Bikaner House
New Delhi Learn more about what's on at Bikaner House and the artists shaping its programme.Bikaner House is a heritage cultural centre and contemporary art venue in New Delhi, India, located on the iconic India Gate hexagon in Lutyens’ Delhi.
Originally built as the Delhi residence of Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, this grand early-20th-century palace was meticulously restored by conservation architect Abha Narain Lambah and reopened on 18 November 2015 as a world-class cultural centre operated by the Bikaner House Management Society (BHMS) under the Government of Rajasthan.
Spread over an eight-acre plot in the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi, Bikaner House anchors the city’s cultural landscape alongside neighbouring princely residences such as Jaipur House, Patiala House, and Hyderabad House—all arranged around the ceremonial Princes’ Park rotary designed in the wake of the 1911 Delhi Durbar. The building’s architectural style is predominantly Western, designed by Charles G. Blomfield, with Rajput elements including the distinctive chattris (canopy-domed pavilions) that crown its roofline. Today, it hosts a wide range of art exhibitions, performances, immersive installations, and creative programming, providing inclusive platforms for emerging and established artists alike and drawing collectors, curators, and culturally engaged visitors to New Delhi’s most storied heritage quarter.
Art and Exhibitions
Bikaner House’s programming spans contemporary art exhibitions, book launches, jazz and music performances, design showcases, film screenings, workshops, and artist talks. Its gallery spaces regularly host shows by major Indian and international galleries—including exhibitions by DAG, Saffronart and Grosvenor Gallery, Great Banyan Art, and Lexicon Art—alongside curated group shows and thematic exhibitions tracing Indian art from the eighteenth century to the present.
Bikaner House also serves as a key parallel venue for India Art Fair, hosting the Young Collectors Hub and a diverse programme of talks, workshops, performances, and exhibitions during Fair week. For the best contemporary art exhibitions in New Delhi, Bikaner House offers a distinctive combination of heritage architecture and ambitious curatorial programming, making it one of the city’s most dynamic cultural destinations.
Visiting Information
Located on Pandara Road near India Gate, Bikaner House is a 12-minute walk from Khan Market Metro station and a 14-minute walk from Mandi House Metro. The cultural centre is open Monday to Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM, and exhibitions are generally free and open to the public seven days a week. On-site amenities include the celebrated Chor Bizarre restaurant (Kashmiri cuisine), L’Opéra Salon de Thé (French pâtisserie, open 8 AM – 11 PM daily), the Diggin café, and an artisanal boutique showcasing handcrafted Indian design. BHMS also maintains an in-house library to promote research, education, and the appreciation of both traditional and contemporary art forms.
Bikaner House FAQs
What is Bikaner House in New Delhi?
Bikaner House is a heritage cultural centre near India Gate in New Delhi, originally built in the 1920s as the residence of Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. Restored and reopened in 2015, it is now a vibrant public arts venue run by the Government of Rajasthan, hosting exhibitions, performances, installations, and cultural events year-round.[
What kind of art exhibitions are shown at Bikaner House?
Bikaner House hosts a rotating programme of contemporary and modern art exhibitions by leading Indian and international galleries, alongside curated group shows, book launches, design showcases, and performances. It is also a key parallel venue for India Art Fair, featuring the Young Collectors Hub and programming for emerging collectors.
Is Bikaner House free to visit?
Yes—entry to Bikaner House and most of its exhibitions and events is free and open to the public. Some workshops and special events may require advance registration. Check the official site at bikanerhouse.rajasthan.gov.in for the latest schedule.
What are Bikaner House opening hours?
Bikaner House is generally open Monday to Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM for cultural programming and exhibitions. Restaurants and cafés on the premises—including L’Opéra and Diggin—have extended hours, with some open until 11 PM or later. Confirm current Bikaner House opening hours and event timings on the official website.
How do I get to Bikaner House?
Bikaner House is located on Pandara Road at the India Gate hexagon in central New Delhi (110011). The nearest metro stations are Khan Market (approx. 12-minute walk) and Mandi House (approx. 14-minute walk). By road, it is accessible via the NH8 highway, with entry gates on Pandara Road and Shahjahan Road.
What restaurants and cafés are at Bikaner House?
Bikaner House is home to several award-winning dining options, including Chor Bizarre (regional Kashmiri cuisine), L’Opéra Salon de Thé (French pâtisserie and café, open 8 AM – 11 PM), and Diggin (café, open from 11:30 AM on weekdays and 8:30 AM on weekends). An artisanal boutique on the premises also offers handcrafted Indian design products.
What is the history of Bikaner House?
Bikaner House was conceived after the 1911 Delhi Durbar, when King George V decreed the transfer of the British Indian capital from Calcutta to Delhi. Designed by Charles G. Blomfield for Maharaja Ganga Singh, it opened with a grand housewarming on 18 February 1929 and hosted pivotal meetings between Indian royal families around independence in 1947. Classified as a Grade II heritage building by the Archaeological Survey of India, it was acquired by the Government of Rajasthan and meticulously restored before reopening as a cultural centre in 2015.
Can I book Bikaner House for events or exhibitions?
Yes—Bikaner House offers bookable venues for creative and cultural programming, including exhibition spaces, performance areas, and event halls suitable for art shows, launches, talks, and private functions. Contact the Bikaner House Management Society via the official website for availability and booking details.
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