: Admission is free.
Nearest Metro Station: The nearest metro station is Jor Bagh, which is located on the Yellow Line. JLN stadium on voilet line is also very close. You get autos and e-rickshaws easily to reach IHC from the metro station.
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4. Lalit Kala Akademi
The Lalit Kala Akademi is an autonomous organization established by the Government of India to promote and preserve visual arts. It has a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and graphics by contemporary Indian artists. The gallery organizes several exhibitions throughout the year, including the prestigious National Exhibition of Art.
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Days & Timings: The gallery is open from 11 am to 7 pm every day except Sundays and national holidays.
Entry Fee: Admission is free.
Nearest Metro Station: The nearest metro station is Mandi House, which is located on the Blue and Violet lines.
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5. National Museum
The National Museum is the largest museum in India and is a treasure trove of artifacts, including art, textiles, jewelry, and sculptures. It also has a separate section dedicated to miniature paintings. The museum organizes several temporary exhibitions throughout the year. They have guided tours with an expert along with self-help recorded guided tours of the gallery in many languages. A souvenir shop here is the perfect place to buy books on art and history and gift items like stationery, bags and colouring books, etc.
Days & Timings: The museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm every day except Mondays and national holidays.
Entry Fee: The entry fee for Indians is Rs. 20, and for foreigners, it is Rs. 650.
Nearest Metro Station: The nearest metro stations are Udyog Bhawan and Patel Chowk, located on the Yellow Line.
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6. Delhi Art Gallery (DAG)
The Delhi Art Gallery DAG is one of the most prominent galleries in India, dedicated to modern and contemporary art as well as traditional forms. It has a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and installations by some of the most renowned artists in India. They organise curated walks and talks on various exhibitions.
The Babu and the Bazaar an art exhibition of Bengal paintings is currently going on at DAG.
Days & Timings: The gallery is open from 11 am to 7 pm every day except Sundays and national holidays.
Entry Fee: Admission is free.
Nearest Metro Station: The nearest metro stations are Patel Chowk or Central Secretariat, located on the Yellow Line.
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7. Bikaner House
Bikaner House is a heritage building located on Pandara Road, New Delhi. It was previously the residence of the Maharaja of Bikaner and has now been converted into a cultural centre. It has a beautiful courtyard and several spaces for exhibitions, including the gallery, auditorium, and outdoor spaces. The exhibitions at Bikaner House are a mix of traditional and contemporary art forms. The open space or amphitheatre is used for many exhibitions and cultural performances. Bikaner House has art and lifestyle stores as well as a couple of restaurants like Diggin and Chore Bizarre on their premises. Parking is available at the venue but it’s mostly full with official vehicles. One can park in the lanes opposite the Bikaner House free of cost.
Days & Timings: The centre is open from 10 am to 7 pm every day.
Entry Fee: Admission is free.
Nearest Metro Station: The nearest metro station is Khan Market, which is located on the Violet Line.
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8. Triveni Kala Sangam
Triveni Kala Sangam is a cultural centre located in Mandi House, very close to the National School Of Drama and Shriram Centre – the theatre hub of New Delhi. It has several spaces for exhibitions on the ground floor as well as the basement. The open-air theater facing the terrace garden is used for classical dance and cultural performances. The exhibitions at Triveni Kala Sangam are a mix of traditional and contemporary art forms ranging from stalwarts to fresh talent in art. A vegetarian eatery called Triveni Terrace Cafe is part of the building and serves good Indian food. Because there is always waiting at the cafe, just put your name on the waiting list and go for the exhibitions. By the time you are done looking at the art, they will call you for dining.
Days & Timings: The center is open from 10 am to 8 pm every day.
Entry Fee: Admission is free.
Nearest Metro Station: The nearest metro station is Mandi House, which is located on the Blue and Violet lines.
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9. National Crafts Museum
The National Crafts Museum is a museum located on Bhairon Marg, New Delhi. It showcases the rich cultural heritage of India through its vast collection of traditional art, crafts, and textiles. The museum also has a separate section dedicated to contemporary crafts. The Madhubani art on the walls and the terracotta horses in the courtyard are very impressive and totally insta-worthy. The museum has a souvenir shop that has a vast collection of home décor and gift items. Café Lota here serves very good Indian food but requires prior table booking on most of the days.
Days & Timings: The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm every day except Mondays and national holidays.
Entry Fee: The entry fee for Indians is Rs. 20, and for foreigners, it is Rs. 200.
Nearest Metro Station: The nearest metro station is Pragati Maidan, which is located on the Blue Line.
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10. Sanskriti Museum – Anandagram
The Sanskriti Museum is a private museum located in Anandagram, near Mehrauli on MG Road, New Delhi. The guiding concept behind the collection appears to be “Art in Life.” In order to convey this idea, the galleries are curated to resemble terracotta votives, clay idols, utensils, textiles, and various other items commonly employed in everyday living. The museum has a collection of over 10,000 artefacts, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles. The lush green lawns at Anandagram make it one of the most well-kept and picturesque locations in Delhi NCR. They also hold residency workshops for authors and artists of various genres.
