When looking for things to do in the city, you don’t always have to settle for dinners or lunches in Mumbai’s best restaurants, or make your way to dim-lit bars in town with your buddies. Particularly if you consider yourself a bit of an art connoisseur, you shouldn’t pass up on the amazing art galleries saturating the city. From traditional to postmodern and contemporary art, here’s our top pick of inspiring art galleries in Mumbai.
1. Jehangir Art Gallery
Named after Sir Cowasji Jehangir- a prominent representative of the Parsi community during the independence of India- Jehangir Art Gallery houses paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photographs, and more. Since its inception in 1952, the gallery has hosted exhibitions by notable artists as S.H. Raza, Anjolie Ela Menon and M.F. Hussain, among others.
📍 161B, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort
2. Method Art Space
Another Kala Ghoda gem, Method is an independent art space committed to representing artists of all genders and backgrounds. It serves as a platform for emerging and established urban, street and contemporary artists to exhibit and sell their creations. Art collectors can purchase the artwork online or at the gallery. With so many different products to choose from, from sketches and paintings to wearables, there is something for every taste.
📍 86, Nagindas Master Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort
3. DAG
Next on our list of vibrant art galleries in Mumbai is Delhi Art Gallery, the world’s largest institution of 18th to 20th century Indian art. Located inside a luxury hotel, it offers visitors a dynamic and immersive experience and introduces new generations to the rich Indian cultural heritage. Moreover, DAG organises a range of outreach programmes, workshops and events, including Museums Programme about the role of art in the creation of worldviews and Curious Curatorium for young researchers.
📍 The Taj Mahal Palace, Arthur Bunder Rd, Apollo Bandar, Colaba
4. Rhythm Art Gallery
Rhythm Art Gallery is not just one of the best art galleries in the city; it’s also a window into the modern, artistic landscape in India. With experts on site to give you tips and tailor your experience to your interests and means, you’re guaranteed to find a special piece for your home. The curators have been in the art business for more than 30 years with a mission to democratise art and make it affordable for everybody, so you’re in more than capable hands.
📍 3, Ramjanki, 356, Linking Rd, Khar West
5. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
If you’re in Kala Ghoda exploring some of Mumbai’s most important sights, you shouldn’t pass up on a visit to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. The museum displays the history of India from prehistoric to modern times. However, you can also find priceless artistic works of a range of materials and techniques in its interiors, be they local or Buddhist, Asian and European Decorative artefacts. Walk through the sculpture gallery, get acquainted with Chinese porcelain, Japanese art and make a stop at the Indian miniature paintings section!
📍 159-161, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort
6. Nehru Centre Art Gallery
The Art Gallery of the Nehru Centre was created in 1992 and has since housed a great number of exhibitions, showcasing paintings, sculptures, calligraphy, photography, graphics, ceramics and textile-paintings. Located in Worli, the Nehru Centre spans a 20,000 sq ft space that comprises a Planetarium, an Auditorium, five Exhibition Halls, the Discovery of India Exhibition, an experimental theatre, a library and a research centre. The art gallery frequently holds seminars, festivals and workshops related to arts and crafts, both for children and adults.
📍 Ground Floor, Dr Annie Besant Rd, Lotus Colony, Worli
7. Artequest Art Gallery
Artequest houses authentic and original paintings for art collectors interested in contemporary art. If you’re dipping your toe in art collection, the art gallery is there to help. Its experts will teach you a thing or two about investing in art and how to properly take care of your artwork once you’ve brought it home. In addition, they’ve collaborated in numerous national and global art fairs, promoting young up-and-coming artists in India.
📍 A3, 103 – BGTA Ganga Premises, Opp. New Cuffe Parade-Lodha, Wadala (East)
8. National Gallery of Modern Art
Located in the former auditorium of the Sir Cowasji Jehangir Public Hall (hence the huge sign in the front), the National Gallery of Modern Art features paintings by famous Indian artists such as Raja Ravi Varma and M. F. Husain. Make sure to check out any temporary exhibitions or special displays, because they often focus on specific themes and art movements.
📍 WRGJ+8H4, Sir Cowasji Jahangir Public Hall, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Fort
9. Chemould
One of Mumbai’s oldest and most notable contemporary art galleries, the Chemould was established in 1963 by Kekoo and Khorshed Gandhy. The gallery is said to have played a significant role in shaping India’s contemporary art scene. Over the years, it has displayed artworks and installations by Tyeb Mehta, Bhupen Khakhar, and many others. In addition to hosting regular exhibitions, Chemould Art Gallery also engages in collaborations with international galleries, institutions and education initiatives.
📍 3rd floor, Queens Mansion, Ghanshyam Talwatkar Marg, Fort and 2nd floor, Sugra Manzil, BEST Marg, Colaba
10. Studio3 Art Gallery
Studio3 Art Gallery has been around for 22 years, aiming to showcase local talent on an international platform. The creative art gallery was founded by art collector Vinita Mirchandani, who, along with her team, has carefully curated special pieces by more than 400 artists.
📍 Nagin Mahal, Veer Nariman Road, Near Ambassador Hotel, Churchgate
11. Jaya He GVK New Museum
Inaugurated in 2014, Jaya He GVK New Museum is just a tad bit different from the rest. Located inside the Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, its extensive collection of modern Indian art sets it apart as a destination in itself for travellers passing through the airport. With over 7000 pieces from every region of India spread across three levels, you’ll get a deeper understanding and appreciation of the country’s rich heritage.
📍 BIBA, Terminal 2, Navpada, Sahar Village, Vile Parle
12. Institute of Contemporary Indian Art
Explore three floors packed with multicoloured contemporary paintings, sculptures and drawings at the Institute of Contemporary Indian Art. Located yet again in Mumbai’s art district, the ICIA was created in 2007 by the Safset group, who claim to have launched Mumbai’s biggest, private grassroots venue for art. Its walls have seen artwork by the likes of Anjolie Ela Menon, Jogen Chowdhury and Annu Agarwal.
📍 ICIA Building, Rampart Row, Next to Rampart House, Kala Ghoda
13. Art & Charlie
Solidifying its roots inside a Pali hill bungalow, Art and Charlie is a brainchild of Ayesha Parikh. Post her corporate career in London, Ayesha moved back to her home city to launch a gallery dealing with the nuances faced in the elite Indian art world. Creating a space welcoming creatives from all backgrounds and not just old art collectors, Art and Charlie bridges the gap between the common people and the Indian art world. With a gift shop in place, the gallery further hosts a small Subko booth dishing out delicious coffees.
📍 71A Pali Village, New Red House inside Pali Village
14. 47-A
Perched in the lanes of Khotachiwadi, 47-A with its blue-washed walls and French windows presents to the city the art of landmark design. With its corridors further saturated with archival images of the beloved Mumbai neighbourhood itself, the gallery is rendered a lovely pitstop while exploring the pastel alleys of Khotachiwadi.
📍 Khotachiwadi, Ambewadi, Girgaon
15. Sakshi Gallery
Founded by Geeta Mehra in 1984, Sakshi Gallery has held works of prominent Indian and international artists like MF Hussain, KG Subramanyan, Nalini Malani, Gregory Crewdson, Julian Opie and El Anatsui. With a dedication towards nurturing upcoming artists, the gallery further works with emerging talents. They even participate in a handful of international art fairs and have curated exhibitions in global art capitals.
📍 3rd Pasta Ln, Railway Colony, Apollo Bandar, Colaba