DELHI
The Indian capital is home to some of the most exciting contemporary art galleries in the country, none more so than the Devi Art Foundation (Sirpur House, Sector 44, Gurgaon; 91-11/4166-7474; deviartfoundation.org). Established by mother-and-son collectors Lekha and Anupam Poddar, the nonprofit gallery showcases experimental works by India’s leading artists. The space, a distorted brick-and-rusted-metal building designed by Ahmedabad-based architect Aniket Bhagwat, has been hailed by critics as among the finest modern art galleries to open in India since independence.
MUMBAI
The oldest museum in Mumbai, Bhau Daji Lad (91 A Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Rd., Byculla; 91-22/2375-7943) opened its doors in 1857 as the Victoria and Albert Museum, after the London namesake. The magnificent interiors are a history lesson in themselves; a recent restoration project helped earn the museum a UNESCO award of excellence. Set in the Victoria Gardens, the museum holds a collection dedicated to Mumbai’s rich history, with over 6,000 artifacts including sculptures, paintings, rare coins, and a quirky set of clay dioramas.
BANGALORE
Running for only 414 days from June 22, Samuha (3F, ADA Rangamandira, JC Rd.; 91-80/4151-6531; samuha.in) is not your average art show. The brainchild of teacher Suresh Kumar, the project sees 23 artists given access to a gallery space for 17 days each, over which time they’re free to host events as they wish. With a diverse team of talent on board, visitors should expect the unexpected.
Bangalore-based Fiona Caulfield is the author of the Love India (lovetravelguides.com) travel guide series.
Originally appeared in the August/September 2009 print issue of DestinAsian magazine ( “India Now”)
