MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
1. Chemould Prescott Road Gallery
G T Marg, Fort Area • Open 11am–7pm Mon–Sat • www.gallerychemould.com
One of Mumbai’s oldest galleries, this was once home to the Progressive Artists’ Group in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Today, it hosts works by varied contemporary Indian artists.
2. National Gallery of Modern Art
Boasting the country’s most significant collection of modern and contemporary art, this gallery is housed in the Sir Cowasji Jehangir Public Hall building. It was opened in 1996 as a branch of the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi. Today, its permanent collection include works by greats such as M F Hussain and V S Gaitonde.
An exhibit at the NGMA
3. Volte
202, Sumer Kendra, Pandurang Buhadkar Marg, Worli • Open 11am–7pm Mon–Sat • www.volte.in
Ranging from unique Tibetan artists, to eminent names in art, such as Ranbir Kaleka and James Turrell, Volte in the hip Colaba district offers one of Mumbai’s most exciting art experiences.
4. Jehangir Art Gallery
With seven exhibition halls, including an auditorium, this prominent gallery has hosted works by famed artists such as S H Raza, Anjolie Ela Menon and Akbar Padamsee. Out of 300 annual shows, its Monsoon Art Show focuses on works by emerging artists.
5. Galerie Mirchandani + Steinruecke
Mereweather Rd, Colaba • 022 2202 3030 • Open 11am–7pm Tue–Sat • www.galeriems.com
Located in a well-lit, 186-sq m (2,000-sq ft) space in the trendy Colaba area, this gallery, run by a mother-daughter duo, exhibits a carefully curated list of works by international as well as local talent.
6. Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya
Mahatma Gandhi’s Mumbai home houses over 50,000 books and photographs from his life. From this site, Gandhi initiated Satyagraha (a form of non-violent resistance) against the Rowlatt Act, and also championed the Swadeshi movement and Hindu-Muslim unity. In addition to personal memorabilia, it showcases facets of the administrative rule under the British Raj, as well as the political movements launched by Gandhi.
Mahatma Gandhi’s personal effects
7. Institute of Contemporary Indian Art
Rampart Row, Kala Ghoda • 022 2204 8138 • Open 11am–7pm daily • Adm • www.icia.in
The interesting Institute of Contemporary Indian Art exhibits works by masters such as Anjolie Ela Menon as well as contemporary artists including A Shahabuddin. It hosts multiple gallery shows every year and is an important name in Mumbai’s art heritage.
The well-lit interior of Institute of Contemporary Indian Art
8. Nehru Science Centre
Dr Annie Besant Rd, Worli • 022 2496 4676 • Open timings and adm charges vary (check website for details) • www.nehru-centre.org
A memorial to India’s first prime minister, the centre was conceived to promote Jawahar Lal Nehru’s vision. Housing a science centre and planetarium, a library, as well as cultural and art wings, the centre regularly organizes educational activities across disciplines.
9. Chatterjee & Lal
Arthur Bunder Rd, Colaba • 022 2202 3787 • Open 11am–7pm Tue–Sat • www.chatterjeeandlal.com
Started by a husband and wife team, Chatterjee & Lal is a small, but unconventional gallery. It was among the first to host Nikhil Chopra’s performance art piece, and has been at the forefront of curating new talent in the country.
10. RBI Monetary Museum
Sir Phirozshah Mehta Rd, Fort Area • 022 2261 4043 • Open 10:45am–5:15pm Tue–Sun • www.rbi.org.in/scripts/ic_museum.aspx
The Reserve Bank of India’s museum details the history of money in India and the world, tracing the evolution of currency, from Indian cowry shells and West African bracelets, to the coins issued by various Indian rulers, and, finally, paper money.
