Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) — Attraction in Bengaluru

MAP is free and open for all on Tuesdays and so that's a great day to go and explore the museum. When I visited MAP at first, I was surprised to see the ticketing system. The first two floors are free for all everyday but the next two house exhibitions that are ticketed at 100, 150 INR. But these are also free on Tuesdays.

I loved seeing a dedicated and well-stocked museum shop with a variety of buying options. Albeit, apart from a couple of postcards or bookmarks, most things seemed on the more expensive end of the spectrum. However, the products were unique and beautiful and perfect for art lovers, so if one went prepared to buy from the shop, it would be a great investment. They even have publications that are well researched and beautifully curated and bound, making these one-of-a-kind additions for book lovers, history buffs or art collectors.

I saw the exhibitions on Postcards and loved it. I found it visually appealing, well thought out and evoking nostalgia and longing. As someone who still writes a lot of letters and uses the Indian postal service, I loved that they had an activity option outside of the exhibition: there was a tiny red post box and a stack of inland postcards. You could write a postcard to anyone, address it and drop it into the postbox and MAP would send them out for you. I very much used that opportunity to send a postcard to a friend!

I also explored the exhibition Outside In showcasing works of sculptors Meera Mukherjee and Jaidev Baghel. Loved that too. Unique and well thought out. There is even a short film housed in this exhibition as part of contextualizing what we are taking in and the work of those involved. This video also has Indian Sign Language interpretation running through it, making it accessible for Deaf children and adults. There are also tactile artworks and exhibits in the exhibition and I really enjoyed touching the works, instead of just seeing constantly.

Overall I loved the experience (I went with a friend) and would recommend it for those who like exploring exhibitions on Indian arts and culture.

Disclaimer: I currently work at MAP (since May 2024) but visited the museum a few times before when I first left it the 4 star rating. There are more exhibitions and events going on at the museum but I only reviewed based on what I saw during those times and the effect...

A Cultural Treasure Trove That Bridges the Past and the Present

Tucked in the heart of Bengaluru’s art district, the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) is a refreshing, world-class space that redefines how we engage with Indian art, culture, and history. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a curious explorer, or someone just looking for aesthetic inspiration, MAP offers a multi-sensory experience that is both profound and accessible.

MAP’s architecture is an experience in itself. Minimal yet bold, the building merges contemporary design with thoughtful spatial planning. Natural light floods the interiors, while the muted tones let the art take center stage. The galleries are spacious and immersive, making it easy to lose yourself in the narratives each exhibit offers. There's a feeling of openness and quiet reverence — a perfect setting to reflect, learn, and engage.

The collection spans an impressive range — from modern and contemporary Indian art to photography, textiles, craft, popular culture, and more. MAP doesn’t just showcase art; it tells stories. The curation is sharp, intelligent, and inclusive. One moment you’re admiring a 19th-century print, and the next you’re interacting with a digital installation that challenges how we perceive memory and identity.

MAP beautifully integrates digital elements into the experience. Their interactive screens, AR features, and online extensions make the museum incredibly engaging, especially for younger visitors or first-time museum-goers. The MAP Academy also offers incredible resources, and the QR-code guides in the museum make it easy to dive deeper into what you’re seeing.

The staff and volunteers are warm, welcoming, and incredibly well-informed. They’re happy to guide you, answer questions, or even just share their favorite pieces. It adds a layer of warmth that makes your visit feel personal and memorable.

Don't miss the café on the rooftop, perfect for reflecting on everything you’ve seen. The museum store is beautifully curated too — a great spot to pick up books, crafts, and souvenirs that reflect the...

I went there on a weekday morning and it was not crowded at all. In fact there was hardly anyone.

If you're carrying any bag, you will have to deposit it at the lockers below ground floor, in exchange for a token. They will be kept safe and secure there. A small Smoor outlet is also here on this floor.

The first and second floors are free for exploring. DO NOT FORGET to try out the interactive display on the first floor gallery. It's the most unique feature about the museum and I loved the whole concept. The conservation room is on the second floor, and although the room itself was not open for visitors, there was a large LED screen showing interesting video clips of the conservation process.

Both the exhibitions (Jyoti Bhatt, 3rd floor, and Visible Invisible, 4th floor) are paid (Rs.150). These floors have only the exhibitions, and they are really worth visiting. As a design student, I was floored by Jyoti Bhatt's photographs and the thoughts and concepts behind each one of them. His rough notes were also on display. There is also some AR integration through Instagram for some of his photographs on display, though I could not try it. The 4th floor exhibition was my favourite part of the museum primarily because of the diverse collection of historic and modern pieces. There is an app available for download through a QR code at this exhibition (WiFi available). Using this app you can find more information about the pieces on display.

There is a library also in the museum, but the books are accessible to only those who come for research. You can enter the library, but the books are locked in the shelves.

Overall I had a very enriching and enjoyable experience. I was thrilled by how well maintained everything was and the integration of technology within the museum. The Government Museum on the opposite side of the road can surely take some notes on preserving precious artefacts from...