New DelhiArt Guide

Art Fairs in New Delhi

The city is home to India Art Fair, India’s largest modern and contemporary art fair, with a mission to engage with the cultural history and development of the South Asian region. Established in 2008, the fair is split into sections dedicated to institutions and art galleries in India, solo exhibitions, emerging artists, practices from South Asia and large-scale, interactive installations.

Museums in Delhi

New Delhi boasts a variety of museums that cater to both contemporary and traditional Indian art lovers.

Established by Kiran Nadar in 2010, the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) is India’s first private museum focusing on Indian contemporary art. KNMA showcases 20th-century painters and Modernist works from pre- and post-Independence India, including notable Indian artists such as Nasreen Mohamedi, Arpita Singh and Suleman Aqeel Khilji. While KNMA is known for its contemporary and modern Indian art, the museum also displays international works, such as a previous exhibition on Bauhaus, and older works, such as Indian miniatures.

Founded in 1978 by Shri O.P. Jain, the Sanskriti Museums are part of the Sanskriti Kendra complex in Anandagram. The Museums include the Museum of Everyday Art (dedicated to craftsmanship), the Museum of Indian Terracotta, and the Museum of Indian Textiles. Established in 2009, the textile museum started with the founder’s private collection and serves as a resource for academic research.

The city’s main historical art attraction is the National Museum of India, filled with 200,000 works spanning over 5,000 years of art history. The collection includes both pre-historic and modern works of art. An exhibition of Indian art and artefacts by the Royal Academy of Arts in London was shown in India before the works were returned to their respective museums in 1949; the exhibition’s success in the country led to the establishment of the Museum. The rich collection of artworks and artefacts is categorised into the following sections: Anthropology, Archaeology, Decorative Arts, Jewellery, Manuscripts, Paintings, Pre History, Numismatics & Epigraphy, Central Asian Antiquities, Pre-Columbian & Western Arts, Arms & Armour, and a section entitled ‘Anubhav’—a tactile art gallery that is aimed mainly at visitors with disabilities.

Contemporary Art Galleries in Delhi

Delhi’s art scene continues to grow, with numerous modern art galleries and institutions showcasing the creativity of both established and emerging artists.

Established in 1954, the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) has branches in Mumbai and Bangalore and is most known for its collection of Amrita Sher-Gil’s paintings. The gallery holds over 17,000 works, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, prints and photographs. NGMA primarily features Indian artists’ work, including sculptor D.P. Roy Chowdhury and photographer Raghu Rai. NGMA also showcases international works of artists such as Pablo Picasso.

Other notable New Delhi art galleries and non-profit organisations include DAG, Exhibit320, KHOJ, and the International Artists’ Association, all contributing to the city’s dynamic art landscape. The Lodhi Art District also offers an outdoor gallery experience, with large murals that bring art into public spaces.

Art Events in New Delhi

One of the major art events in New Delhi is the Delhi Contemporary Art Week, which has become a significant part of the city’s contemporary art scene. This event brings together art lovers and collectors to explore the frontiers of modern art, featuring cutting-edge works from six leading Indian art galleries and offering an engaging experience for those interested in the latest developments in contemporary art.