Best Art Galleries in Bangalore 2025: Creativity & Culture

Bangalore, often called the Silicon Valley of India, is not just a tech hub but also a thriving center for art and culture in 2025. With its pleasant climate and rich heritage, the city is home to some of the finest art galleries, catering to art connoisseurs, students, and casual visitors alike. This survey note explores the top 10 art galleries in Bangalore for 2025, detailing their locations, offerings, and unique features while addressing related queries like where to buy art and upcoming exhibitions. The information is based on extensive web searches and is designed to be informative and engaging, even for school students.

Introduction to Bangalore’s Art Scene

Bangalore’s art scene is a vibrant tapestry, blending traditional Indian art with contemporary and global influences. The city’s galleries are not just spaces for viewing art; they are cultural hubs that host workshops, exhibitions, and events, making art accessible to all. Whether you’re in Jayanagar, Koramangala, or near Cubbon Park, you’ll find an art gallery to explore. This guide, focusing on the keyword “Best Art Galleries in Bangalore 2025,” aims to highlight the top spots, ensuring you have a memorable art experience.

Methodology and Research

To compile this list, I conducted multiple web searches using queries like “best art galleries in Bangalore 2025,” “new art galleries opened in Bangalore in 2025,” and specific gallery names to verify locations and details. Sources included Tripadvisor, Holidify, and gallery websites, with a focus on recent updates to ensure relevance for 2025. The list was refined to include galleries frequently mentioned in reviews and known for their contributions to the art scene, ensuring a comprehensive overview.

Top 10 Art Galleries in Bangalore 2025

Below is a detailed breakdown of the top 10 art galleries, organized by their significance and offerings. Each entry includes a brief history, what kind of art they showcase, notable exhibits, location, and tips for visitors, with pro tips to enhance your experience.

1. National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA)

• Location: 49, Manikyavelu Mansion, Palace Road, Bangalore
• History and Overview: Established in 2009, NGMA is part of a national network with branches in Delhi and Mumbai. It is housed in the restored Manikyavelu Mansion, a heritage building with colonial-style verandas and intricate interiors, adding a historical charm to the visit. The gallery spans 3.5 acres, with a display space of 1551 square meters, plus a modern block of 1260 square meters.
• Art Showcased: Over 14,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and prints by artists like Raja Ravi Verma, Jamini Roy, Amrita Sher-Gil, and Rabindranath Tagore. It focuses on modern and contemporary Indian art, offering a comprehensive view of the country’s artistic evolution.
• Notable Exhibits and Events: In 2024, it hosted exhibitions like “From Bangalore, with Love” (postcards from 1890-1910, ending December 15, 2024), and regularly organizes art walks and national/international exhibitions. For 2025, expect new shows, though specific details weren’t available in searches.
• Tips for Visitors: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm, closed on Mondays and national holidays. Entry is free, but check NGMA’s website for current events. Photography is allowed without flash, and there’s a cafe for relaxation.

Pro Tip: The heritage building itself is a visual treat, so take time to appreciate its architecture. Visitors often remark that the serene atmosphere allows them to connect deeply with the art.

2. Museum of Art and Photography (MAP)

• Location: Kasturba Road, Bangalore, near Cubbon Park and MG Road metro stations
• History and Overview: Opened in February 2023, MAP is India’s first museum dedicated to art and photography, with a collection of over 60,000 works from the 10th century to today. The building, designed by Mathew and Ghosh Architects, is a modern marvel with large windows for natural light, creating an open and airy ambiance.
• Art Showcased: Spans paintings, sculptures, textiles, photographs, and digital art, predominantly from the Indian subcontinent. It includes works by modernists like M.F. Husain and K.G. Subramanyan, with a focus on contemporary and digital art, including NFTs in 2025 exhibitions.
• Notable Exhibits and Events: Known for its digital museum launched in 2020, offering virtual tours. In 2025, expect events like the Bangalore Art Festival, focusing on contemporary art and public installations, as per TheHaatofArt.
• Tips for Visitors: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm, with free admission and donations welcome. Features like braille labels and audio guides make it accessible. The museum has a cafe and shop for art merchandise, ideal for a full day out.

Pro Tip: Check out the rooftop sculpture framing Bangalore’s skyline, perfect for photos. It’s a great spot for students to learn about art history through interactive programs.

