One gets to discover the culture and arts of the city of Kolkata after going through the countless art galleries within the city. This blog post explores ten famous galleries currently exhibiting art in a variety of forms and styles, from traditional Indian art to modern art. These places and initiatives stimulate culture and art. Ranging from multiple artefacts, sculptures and paintings showcasing contemporary art, these art galleries in Kolkata promise a unique experience. If you are an art enthusiast or just interested in the artistic life of Kolkata, this guide will assist you the most.
10 Must-Visit Art Galleries In Kolkata
Kolkata is one of the most vibrant art cities in India with so many galleries that represent the creative arts of this city. If you are a keen art lover, here are the best 10 art galleries in Kolkata for an art expedition.
1. CIMA Gallery
Photo: Dannie Jing / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
CIMA Art Gallery was established in 1993 and is now among the most well-known in West Bengal. This gallery presents itself as a venue for showcasing contemporary Indian art in different forms; painting, sculpture, and other multi-media art. CIMA also supports new and upcoming artists. It often has colourful events of art, lectures, and cultures that attract the local and international community. CIMA Gallery also allows purchasing online. The place is an interesting place to visit for all age groups.
Major Attractions: Contemporary Indian Art, Emerging Artists
Timings: 11 AM – 7 PM
Location: Sunny Towers, Kolkata
2. Academy Of Fine Arts
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Opened in 1933, this place has become one of the oldest art institutions in Kolkata known as the Academy of Fine Arts. This gallery holds an art collection of famous Indian contributors like Jamini Roy and Nandalal Bose. Several exhibitions, workshops, and cultural programs are still organized here regularly. The art gallery is spread across an area of 6300 square feet. The place also has an auditorium, a conference centre and multiple areas of galleries.
Major Attractions: Historical Art Collection, Regular Exhibitions
Timings: 3 PM – 8 PM
Location: Cathedral Road, Kolkata
3. Experimenter
Photo: DesiBoy101 / Wikimedia Commons
Experimenter is an independent contemporary art gallery in Kolkata that deals in experimentative contemporary art. This gallery was founded by Priyanka and Prateek Raja and hosts installations, and performances, and showcases multimedia art pieces. Experimenter brings international artists along with curators, which gives it a different perspective on understanding contemporary art. Many exhibitions are hosted for a better understanding of the same. Some of the famous artists who showcase their work at this place are Adip Dutta, Afrah Shafiq,
Major Attractions: Contemporary Installations, International Collaborations
Timings: 11 AM – 7 PM
Location: Ballygunge Place, Kolkata
4. Birla Academy Of Art & Culture
Photo: Visual Artist ARUP LODH / Wikimedia Commons
The Birla Academy of Art & Culture has its history since 1966 and it occupies a significant position in the art life of Kolkata. The gallery is a mixture of current and conventional Indian artwork with permanent installations that consist of Miniatures and sculptures as well as Paintings. Also, it is a place of annual expositions, meetings, and cultural events where the creativity of a variety of artists is exposed. By collecting and displaying both classical and contemporary pieces, the Birla Academy welcomes guided tourists or audiences for an accurate analytical view of Indian art.
Major Attractions: Traditional Indian Art, Annual Exhibitions
Timings: 2 PM – 8 PM
Location: Southern Avenue, Kolkata
5. Akar Prakar
Photo: Changqing Lu / Unsplash / Image For Representation Onlyw
Akar Prakar is one of the famous art galleries in Kolkata. The place has also hosted several visual art exhibitions and has collaborated with international museums. Akar Prakar also exhibits paintings, sculptures, and other installations. Due to its primary concern for the visual and innovative, Akar Prakar itself provides a highly rewarding experience for art lovers interested in Indian modern art. It has represented the work of artists like Manir Mritik, Debashish Mukherjee, C. Douglas and Ganesh Haloi.
Major Attractions: Modern Indian Art, International Collaborations
Timings: 11 AM – 6 PM
Location: Hindustan Park, Kolkata
6. Emami Art
Photo: Antenna / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Emami Art is an active art gallery in Kolkata. This gallery hosts exhibitions and showcases the work of both newcomers and artists of the famous ones. Emami Art was established in 2017 and also offers educational workshops to assist novice artists and learners with an open culture. Exhibitions raise social and cultural objectives which are issues that make the audience engage in very constructive debates. It participates in both national and international events. The gallery organises regular talks, panel conservations, panel discussions and question and answers with artists.
Timings: 11 AM – 7 PM
Location: Anandapur, Kolkata
7. Harrington Street Arts Centre
Photo: Mick Haupt / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in a listed building, the Harrington Street Arts Centre presents modern art in formal surroundings. This gallery showcases solo and group exhibitions of Indians as well as artists from other countries. The place where this art gallery is located has a colonial-era touch. Renowned for its selected pieces’ curation, the centre offers a classy setting to engage in the appreciation of contemporary artwork. Harrington Street Arts Centre is said to have the best display facilities.
Major Attractions: Solo Exhibitions, Group Shows
Timings: 11 AM – 7 PM
Location: Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kolkata
8. Ganges Art Gallery
Photo: President’s Secretariat / Wikimedia Commons
Ganges Art Gallery is one of the most famous galleries in Kolkata that showcases contemporary Indian art. The place showcases the work of modern and contemporary artists from India. Expect a crazy mix of works here ranging from abstract to detailed works. One of the most experimental galleries, Ganges Art Gallery has an inviting atmosphere. It also showcases the work of the upcoming artist in terms of photography, painting, sculpture, videography and new media.
Major Attractions: Experimental Art, Conceptual Exhibitions
Timings: 11 AM – 7 PM
Location: Park Street, Kolkata
9. Gallery Sanskriti
Photo: Dan Prado / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Gallery Sanskriti is one of the finest galleries for Modern and Contemporary Indian art situated in Kolkata. This houses art exhibitions of various forms and materials from sculpture to installation art with animated colour compositions. Gallery Sanskriti aims at showcasing senior and young artists. This art gallery has hosted more than 200 exhibitions, workshops and auctions not only in Kolkata but also in Mumbai, Delhi, Jamshedpur, Maihar, Jakarta, Dubai and New York.
Major Attractions: Contemporary Art, Emerging Artists
Timings: 11 AM – 7 PM
Location: Alipore, Kolkata
10. Studio 21
Photo: SnapSaga / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Studio 21 is an art gallery of contemporary art in Kolkata that focuses on new-form practitioners. This place showcases contemporary paintings and sculptures. This gallery is famous for its concepts, some of which are simple minimalistic installations that present provoking concepts. They allow the visitors to interact with art in a certain manner. Studio 21 is an interesting place to visit in Kolkata for art lovers. The place also organises exhibitions and allows conservations with the artists.
Major Attractions: New Media Art, Curated Exhibitions
Timings: 11 AM – 6 PM
Location: Topsia, Kolkata
All the art galleries in Kolkata not only provide a holistic experience of the customs of Indian art but also give a touch of modern and contemporary art. These galleries showcase traditional paintings to modern installations encourage art enthusiasts and raise their interest in how the art experience transforms in Kolkata. Having realised where the best art galleries are located in Kolkata, get a travelling package from TripXL for a delightful experience.
Cover Photo: Wasil Ahammed Ev / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only