National Gallery of Modern Art

The basics

One of India's three National Galleries of Modern Art (the other two are in Mumbai and Delhi), this spacious museum has around 500 works on display, including paintings, sculptures, and photographic prints. Though most works are contemporary or modern, there are some pieces from the 18th century. While you'll probably spend much of your time indoors, it's worth checking out the spacious garden, where there's an outdoor cafe, sculptures, and plenty of tree-shaded areas.

Things to know before you go

• The NGMA is a must-visit for anyone interested in India’s modern art scene.

• On-site facilities include a simple cafe with outdoor seating and a small gift shop selling art prints and souvenirs.

• The museum is wheelchair-accessible, but restrooms may not be large enough to accommodate some wheelchairs.

How to get there

The NGMA is located in the heart of Bangalore, about a 25-minute walk or a 7-minute drive from Cubbon Park and a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute drive from both the Bangalore Cantonment Railway Station and Bengaluru Palace. As the museum is not directly on a metro line, it’s easiest to arrive by either taxi or autorickshaw.

When to get there

The museum is open daily except Mondays and national holidays. Free guided walks for visitors 18 and older are usually held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The museum also hosts various special events, ranging from panel discussions to film screenings on subjects related to modern art in India.

Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath

To continue your exploration of Bangalore's art scene, head over to Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, directly west of the NGMA, on the opposite side of the Bengaluru Golf Club. This art complex houses a fine arts college and a range of galleriesa and museums showcasing everything from leather puppets and folk art to the works of Srikanta Shastry Kukke, one of the institution's founders.