Jaipur House was specifically designed in a butterfly-shaped floor plan by architect Arthur Blomfield.
The institution was formally inaugurated in 1954 by Vice President Dr. S. Radhakrishnan.
The gallery houses rare sketches by Rabindranath Tagore, who began his artistic journey relatively late in life.
The archives include a significant collection of photographs documenting the evolution of Indian modernism.
The museum serves as the nodal point for the Ministry of Culture for art conservation efforts.
The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) is the premier institution for modern Indian art, housing over 14,000 works spanning from the 1850s to the present. It is headquartered in the former Jaipur House, the erstwhile residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The collection features seminal works by the 'Nine Masters,' including Abanindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, and Raja Ravi Varma. The museum’s layout integrates the historic palace architecture with a contemporary wing designed by architect R.M. Bina. The grounds display large-scale outdoor sculptures, providing a transition between the formal interior galleries and the surrounding lawns. The gallery functions as a repository for the country's cultural heritage, prioritizing artists from the Bengal School and the Bombay Progressive Artists' Group.
The wide, elegant staircase inside the main Jaipur House foyer.
Focus on the 'Nine Masters' gallery first, as it contains the most historically significant works.
Utilize the museum library if you are interested in deep research on Indian art history.
Check the temporary exhibition calendar online, as the gallery frequently rotates works from its vast storage collection.
Do not attempt to walk from the nearest metro station in summer heat; use a cab for the final leg.
Closed on Mondays and national holidays.
Maintain silence in gallery spaces; photography of specific artworks may be restricted by signs.
