A guide to the galleries of New Delhi

 

 A city of juxtaposition, New Delhi has a frenetic mixture of old and new, with an architecturally historic feeling city filled with modern life and bustling culture. For those who have never been before but are considering booking their India flight from the UK to visit, you have to be prepared for the mayhem you’ll encounter in the city. London is often thought of as being a fast-paced city but that’s nothing compared to the streets of Delhi which pulse with life and humanity.

 

When visiting, it’s essential to fall into that chaos and enjoy everything the city has to offer. One of the best offerings are the various museums and galleries to discover which can not only take you out of the hustle and bustle but teach you more about the local history and culture.

 

In this article, we explore some of the best.

 

National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy

 

India’s crafts are world-renowned due to their beauty and intricacy. When in New Delhi, taking a trip to the National Craft Museum & Hastkala Academy will allow you to explore these crafts in more detail. The Museum consists of 33,000 artefacts and pieces from states across India, giving you a true cross-section of the country’s crafting brilliance.

 

You can see traditional artefacts and the collection features amazing examples of textile work, something India is known for excelling at. From pashminas to embroidered fabrics and block-printed textiles to tribal designs, there are many examples to enjoy.

 

Talking about the live demonstrations that can be seen at the Museum, an article in The Indian Express explains: “The Crafts Museum is doing its part in providing a livelihood to artisans of India. “Every month we host 25 artisans from across the country and provide them space to sell their products,” states a museum official.

 

“A Madhubani painter from Bihar remarked, “I have travelled across the country, thanks to my art. We come here whenever the government invites us.” Like many others, he is a registered artisan under the Ministry of Textiles.”

 

National Gallery of Modern Art

 

For those interested in the modern arts, you’ll be pleased to know the National Gallery of Modern Art can be found in Delhi. Including pieces from the mid-1800s onwards, the gallery has an abundant collection of exhibitions to enjoy. Although they feature a lot of Indian artists, you’ll find work from artists from around the world making this a diverse and unique collection.

 

The building the gallery is contained within is something remarkable all in itself. Called Jaipur House, it’s the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur in Delhi and faces India Gate. Located in the heart of the city, the building and surrounding grounds feel like a green escape from the hustle and bustle.

 

READ MORE: A Guide to the Museums of Islamabad

 

 

Sanskriti Museum of Everyday Art

 

Part of the larger Sanskriti Museum complex, the Museum of ‘Everyday Art’ which shines a light on the beauty in normal objects. Here, you can look at artisanal takes on everyday objects, from spoons and cups to toys and home shrines, find the beauty in the average at the ‘Everyday Art’ museum. You can also enjoy the two other Sanskriti Museums, the Museum of Indian Terracotta and the Sanskriti Museum of Indian Textiles.

 

Kiran Nadar Museum of Art

 

A private gallery featuring a robust collection of modern and contemporary art from India and the sub-continent, the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art is one of the most dynamic galleries in New Delhi. For families visiting Delhi, Kiran Nadar Museum of Art includes a range of workshops and programs designed for kids of all ages to participate in and enjoy, making it the ideal day out.

 

Discussing his motivation behind opening the Museum, Kiran Nadar explained: “Though the idea of opening a private art museum occurred with the intention of sharing my art collection with the larger public, I was also acutely aware of the existing dearth of institutional spaces that could bring visibility to modern and contemporary art from India and the subcontinent.”

 

These are a small selection of some of the best galleries in New Delhi for art lovers to visit. From appreciating the beauty in the smaller things to learning more about traditional textile making and the country’s ancient pastimes, there is plenty to see and take in on your Delhi holiday.

 

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