A part of Indiaonline network empowering local businesses
Home city guide national gallery of modern art

National Museum of Modern Art in Delhi

Modern Art Museum Delhi

The historical national capital city of New Delhi is host to several historical sites, parks, museums, theaters, and forts. However, it fuses the past with the present by housing the National Gallery of Modern Art. 


Since art flourishes here, the country saw the need to preserve and protect its unique craftsmanship and art forms by promoting various art forms and so keep the tradition of Indian art alive and in our midst.

History of NGMA:

The idea of having a National Art Gallery was first proposed in 1949 by the then Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru and Maulana Azad, and art conscious bureaucrats such as Humayun Kabir. On March 29, 1954.


The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) was inaugurated by India’s Vice-President Dr. S Radhakrishanan. It was decided to use Jaipur House, a leading stately edifice of Lutyen’s Delhi, to bore testimony to the high-profile stature of this gallery. 


Jaipur House

Jaipur House was designed by Sir Arthur Bloomfield as the Maharaja of Jaipur’s residence. It is a butterfly-shaped building with a dome in the middle and was built as early as 1936.


It was based on a concept of the Central Hexagon, as Sir Edwin Lutyens had visualized. Jaipur House was designed to encircle the India Gate area. The building was made distinctive by this famous architect by putting together several harmonious facades.


The gallery’s inauguration was held with an exhibition of sculptures. Famous sculptors of the time such as Debi Prasad Roy Chowdhury, Sankho Chaudhuri, Ramkinkar Baij, Sarbari Roy Chowdhury, Dhanraj Bhagat among others exhibited their work here.


The first curator of the National Museum Of Modern Art was the famous German art historian, Herman Goetz, also responsible for establishing the Baroda Museum. Over some time, the gallery added on new facilities such as art restoration, a documentation center, and an art reference library.

Aims and objectives of NGMA:

The main aims and objectives of the National Gallery of Modern Art Delhi are to acquire and preserve modern art collected from the 1850s to the present times. This gallery is also responsible for developing, organizing, and maintaining galleries to make permanent displays possible.


It also organizes special exhibitions at its present location and in other parts of the country and abroad. This gallery is also concerned with developing a documentation center and an education center which would acquire, preserve and maintain documents about modern artworks. 


Another chief aim of this gallery is to develop an art library of books, photos, journals, and audio-visual materials. Besides the above, this gallery is also into organizing lectures, conferences, and lectures and encourages students to take advanced courses and undertake research in art related-subjects such as art history, art appreciation, art criticism, museology, and the relations between the visual and the performing arts.


Apart from the above, the gallery’s chief concern lies in ensuring that its quality of work is always excellent. Lastly, the NGMA teaches people to appreciate modern art with understanding, knowledge, and joy.


art

Collections at National Gallery of Modern Art

  • The Triumph of Labor, a huge bronze sculpture greets the visitors at the entrance. This sculpture by D.P Roy Chaudhury sheds light on the pathetic state of poor laborers in the country and forces one to have a share of their struggle.

  • Articles which were obtained from the Government Treasury including ceremonial chairs, velvet drapes, silver objects, made specifically for the 1911 Delhi Durbar.

  • Paintings and sculptures from the 1770-1850 period; Royal portraits, inspired from European ideas, commonly of the Company School are also present.The most engrossing one is of Queen Alexandra and King Edward VII, being portrayed as typical Indian couple.

  • A new phase in the artistic history of India was born in British run schools in cities like Madras, Calcutta. Oil palettes, European techniques of sculpture were introduced. The works of artists like Ravi Verma, M.F Pithawala, are displayed.

  • Works from the famous Bengal School of the 1900's, especially those of Abanindranath Tagore's "Advent of the Rainy Season" in wash and tempera, Nandlal Bose's "Head of Siva", Ramkinkar's "Goat and Coolie from Shillong".

  • Unique collection of works of Rabindranath Tagore like "Head Study", "Veiled Lady". Tagore painted about 2000 pictures, emanating basically from his habit of doodling on manuscripts, correcting lines and verses.

