The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) is a prestigious art gallery under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. It was established on 29th March 1954 by the Government of India, with branches in Mumbai and Bangalore. The main museum, located at Jaipur House in New Delhi, houses over 1700 works by more than 2000 artists. The collection includes renowned artists like Thomas Daniell, Raja Ravi Verma, Abanindranath Tagore, Rabindranath Tagore, Gaganendranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Jamini Roy, and Amrita Sher-Gil, as well as works by foreign artists.
Some of the oldest artworks preserved in this museum date back to 1857. With an impressive exhibition space of 12,000 square meters, the Delhi branch of NGMA is one of the largest modern art museums in the world. The idea for a National Art Gallery was initially proposed by the AIFACS (Delhi-based artists’ organization) in 1938. The gallery showcases diverse art forms and has played a significant role in promoting Indian art on an international level.
The Jaipur House, where the museum is located, was a former residential palace of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Built in 1936 in the shape of a butterfly, the building features a central dome and was designed by Sir Arthur Blomfield. It is situated at the end of Rajpath, near the iconic India Gate. The Central Hexagon around the India Gate, which was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, housed the residences of prominent princely states. Hence, the location of the NGMA holds historical and architectural significance.
Inaugurated by Vice President Dr. S. Radhakrishnan in the presence of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the NGMA continues to preserve and promote modern art in India. Alongside its extensive collection, the gallery offers art restoration services, an art reference library, and a documentation center. Its commitment to art education and knowledge further enhances its stature as a prominent cultural institution in India.
