AIFACS was established under the patronage of several prominent public figures, including members of the erstwhile British Indian administration and Indian nationalists, to bridge traditional and modern artistic practices.
The society has been instrumental in the 'All India Annual Art Exhibition' since its inception, which remains one of the oldest continuing national art events in India.
The gallery complex contains specialized galleries such as the 'AIFACS Gallery' and the 'Art Gallery' that allow for concurrent exhibitions of different mediums.
AIFACS has played a pivotal role in documenting the evolution of Indian modernism by maintaining a consistent archive of award-winning submissions from its annual competitions.
The All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society (AIFACS) gallery is a historic cultural institution in New Delhi founded in 1928 to promote the fine arts in India. The building serves as a multidisciplinary hub, featuring multiple exhibition halls that host rotating displays of contemporary Indian paintings, sculptures, and photography. It is known for its role as a premier platform for emerging artists to showcase their works alongside established figures. The society periodically organizes national-level exhibitions, workshops, and seminars on art history and technique. Its architecture reflects the mid-20th-century aesthetic common to institutional buildings in the Lutyens' Delhi zone. The gallery maintains an extensive permanent collection of contemporary art acquired through its various annual exhibitions.
The main lobby entrance displays a distinct architectural style and historical plaques relevant to the society's foundation.
Check the official website or physical notice boards upon arrival, as exhibition themes change frequently.
The gallery is relatively quiet compared to nearby tourist hubs, making it ideal for deep study of individual pieces.
Photography policies vary by specific exhibition; always ask the gallery staff before taking photos of individual works.
Do not mistake the administrative offices for the exhibition areas; ensure you enter through the designated gallery wing.
Closed on Mondays and major national public holidays.
Maintain a quiet volume; keep a respectful distance from canvases and sculptures to avoid triggering security sensors.
