Mumbai holds an interesting slice of history all preserved in its alleys, architecture, and museums hosting displays and walk-in exhibitions. The National Gallery of Modern Art in the city’s Fort area provides a glimpse into the rapidly changing eras of Indian civilization. From the works of Pablo Picasso to Egyptian artifacts, all have graced its corridors seeped in ancient history. If you plan a visit soon, here’s a detailed guide on what to expect.
The National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai
The National Gallery of Modern Art (or NGMA), Mumbai, is a leading art gallery and a subsequent branch of the main art gallery in New Delhi. A subordinate office of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, this museum cum art gallery promises to pique the interest of all modern art and history lovers alike.
Opened to the public in 1996, it houses a collection of iconic paintings and sculptures from different historical periods. Present in a gorgeous colonial building exuding a graceful aura, a walk through its sumptuous galleries across multiple floors offers a journey back in time.
History and architecture of the NGMA, Mumbai
The marvelous building of the NGMA, Mumbai, dates back to 1911 built by the British architect George Wittet. What we see now is a complete redesign undertaken by famous architect, Romi Khosla. From balconies shaped like horseshoes to spiral stairways leading to meridian galleries, NGMA remains an architectural wonder.
After a 12-year renovation period, NGMA gifted the city a space where art and history would be preserved and celebrated. It houses five exhibition galleries, an auditorium, a library, a cafeteria, and storage space. The CJ Hall was converted to the NGMA and opened for public access in 1996.
Upon the museum’s initiation, it featured an exhibition on the Progressive Artists’ Group. The hall soon became a center of artistic activities, concerts, and political meetings. Over the years, its haloed halls saw recitals by Yehudi Menuhin and Paul Robeson, as well as freedom speeches and gatherings led by the Nationalist Greats, such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, and more.
A guide: What to see at the NGMA, Mumbai?
One of the most magnificent museums in Mumbai, the NGMA holds a trove of period and contemporary Indian art. These include paintings, sculptures, and theme-based installations- some going back to 1857!
🖼️Paintings
A wing of the museum is entirely dedicated to paintings. These galleries display artworks from the NGMA’s vast collection, highlighting modern artists who remained instrumental in shaping contemporary art scenes across the globe.
You can admire beautiful works by Raja Ravi Varma, M.F. Husain, Jamini Roy, Shankar Palsikar, Shivax Chavda, and the legendary artist Pablo Picasso along with 14,000 other artworks. These pieces range from watercolours to oil on canvas.
🎥Film Billboards
Displays of Balkrishna Vaidya’s captivating work are an iconic stop when wandering across the gallery’s saturated halls. A well-known billboard painter, he spent his life crafting billboards for many hit Bollywood films. His emotive portrayals of actresses from the 1970s and the 1980s have left a lasting impression on Indian cinema.
🗿Sculptures
The museum exhibits a remarkable collection of statues and sculptures crafted by renowned sculptors who excelled at using unconventional materials and textures. Works by Ramkinkar Baij, Meera Mukherjee, Pradosh Dasgupta, Piloo Pochkhanwala, Adi Davierwala, Deepan Paunikar, Vaibhav Jain, and others are on display.
The collection features sculptures crafted from welded metal, bronze, iron, pink marble, white marble, and brass among others. Some pieces depict Indian deities, while others are abstract with touches of modernism.
🏺Egyptian Mummies
At par with the Indian Museum in Kolkata, the NGMA, in Mumbai also has an intriguing display of Egyptian mummies, statues, and artifacts.
Current exhibitions at the NGMA, Mumbai
🖼️Chitrakavyam Ramayanam
📅Till 8th September 2024
🕗Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
(Closed on Mondays & National Holidays)
🖼️Shakti – Fair & Fierce
📅Till 8th September 2024
🕗Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
(Closed on Mondays & National Holidays)
The NGMA, Mumbai: Timings and Entry Fees
If you wish to visit the NGMA, Mumbai, it is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The gallery remains closed on Mondays and National Holidays. The entry fee for Indians is INR 20. For tourists, the entry fee is INR 500.