Are you an art lover ever looking for art galleries to your list? Well, look no further than the Jehangir Art Gallery in Southern Mumbai, where art meets prestige, and history blends with creativity!
Let me take you on a tour of this amazing venue that has been gracing the art scene since 1952. Funded by the generous Cowasji Jehangir, this gallery has hosted some of the most prominent artists in the country, including the legendary M. F. Hussain and S. H. Raza. Trust me; these guys weren’t waiting in line at the DMV; they were waiting for up to two years to get their exhibits showcased here!
Did you know that the gallery’s premises used to be an enormous mansion? Now, it boasts four halls, including an exhibition gallery, an auditorium hall, a terrace art gallery for photography and visual art, and the Hirji Jehangir Gallery. With around 300 shows per annum, you’ll never be short of artistic expression here.
Here’s a funny fact for you – artists who don’t make it to the gallery end up displaying their work on the pavement right outside! I guess it’s a bit like being the cool kids at school who hang out in the parking lot.
But let’s get to the juicy bits of the story of Jehangir Art Gallery. Inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Bombay on January 21, 1952, this art venue was a cornerstone in reviving Indian Art. Designed by Durga Bajpai, it was one of the very first concrete structures in the city, and it still stands tall today, ready to welcome art enthusiasts from all over the world.
And if that’s not enough to whet your cultural appetite, the gallery also houses Cafe Samovar and Natesans – the country’s oldest licensed antique dealer. It’s a one-stop-shop for all things art and culture!
So, if you’re looking for a place to admire some fantastic art and soak up some Indian culture, head over to the Jehangir Art Gallery. You can reach the gallery from Shyam Prasad Mukherjee Chowk in Kalaghoda, Fort area, by private or state bus services or by hiring a cab or auto. The nearest railhead is CST, from where you can hire a taxi to get to the gallery. Don’t forget to say hi to the pavement artists on your way in!