3. Kynkyny Art Gallery

• Location: 104, Embassy Square, 148, Infantry Road, Bangalore, a central area near MG Road
• History and Overview: Founded in 2004 by Namu Kini and Vivek Radhakrishnan, this gallery is in a charming building with a cozy, intimate atmosphere, designed to highlight each artwork. It aims to be a friendly space for art lovers and collectors, with over 300 artists represented since inception.
• Art Showcased: Focuses on contemporary Indian art, including figurative, abstract, mixed media, oil on canvas, and etchings. In January 2025, it launches “Her Story,” an annual exhibition celebrating women artists, as per Kynkyny’s website.
• Notable Exhibits and Events: Hosts solo and group shows, with exhibitions across India and abroad. It also conducts art workshops, making it ideal for students. In 2025, expect more events, given its active calendar.
• Tips for Visitors: Open Monday to Saturday, 11 am to 7 pm. Check Kynkyny’s website for schedules and online purchases, a boon for those wondering, “Where to buy art in Bangalore.”

Pro Tip: The gallery collaborates with local cafes for art events, offering a unique blend of art and socializing. Visitors often appreciate the warm staff, enhancing the experience.

4. Gallery G

• Location: No. 38, Maini Sadan, 7th Cross, Lavelle Road, Bangalore, in a posh area near UB City
• History and Overview: Started in 2003 by Gitanjali Maini, Gallery G is known for its progressive approach, located in a modern space with state-of-the-art lighting for optimal art display. It exemplifies contemporary global Indian art, as per Gallery G’s website.
• Art Showcased: Showcases established and emerging artists, with a focus on paintings by masters and rising stars. Its 2025 theme, “Ikigai,” aims to align art with personal purpose, reflecting current trends.
• Notable Exhibits and Events: Hosts regular exhibitions and artist talks, providing deeper insights. In 2025, expect innovative shows, given its history of inclusivity.
• Tips for Visitors: Open Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm. Check their website for events, and note the café for post-visit discussions.

Pro Tip: The gallery’s valuation and curating services are perfect for serious collectors, making it a top choice for “Art Gallery Bangalore” searches.

5. Venkatappa Art Gallery

• Location: Kasturba Road, Bangalore, within the Karnataka Government Museum, near Cubbon Park
• History and Overview: Named after K. Venkatappa (1886–1965), a pupil of Abanindranath Tagore, this gallery opened in 1967. It’s a modernist building with a moat and lotus pond, offering a unique ambience, as per Wikipedia.
• Art Showcased: Over 600 paintings and sculptures, including Venkatappa’s works like Ooty Sunrise and Nilgiri Hills, plus pieces by M.F. Husain and others. It covers historical periods like Hoysala and Gandhara, ideal for students studying art history.
• Notable Exhibits and Events: Hosts art shows and festivals, with the first floor featuring Venkatappa’s tools, like his glasses and walking stick, adding a personal touch.
• Tips for Visitors: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm, with free entry. Photography without flash is allowed, and it’s wheelchair accessible.

Pro Tip: The open space near the gallery is perfect for sketching, making it a favorite for art students. Visitors often note the historical depth, enhancing the “Art museum Bangalore” experience.

6. Karnataka Chitrakala Parsad

• Location: Kumarakrupa Road, Seshadripuram, Bangalore, a central area accessible via Mantri Square metro
• History and Overview: Established in 1960 by M. Arya Murthy and Prof. M.S. Nanjunda Rao, CKP is a landmark for visual culture, with a tree-lined campus offering a peaceful vibe, as per CKP’s website.
• Art Showcased: 18 galleries, 13 with permanent collections of paintings, sculptures, and folk art, including Mysore paintings and leather puppets. It also hosts rotating exhibits, making it dynamic.
• Notable Exhibits and Events: Known for Chitra Santhe, held in January 2025, featuring 22 states and 44,000 artworks, a must-visit for “Upcoming Art exhibition in Bangalore.” It also runs the College of Fine Arts, nurturing new talent.
• Tips for Visitors: Open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 7 pm, weekends 10 am to 6 pm, with free admission. The campus has a café and shop, perfect for a day out.

Pro Tip: The annual Handicraft Mela is a hidden gem, offering affordable art and crafts, ideal for students on a budget.

