12.989577.5881Bangalore, Karnataka

MUSEUM

National Gallery of Modern Art - Bangalore's Premier Art Hub

Explore a vast collection of modern and contemporary Indian art housed in the historic Manikyavelu Mansion and its modern extension.

Bangalore, Karnataka2-3 hours11:00 AM – 6:00 PM₹20Photography OKAccessible

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Best Season:September to February is the best time to visit Bangalore, with pleasant and cool weather perfect for exploring the gallery and its gardens. The city's climate is generally moderate year-round, so a visit is possible anytime. The monsoon season, from June to August, can also be a good time for this indoor activity. Avoid the hotter summer months of March to May if you are sensitive to heat, although the gallery itself is climate-controlled.

Duration:2-3 hours

Entry (Indian):₹20

Entry (Foreign):₹500

Photography:Allowed

Parking:Available

Accessible:Yes

Why Visit National Gallery of Modern Art?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in Bangalore is a prominent institution dedicated to modern and contemporary Indian art. The gallery is housed in the Manikyavelu Mansion, a beautifully restored heritage building, which is complemented by a modern, purpose-built gallery block. The collection spans from the 18th century to the present day, showcasing the evolution of artistic styles and movements in India. Visitors can walk through spacious, well-lit halls displaying paintings, sculptures, graphic prints, and photographs by celebrated artists like Raja Ravi Varma, Amrita Sher-Gil, Jamini Roy, and Rabindranath Tagore. The experience flows from the colonial-era charm of the old mansion to the clean, contemporary design of the new wing. Outside, a serene garden dotted with large-scale sculptures provides a quiet space for reflection. The gallery offers a comprehensive look at the journey of Indian art over the last two centuries.

Extensive collection of paintings from the Bengal School

Works by eminent artists like Raja Ravi Varma and Amrita Sher-Gil

The combination of the historic Manikyavelu Mansion and a modern gallery wing

A beautiful sculpture garden featuring large installations

Hosting prestigious national and international art exhibitions

An art reference library with a vast collection of books

Regularly scheduled film screenings and cultural events

Ideal For

Art loversHistory enthusiastsSolo travelersCouplesGroupsPhotographersStudents

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

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BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

Weekends (Saturdays and Sundays), public holidays, and during school vacation periods (April-May).

Moderate

Weekday afternoons (2 PM to 5 PM).

Low Season

Weekday mornings, especially from Tuesday to Friday (11 AM to 1 PM).

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

₹20

Per person

Foreign Visitors

₹500

Per person

Opening Hours

11:00 AM — 6:00 PM

Open on all days except Mondays and National Holidays. Last entry is at 5:30 PM. The ticket counter closes at 5:30 PM.

Indian Adults: ₹20. Foreign Nationals: ₹500. Entry is free for students with valid ID cards. Photography (mobile phone camera only): Free. Professional cameras may have additional charges or require permission.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

#49, Manikyavelu Mansion, Palace Road, Vasanth Nagar

Coordinates

12.9895, 77.5881

Nearest City

Bangalore

Get Directions Open in Maps

How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) is the nearest airport, located approximately 33 km away. It takes about 60-90 minutes to reach the gallery by taxi or ai...

By Train

The nearest major railway stations are Bengaluru Cantonment (2 km) and KSR Bengaluru City Junction (4 km). Both are well-connected to major cities across India....

By Road

The gallery is located on Palace Road, a major thoroughfare in central Bangalore, and is easily accessible by car or bus. It is well-connected to MG Road, Cubbo...

Local Transport

BMTC buses are a convenient and economical option. Auto-rickshaws and cabs (Ola/Uber) are widely available. The Namma Metro's Purple Line (Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Sta...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

The gallery is located in the Manikyavelu Mansion, a colonial-style residence originally owned by the Yuvaraja of Mysore. The mansion was built by Raja Manikyavelu Mudaliar, a manganese mine owner. After India's independence, the property was acquired by the government. In 2000, the Ministry of Cult...

Significance

NGMA Bangalore is a key cultural institution in South India, holding a significant collection that traces the development of modern Indian art. Its importance lies in making the national art collection accessible beyond the capital. Housed in a heritage property, it uniquely combines historical arch...

Travel Tips & Guidelines

Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips

Tips

Visit on a weekday morning between 11 AM and 1 PM for the quietest experience.

Allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the collections in both the heritage and modern wings.

Start your tour from the old mansion to follow the chronological display of art.

Photography is permitted without flash, but check for restrictions in temporary exhibition areas.

Don't miss the sculpture garden outside

it's a peaceful spot with impressive artworks.

Carry a valid student ID card for free entry.

Check the official NGMA website beforehand for information on current special exhibitions or events.

Large bags and backpacks are not allowed inside

use the free cloakroom facility near the entrance.

Safety Tips

Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

Do not touch any of the artworks or display cases.

Use the designated cloakroom to store large bags and valuables for safety.

Follow the directions of the gallery staff and security personnel.

The floors can be slick, so wear shoes with good grip.

In case of an emergency, contact the information desk or the nearest security guard.

Rules & Restrictions

No food or drinks allowed inside the gallery halls.

Large bags, backpacks, and umbrellas must be deposited at the cloakroom.

Touching the artworks is strictly prohibited.

Flash photography and use of tripods are not permitted.

Maintain silence and switch mobile phones to silent mode inside the galleries.

Nearby Attractions

Explore more places near this destination

Bangalore Palace - 1 km

Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium - 1 km

Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park - 1.2 km

Cubbon Park - 2 km

Vidhana Soudha - 2 km

Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum - 2.5 km

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National Gallery of Modern Art - Bangalore's Premier Art Hub

Why Visit National Gallery of Modern Art?

Best Time to Visit

Entry Fees & Timings

Location & Directions

How to Reach

By Air

By Train

By Road

Local Transport

History & Significance

History

Significance

Travel Tips & Guidelines

Tips

Safety Tips

Rules & Restrictions

Nearby Attractions

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