National Gallery of Modern Art Bangalore (Entry Fee, Timings, Entry Ticket Cost, Price)

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A mansion amidst trees is what National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) Bangalore looks like from outside. A small garden with blooming flowers, a glistening pool and a fountain also surround this art gallery. So, whether or not you are into arts, the National Gallery of Modern Art is a must-visit tourist place in Bangalore.

NGMA is the house to some marvellous paintings, photographs and sculptures of earlier times. It showcases the work of many modern and contemporary Indian artists. And you can browse the exhibitions yourself, or take one of the guided tours.

National Gallery of Modern Art is also a hub of art activities and a major cultural centre in Bangalore. It hosts various art workshops, film screenings, and seminars throughout the year.

The art gallery also has a small cafe, a reference library and a shop.

Where is the National Gallery of Modern Art Bangalore?

The National Gallery of Modern Art and Museum is in Manikyavelu Mansion, Palace Road. The walls of the gallery are adorned with works of artists like Raja Ravi Verma, Rabindranath Tagore and many others. And you can also enjoy various art-related events in its open-air theatre and auditorium. This gallery is quite popular among art connoisseurs.

History of National Gallery of Modern Art Bangalore

The Manikyavelu Mansion, in which the National Gallery of Modern Art is present, belonged to Raja Manikyavelu Mudaliar. He owned several manganese and chrome mines, which he leased and built his fortune.

However, the City Improvement Trust (currently the Bengaluru Development Authority) acquired this house during an auction. Then, in 2000, it was given to the Ministry of Culture. The restoration of the mansion began in 2003. And in 2009, National Gallery of Modern Art Bangalore was open to the public. New gallery blocks were also added to the building.

Image Gallery of National Gallery of Modern Art Bangalore

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Architecture of National Gallery of Modern Art

The original Manikyavelu Mansion is a two-storeyed building which is now the art museum. It is built as a colonial-style residential building. The rooms and exhibition halls are spacious. And the huge windows allow ample sunlight to light the rooms brightly. The windows also offer a picturesque view of the lawns outside the building.

Two new blocks were added later; making this art gallery three times the size of the original mansion. These gallery blocks are built in a similar style, on both sides of the old building.

NGMA Bangalore spans across 3.5 acres, with lush green gardens and shady trees. The premise has an open sculpture courtyard which serves as a creative workspace, and a 100-seater auditorium for various events.

Also, the library, shop and cafeteria transformed this gallery from a museum to a cosy place to spend time.

Things to do at National Gallery of Modern Art

Here, you can browse around 500 paintings and art exhibits. The collection is displayed on two floors, across a corridor, multiple rooms and spacious halls. These are classified into different categories and timelines. You can also see paintings by different art schools and artists. The NGMA exhibition includes the works by Raja Ravi Verma, Rabindranath Tagore, Amrita Sher-Gil and many other contemporary artists.

Then, you can see sculptures by S. Dhanpal and Kanayi Kunhiraman. Various other Indian miniatures and sculptures are also a part of the collection. From modern and post-modern artworks to traditional forms, this gallery hosts a varied range of art displays.

Apart from the permanent exhibition, the National Gallery of Modern Art showcases other national and international exhibitions too. Guided gallery walks and workshops are organised here. And you can also attend seminars on art and culture, film screenings, and various educational programs for children.

The art gallery also hosts dance performances and storytelling sessions from time to time.

NGMA Bangalore boasts of a green campus too. You can catch some fresh air among the trees, or soak in the beauty of the place sitting on stone benches by the pool. Then, you can buy souvenirs from the National Gallery of Modern Art shop or spend time in the cafe.

You might also get a chance to meet some artists, while in the gallery or the garden.

National Gallery of Modern Art Bangalore Timings and Entry Fee

National Gallery of Modern Art Bangalore is open from 10 AM to 5 PM. Except for Mondays, it is open every day of the week. Entry is closed during national holidays, though. The entrance fee of NGMA Bangalore is ₹20 for Indians and ₹500 for foreigners. Also, the entry is free for students (up to XII Class), but an ID card issued by the school is a must.

In the garden and open-air exhibitions, you can take as many photographs as you want. But inside the building, photography is prohibited. Also, professional photography is charged at ₹1,000 per image.

Best time to visit National Gallery of Modern Art

The National Gallery of Modern Art is an indoor gallery. So, any season and any time during the given hours would be a good time to visit. Bangalore, however, allows for a pleasant visit during the winter months, from November to February. So, you would be able to explore the entire premise, if you visit this art gallery and museum in winter.

Plan your visit on the weekdays to avoid any heavy rush. Also, since it’s an indoor gallery, you can visit it even during the monsoon and post-monsoon months.

Time to explore NGMA Bangalore

You can spend around 1-2 hours exploring the paintings, sculptures and other artworks on display. On some days, you can also take part in the events organised here. Then, you also have the garden, the poolside, and the library to check out.

How to reach the National Gallery of Modern Art Bangalore?

National Gallery of Modern Art is on the Palace Road, Bangalore. It is among the magnificent mansions of Bangalore, and it is easily accessible from all parts of the city. It is about 4 km away from KSR Bengaluru Railway Station and Kempegowda Majestic Bus Stand. The airport, Kempegowda International Airport, is about 30 km away from this art gallery.

And here are the different travel options to reach National Gallery of Modern Art –

By metro – The National Gallery of Modern Art nearest metro station is MG Road (Bengaluru Namma Metro, Purple Line). From the metro station, the gallery is about 3km away, and you can take a rickshaw, auto or taxi to be here.

By bus – BMTC public buses connect this art gallery to all places in the city. Basaveshwara Circle Sophiya School is the nearest bus stop, only about 500 m away. You can walk the distance or take a rickshaw; whatever feels convenient.

By taxi/cab – You can also book a taxi or full-day cab from top car rental companies in Bangalore to visit NGMA Bangalore. It would be the most comfortable way to explore Bangalore. And it will take you about 30 minutes to an hour to reach this art gallery from other parts of the city.

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Location Map for National Gallery of Modern Art Bangalore