Days & Timings: The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm every day except Mondays and national holidays
Entry Fee: The entry fee for Indians is Rs. 50, and for foreigners, it is Rs. 200.
Nearest Metro Station: The nearest metro station is Arjangarh Metro Station, which is located on the Yellow Line.
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11. India International Center (IIC)
The India International Center is a cultural centre located near Lodhi Road, New Delhi. It has several spaces for exhibitions, including the Art Gallery and the Conference Room. The exhibitions at India International Center are listed mostly on their website days in advance. The auditorium at IIC keeps screening movies, documentaries and live performances.
Days & Timings: The centre is open from 10 am to 7 pm every day.
Entry Fee: Admission is free.
Nearest Metro Station: The nearest metro station is Jor Bagh, which is located on the Yellow Line. JLN stadium on voilet line is also very close. You get autos and e-rickshaws easily to reach IHC from the metro station.
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12. Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)
The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) is an autonomous institution located in Janpath, New Delhi. It aims to preserve, promote, and showcase India’s rich cultural heritage. The center has several spaces for exhibitions, including the IGNCA Art Gallery, which hosts a wide range of art exhibitions throughout the year. The venue hosts Delhi’s popular North East Festival among many other cultural and art events. A visit to IGNCA is a great way to immerse yourself in Indian culture and art while also exploring the modern and contemporary aspects of Indian art.
Days & Timings: The centre is open from 10 am to 6 pm every day except Mondays and national holidays.
Entry Fee: Admission to the centre is free, but there may be a charge for some exhibitions.
Nearest Metro Station: The nearest metro station is Janpath, which is located on the Violet line.
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In conclusion, Delhi is a city that celebrates its rich cultural heritage, and these places are the perfect testament to that. From traditional to contemporary art forms, these places have something for everyone. Visitors can also explore nearby places like Hauz Khas Village, which has several art galleries, boutiques, and cafes. So if you’re an art enthusiast or just someone who appreciates good art, then these places should be on your must-visit list. Don’t forget to check the timings and nearest metro station before planning your visit, and enjoy your art-filled journey in Delhi!
Delhi Places to Watch and Buy Art in Delhi
India Art Fair
The annual India Art Fair features cutting-edge contemporary and digital artistic talent alongside modern masters. One of the most happening and glamorous art events of Delhi, India Art Fair happens mostly on a weekend and the ticket prices are rather steep.
India Art Festival
India Art Festival is a free event that draws substantial footfall from all walks of life. The event stands out due to its distinctiveness in comparison to numerous other art exhibitions in Delhi. It fosters a more approachable atmosphere, establishing a genuine connection with visitors. In addition to showcasing paintings and sculptures, there are also stalls offering art supplies for sale.
Art Exhibitions at Hotels in Delhi
Various star-rated hotels across Delhi NCR showcase art exhibitions from time to time in their galleries. Ranging from masters to new artists these exhibitions are a delight to watch. The hotels host wine and cheese evenings to inaugurate the exhibitions for visitors.
Art Exhibitions at Embassies in Delhi
Delhi’s embassy exhibitions unfold, a portal to artistic diversity untold. From Peru’s vibrant colours to Italy’s timeless allure, borders dissolve, and cultures allure. A canvas where nations unite, art transcends, igniting hearts alight.
Art Exhibitions in Delhi at Various Institutes
Various educational institutes such as Allianze Fransaice and Shriram Centre for Performing Arts host captivating exhibitions alongside their other events, creating a delightful spectacle for visitors to behold in Delhi.
Rajiv Gandhi Vyapar Bhavan
These Gond paintings hung together as an interesting display are a contemporary twist to a traditional craft.
Dilli Haat
Tanjore Paintings at Dilli Haat
Thanks for sharing your experience at the India Art Festival! It sounds like a really unique and exciting event. I love that it’s free and draws in such a diverse crowd. It’s great to hear that the atmosphere was approachable and welcoming and that you were able to connect with the art and other visitors. There were also stalls selling art supplies, which was a nice touch. I’ll definitely keep this festival in mind if I’m ever in the area!
It is a gala.
Delhi is indeed a treasure trove of art. And so many lovely places for the art lover to appreciate art. Visiting these centres is a complete trail in its own right. My favourites are the Lalit Kala Akademi and the India Habitat Centre. Sandy N Vyjay
We should go together sometime.
India is on my list of countries to visit. I also love art and you post gave me very good places to check out if and when I ever visit.
You must.
This is a well curated list to watch art exhibitions in Delhi. I am saving this post for my next travel to the place. Thanks for sharing
Our pleasure.
Ooohhhh…all these places are new to me. I will start with the National Museum and work my way from there! Thanks for sharing about them.
That would be a good start.
Wow, you included all important details. Loved that you shared nearest metro station as it is very helpful. Got great list of places to visit.
Metro stations of Delhi are a lifeline.
Thanks for such detailed listicles of the Museums and art centers. I was searching for one to cover each and every art places in Delhi . Now I know, where to go and when to go. Thanks for the guide.
Pleasure…Delhi art galleries do need more visibility!