About Jehangir Art Gallery
Located at the cultural epicenter of South Mumbai in the famous Kala Ghoda district, Jehangir Art Gallery stands as a symbol of modern Indian art and culture. Established in 1952, this legendary art venue has served as a critical platform for thousands of artists, ranging from internationally renowned masters like M.F. Husain, S.H. Raza, and F.N. Souza to emerging local talent.
The gallery complex houses four distinct exhibition spaces: the Auditorium Hall, the Exhibition Gallery, the Hirji Gallery, and the Terrace Art Gallery. Together, these spaces host high-profile solos, group exhibitions, photography displays, sculptors' works, and interactive workshops throughout the year.
Visitors to Jehangir Art Gallery often enjoy a complete artistic experience. Outside the gallery's doors along the street, pavement artists display portraits, sketches, and handicrafts, creating a lively outdoor gallery atmosphere. Right next door is the famous Samovar Café (historically beloved by Mumbai's intelligentsia) and the popular Museum Café, making it a delightful stop for art lovers, tourists, and culture enthusiasts alike.
History
The creation of Jehangir Art Gallery was championed by Sir Cowasji Jehangir, 2nd Baronet, a prominent industrialist and philanthropist who funded its construction, along with key guidance from celebrated artist K.K. Hebbar and scientist Dr. Homi Bhabha.
Designed by architect G.M. Bhuta, the building was inaugurated on January 21, 1952, by B.G. Kher, the Chief Minister of Bombay State. Over the decades, the gallery became instrumental in nurturing the Progressive Artists' Group, which radically transformed modern Indian art in the mid-20th century.
Today, booking exhibition space at Jehangir Art Gallery is so sought after that artists often wait years for an allotted slot, reflecting its enduring status as India's premier gallery space.