Mumbai and its enormous sea have served as the birthplace and the setting for numerous art movements and talents that have influenced the national dialogue. The art galleries in Mumbai are the best places to visit in Mumbai. Think of the Jehangir Art Gallery, which opened its doors in 1952 and was the scene of the first friendships and disputes—between exhibition spaces and the famous Samovar cafe. Young, experimental locations and initiatives to expand the city’s art scene outside its traditional areas to the suburbs have grown in popularity throughout the past ten years.
11 Art Galleries In Mumbai
Here is a comprehensive list of 11 art galleries in Mumbai that are deserving of a spot on your visit list:
1. Method
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The method expands on the concept of what an art gallery can mean to a neighbourhood while carrying on founder-curator Sahil Arora’s vision. Similar to its Kala Ghoda venue, it strives to encourage subversive techniques by showcasing up-and-coming and mid-career artists, including a Palestinian student most recently. The gallery’s environment is far from daunting, especially with coffee and baked goods available. It’s interesting to note that Method Bandra encourages its customers to talk to new people by hosting mixers and switch-ups.
Address: 86, Nagindas Master Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai
2. Art And Charlie
Photo: Dannie Jing / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Art and Charlie was founded by former consultant and chartered accountant Ayesha Parikh and was a travelling project until settling into a red home on Pali Hill. At this two-story gallery, which regularly highlights problems faced by India’s periphery, no two displays are the same. Young musicians like Saviya Lopes and Kumar Misal are part of its continuously expanding roster. Art and Charlie has established a reputation as a cultural centre in Bandra because of its packed weekend schedule that features stand-up comedians and musical performances. Near the entrance, where guests may get coffee at a small Subko shop, you can frequently spot creatives from various areas relaxing.
Address: 71A, Pali Village, Bandra West
Timings: Wed-Sun, 11 AM – 8 PM
3. Experimenter
Photo: Felicity Tai / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The repute of the Kolkata-based gallery Experimenter speaks for itself. Prateek and Priyanka Raja, the organization’s founders, have promoted discourse and dissent since its founding in 2009, inspiring artists such as Soumya Sankar Bose and Ayesha Sultana to view the world and themselves critically. Through its “Outpost” program, it brings art outside of galleries to places with rich context, and through its Curators’ Hub, it establishes a forum for free thought. Since Art Review has often included the Rajas on its Power 100 list, art enthusiasts have been thrilled by the gallery’s move to Mumbai, where it is housed in the iconic Sunny House, a 120-year-old building.
Address: 1st Floor, Sunny House, 16/18 Merewether Road, Colaba
Timings: Tue-Sat, 10.30 AM – 6:30 PM
4. Dag At The Taj Mahal Palace
Photo: Tim Gouw / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The paintings that cover the Taj Mahal Palace’s walls will not be missed by those who are meticulous. Since 2022, the hotel has also housed DAG’s twin main galleries, whose extensive collection of artwork is just as irresistible as that of the Taj. For art history enthusiasts, DAG’s presence in the city is especially fulfilling; looking through its collections, whether they are 19th-century Bengali Kalighat paintings or foreign painters like Balthazar Solvyns’ portrayals of Indian communities and culture, is like taking a stroll through India’s rich past. Stay for the breathtaking views of Apollo Bander and come for the old artwork.
Address: The Taj Mahal Palace, Apollo Bunder Road, Colaba
Timings: Mon-Sat, 11 AM – 7 PM
5. Nature Morte – Dhanraj Mahal
Photo: Dom J / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Delhi’s Nature Morte, established by Aparajita Jain and Peter Nagy, makes its way to Mumbai, specifically to Dhanraj Mahal, an Art Deco wonder that was formerly the residence of a princely clan, after Gurgaon, Kolkata, and Berlin. The experimental gallery is a great place to start a Colaba art crawl and introduce Mumbai to its roster of artists, which includes international artists and artists like Thukral and Tagra.
Address: Dhanraj Mahal, Block A, 3rd Floor, Apollo Bunder, Colaba
Timing: Mon-Sat, 11 AM – 7 PM
6. Sakshi Gallery
Photo: Andrew Neel / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Often visiting Santiniketan, gallerist Geetha Mehra is surrounded by bamboo trees and baul music. Mehra is the creative force behind the Pasta Lane gallery, which was established in 1986 and has influenced Mumbai’s art scene by bringing in foreign artists including sculptor El Anatsui and visual artist Julian Opie. Sakshi’s popularity may be ascribed to Mehra’s involvement in each program as well as the established names it represents, such as Jehangir Sabavala, Manjit Bawa, and Rekha Rodwittiya.
