The idea of a National art gallery was first mooted in 1949, and further developed by Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru and Maulana Azad, bureaucrats such as Humayun Kabir and the local art community. Vice-president Dr. S.Radhakrishnan formally inaugurated the NGMA in the presence of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and artists and art lovers of the city on 29 March 1954. The choice of Jaipur House, one of the premier edifices of Lutyens’ Delhi, signified the envisaged high profile of the institution. Designed by Sir Arthur Blomfield, as a residence for the Maharaja of Jaipur, the butterfly-shaped building with a central dome was built in 1936. It was styled after a concept of the Central Hexagon visualised by Sir Edwin Lutyens. It was Lutyens, along with Herbert Baker, who visualized and gave shape to the new capital in Delhi. Along with buildings designed for other princely potentates like Bikaner and Hyderabad, Jaipur House girded the India Gate circle. NGMA's inauguration was marked by an exhibition of sculptures. Prominent sculptors of the time including Debi Prasad Roy Chowdhury, Ramkinkar Baij, Sankho Chaudhuri, Dhanraj Bhagat, Sarbari Roy Chowdhury and others had participated. The show was prepared by NGMA's first curator Herman Goetz. A noted German art historian, Goetz had earlier been responsible for setting up the Baroda Museum. The Gallery is run and administered as a subordinate office to the Department of Culture, Government of India, and showcases the changing art forms through the passage of the last hundred and fifty years starting from about 1857 in the field of Visual...
Read moreThe National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) is a prestigious institution dedicated to modern and contemporary art in India. With its branches in New Delhi and Mumbai, it serves as a prominent platform for the exhibition, preservation, and promotion of Indian and international modern art.
The NGMA houses an extensive collection of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, and more. It showcases the works of renowned Indian artists as well as influential international artists, offering visitors a diverse and enriching artistic experience.
The gallery plays a vital role in fostering dialogue and appreciation for modern and contemporary art. It hosts curated exhibitions, retrospectives, and thematic displays that explore various artistic movements and perspectives. These exhibitions often feature educational programs, workshops, and interactive sessions, making art accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages.
The architecture of the NGMA itself is noteworthy, blending traditional and modern elements. The spacious galleries and well-curated displays create an inviting and immersive environment for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Visiting the National Gallery of Modern Art provides an opportunity to explore the evolution of Indian art, witness groundbreaking works, and gain insights into the creative processes of artists. It is a must-visit destination for those interested in the vibrant world of modern and contemporary...
Read moreThe National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) is India's premier art gallery, located in Jaipur House, New Delhi. Established on March 29, 1954, it boasts a collection of over 17,000 works by more than 2,000 artists, including Indian masters like Raja Ravi Verma, Amrita Sher-Gil, and Rabindranath Tagore, as well as foreign artists .
Collections and Exhibitions
The NGMA's collection spans various art forms, including paintings, sculptures, graphics, and photographs. Some notable collections include:
Indian Miniatures: featuring vibrant Company, Kalighat, and Tanjore schools of paintings Bengal School: showcasing works by Abanindranath Tagore and his followers Modern Indian Art: with pieces by artists like Nandalal Bose, Jamini Roy, and Gaganendranath Tagore International Modern Art: featuring works by artists like Jacob Epstein, Giorgio de Chirico, and Sonia Delaunay
The NGMA has hosted numerous exhibitions over the years, including shows on Indian women artists, contemporary French art, and Indian contemporary art .
Museum and Architecture
The NGMA is housed in the historic Jaipur House, a former residential palace of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The building, designed by Sir Arthur Blomfield, features a unique butterfly-shaped design with a central dome .
Branches and Outreach
The NGMA has branches in Mumbai and Bangalore, and has organized exhibitions and programs to promote modern and contemporary...
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