  • Undisputed favorites are Amrita Shergill's "Sumair", "Self Portrait", "The Bathers" and many more.The Dancing Girl by Rabindranath Tagore

  • Mysore and Tanjore paintings from South India,are simple,subtle yet catchy. Mysore paintings are done on paper while the Tanjore ones on cloth stretched over wood.

  • Bringing the essence of the Patas of Orissa, the traditional and rural paintings of Jamini Roy are very beautiful.

  • Abstract style with bold use of color, line and texture is depicted in the paintings of M.F. Hussain. His painting "Zamin" is an illustrative of the style of this well known painter.

  • There are works of Vivan Sundaram, Bhupen Khakar and Ghulam Mohammed Sheik of the eminent Baroda Group.

Noteworthy are the paintings "Temple Door" by Gaganendranath Tagore, Tyeb Mehta's "The Gesture no.2" , Ram Kumar's "Flight" and "Mataji" by Anjoli Ela Menon.

Location:

Situated at the far end of Rajpath, this gallery faces the India Gate. The gallery is housed in the former palace of the Maharaja of Jaipur, hence it is known as Jaipur House. Structure of the gallery: The NGMA is India’s premier institution in this space. It is run as the Department of Culture, Government of India’s subordinate office. It has two national branches—one at Mumbai and another at Bengaluru.

Significance of NGMA:

This National Gallery Of Modern Art, Delhi holds a lot of significance to the people of India because it is a repository of the country’s cultural philosophy. It is responsible for showcasing the art forms that have changed and evolved over the past 150 years, beginning from 1857 in the area of Visual and Plastic arts. Today, the collection of art at this museum is the best in terms of contemporary and modern art in India.

The NGMA today:

The NGMA is India’s top art gallery. It has a fantastic collection of over 14,000 works of artists such as Raja Ravi Verma, Abanindranath Tagore, Rabindranath Tagore, Jamini Roy, Thomas Daniell, Gaganendranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Amrita Sher-Gil and foreign artists too, besides sculptures by several artists. Some of its oldest collections go all the way back to 1857.

Apart from the art work, this modern art museum, Delhi expanded its operations with an additional wing which increased the gallery area by over six times. At first, this gallery was meant for concerts but later it was converted into an art gallery.

Photography, bags and cameras:

Photography is allowed on the first floor of this gallery but on the second and top floors where fine art paintings are exhibited, photography is not allowed.  Bags and cameras too aren’t allowed inside. There is strict security all over the gallery and as you walk through the gallery, you will find yourself in a peaceful environment.

Gallery timings:

The gallery is open to visitors from 10 am to 5 pm except on Mondays and national holidays.

Entry fees:

While adult Indians are charged Rs. 10 to enter the gallery, students and children are charged a nominal Re. 20, foreign nationals are charged Rs. 200 per head.

Address:

National Gallery of Modern Art
Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India
Jaipur House, India Gate
New Delhi - 110003
Email: ngma.delhi@gmail.com.
Tel: 011 - 011 2338 4640, Extn. 225

Read More National Zoological Park in DelhiYoga Centers in Delhi, Yashwant Place, Yamuna River in Delhi, NGOs for Women in DelhiWine Shops in Delhi, Wildlife Sanctuaries Near DelhiWholesale Markets in Delhi, Map of West Delhi District,Volvo Bus Service from Delhi, Delhi OnlineVintage Camera Museum DelhiFoundation of Shanti Stupa DelhiHistory of Digambar Jain Mandir DelhiList of Bank Branches in Delhi, Economic System of DelhiBanquet Halls in Delhi, Big Bazaar Delhi, Catering Services in Delhi, Apollo Hospital Delhi, National Childrens Museum New Delhi

Explore more about Delhi Tourism

Major Cities You Must Know

Are you a Business Owner?

Add the products or services you offer

Promote your business on your local city site and get instant enquiries

+ LIST YOUR BUSINESS FOR FREE