Address: 3rd Pasta Lane, Colaba
Timings: Mon-Sat, 11 AM – 6 PM
7. Jhaveri Contemporary
Photo: Birmingham Museums Trust / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
It may never be hinted at throughout its remarkable 15-year history, which includes presenting Anish Kapoor’s first public show in India, but sisters Amrita and Priya Jhaveri once called their project “an accidental art gallery.” The artists on the roster of Jhaveri Contemporary have South Asian ancestry and traditions, and the co-founders place high importance on original research and obscure art histories. This institution has an unobstructed view of sailboats and the Gateway of India, just as other galleries on Merewether Road.
Address: 3rd Floor, Devidas Mansion, 4 Merewether Road, Apollo Bunder, Colaba
Timings: Tue-Sat, 11 AM – 6:30 PM
8. Akara – Modern And Contemporary
Photo: Mark Chan / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Akara, founded by Puneet and Megha Shah, is an irresistible force in the city. The creators opened a second gallery nearby, in a magnificent Indo-Saracenic edifice, to celebrate new and up-and-coming South Asian artists after their Colaba location, which showcases modern masters, celebrated its eighth anniversary. Young, female curators like Veeranganakumari Solanki, Arushi Vats, and Shreemoyee Moitra are largely responsible for Akara’s curatorial brilliance.
Address: Akara Contemporary, 3C Amarchand Mansion, 2nd Floor, 16 Madam Cama Road, Colaba; Akara Modern, 4/5 Churchill Chambers, 1st Floor, 32 Mereweather Road, Colaba
Timings: Tue-Sat, 11 AM till 6:30 PM
9. Gallery XXL
Photo: Derick McKinney / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
If typical white-cube-type galleries are reserved for fine art, this new institution represents the exact opposite, emphasizing urban practices such as post-graffiti art. In its second year in the city, Gallery XXL pulled off a coup by hosting the first solo exhibition in India by Tokyo-born, New York-based artist AIKO. The image of AIKO’s recognisable bunny spray-painted over a regular BMC traffic sign is one Mumbai will never forget. The gallery genuinely lives up to its name, with plans for residencies and travelling exhibitions in the future.
Address: 21, Arsiwala Mansion, Nathalal Parekh Road, Colaba
Timings: Tue-Sun, 11 AM – 7:30 PM
10. Chemould Prescott Road
Photo: Sgerbic / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The history of Mumbai’s art scene during its early, nascent years is told through the story of Chemould Prescott Road and its beginnings. Known as Gallery Chemould and located in the Jehangir Art Gallery, the institution hosted its debut show in 1963. Vintage posters of well-known 1960s shows can be seen as you go up the stairs in Queens Mansion, the location of the current gallery. The gallery in neighbouring Sugra Manzil looks to the future: Here, Atyaan, Shireen’s daughter, is in charge of Chemould CoLab, an extension initiative that uses residencies to identify and assist up-and-coming artists.
Address: 3rd Floor, Queens Mansion, G Talwatkar Marg, Fort
Timings: Mon-Sat, 10 AM – 6 PM
11. Tarq
Photo: Landiva Weber / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Art-related institutions are not exempt from power dynamics and disparities. However, what if the gallery was envisioned as a place that supported both aspiring artists and collectors? Hena Kapadia founded TARQ with this idea in mind, and it is frequently the gallery of choice for people looking to invest in art for the first time. Situated in a century-old building just a short stroll from Flora Fountain, TARQ is not afraid to address the current socio-political landscape.
Address: KK (Navsari) Chambers, Ground Floor, 39 AK Nayak Marg, Fort
Timings: Tue-Sat, 11 AM – 6:30 PM
There are various art galleries in Mumbai from colonial-era galleries to more modern ones, and these galleries have helped the city maintain its artistic ideals over the years. These art galleries are among the greatest places in the city for art lovers to visit because of their numerous exhibitions, support of lesser-known artists, and fusion of modern and traditional art forms in one area. To experience the beauty of art closely without any problems contact TripXL and have the best time of your life.
Cover Photo: Wasil Ahammed / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only