7. Mahua Art Gallery

• Location: 344, 4th Main Road, Sadashiva Nagar, Armane Nagar, Bangalore, near The Leela Palace Hotel
• History and Overview: Founded in 2002 by Meenu Jaipuria, Mahua is a leading contemporary gallery, located in a 900 sq.ft space in The Collonnade, as per Tripadvisor reviews. It focuses on emerging talent.
• Art Showcased: Showcases paintings, sculptures, and folk art by artists from over 15 states, with a structured approach to ensure quality and reach, as per Tariq SP’s blog.
• Notable Exhibits and Events: Hosts national and international exhibitions, with an online platform for purchases, addressing “Where to buy art in Bangalore.” In 2025, expect charity art exhibitions, per TheHaatofArt.
• Tips for Visitors: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11 am to 7 pm, with no entry fee. Check Mahua’s website for schedules.

Pro Tip: The gallery’s ArtCollective initiative offers limited edition prints, democratizing art for students and collectors alike.

8. Genesis Art Gallery

• Location: Jayanagar, Bangalore, a bustling neighborhood with easy access
• History and Overview: Established in 2011, Genesis is a newer gallery focusing on craftswork, located in a boutique space, as per Holidify. It’s ideal for “Art gallery Jayanagar” searches.
• Art Showcased: Displays works by established and emerging artists, with workshops and debates, fostering a community vibe.
• Notable Exhibits and Events: Hosts talks and workshops, often collaborating with schools, making it educational for students. In 2025, expect more community events, given its growth.
• Tips for Visitors: Hours vary, so check Genesis’s Facebook for updates. It’s near dining and shopping, enhancing the visit.

Pro Tip: The gallery’s educational programs are perfect for school projects, offering hands-on art experiences.

9. Shades Creative Gallery

• Location: Second Floor, 50, 1st A Main, 7th Block, Koramangala, Bangalore, in a vibrant area known for cafes
• History and Overview: Established in 2000, Shades Creative is in a modern, Instagram-friendly space, as per Tripadvisor. It’s a hub for contemporary Indian art.
• Art Showcased: Offers paintings, prints, handicrafts, and folk art, with live art sessions occasionally, addressing “Art gallery Koramangala” needs.
• Notable Exhibits and Events: Hosts exhibitions across genres like abstract and realism, with a focus on emerging artists. In 2025, expect more interactive events, per Shades’ website.
• Tips for Visitors: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11 am to 7 pm. Check their website for schedules, and enjoy the nearby café culture.

Pro Tip: The gallery’s live art sessions are a treat, letting you see artists at work, perfect for art students.

10. Indian Institute of Cartoonists

• Location: 19, 1st Cross, 1st Main, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bangalore, a quieter area near Trinity Circle
• History and Overview: Founded in 2001, IIC is unique, promoting cartooning with a gallery in a basement setting, as per The Hindu. It has hosted over 150 exhibitions.
• Art Showcased: Focuses on cartoons, covering politics, social issues, and comics, with a museum of original works, ideal for “Art museum Bangalore” searches.
• Notable Exhibits and Events: Conducts annual competitions like the Maya Kamath Memorial Awards, with 2025 events likely, per IIC’s website. It’s a niche for cartoon art lovers.
• Tips for Visitors: Open Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm, with free entry. Check IIC’s Facebook for events.

Pro Tip: The underground setting feels like a secret club, enhancing the experience for those exploring unique art forms.

Additional Insights and Tips

For those wondering, “Best art galleries in Bangalore near me,” consider your location: NGMA and MAP are near Cubbon Park, Kynkyny and Gallery G are central, and Shades Creative is in Koramangala, a trendy area. For “Upcoming Art exhibition in Bangalore,” check TheHaatofArt for events like Art Bengaluru at UB City, focusing on digital art and NFTs.

Pro Tips for Visiting:

• Plan visits on weekdays for fewer crowds, especially at NGMA and MAP.
• Carry a notebook for sketching, as some galleries like Venkatappa have open spaces.
• Use public transport; many are near metro stations, like CKP near Mantri Square.

Table: Gallery Locations and Key Features

This table helps organize information for quick reference, especially for students planning visits.

Conclusion

Bangalore’s art galleries in 2025 offer a rich tapestry of experiences, from NGMA’s historical depth to MAP’s modern inclusivity. Whether you’re looking for “Top 10 best art galleries in Bangalore” or “Where to buy art in Bangalore,” this guide covers it all. Remember to check gallery websites for timings and events, and enjoy the journey through Bangalore’s artistic landscape.