Tag: museum

World Art Day 2024: 10 Must-visit Art Galleries In India

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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World Art Day is celebrated on April 15 every year. This day aims to create a bridge between artists and audiences and highlights their contribution to the development of the world. The day was officially announced as World Art Day in 2012 by the International Association of Art.

This date was specifically chosen to coincide with the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci, one of the most popular names in history, whose work continues to inspire and influence artists around the world.

Later, in 2019, UNESCO acknowledged the same in association with the International Association of Art. On World Art Day, every year special events like debates, workshops, cultural events, etc are organised around the world. The events are generally graced by well-known artists from around the globe. Ahead of the World Art Day 2024, let us look at the 10 must-visit art galleries in India:

1. Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata

The Kolkata Academy of Fine Arts is said to be one of the most prominent art galleries in India. Famous paintings like Girl with a Pitcher and A Winter’s Evening by Rabindra Nath Tagore are showcased here.

2. The Government Museum and Art Gallery, Chandigarh

Opened for the public in 1968, The Government Museum and Art Gallery, Chandigarh portrays a variety of artistic creations like Indian miniature paintings, contemporary art, portraits, etc.

3. Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai

Located in Southern Mumbai, the Jehangir Art Gallery was established in 1952 by Sir Cowasji Jehangir. The gallery houses the works of some prominent artists like MF Hussain and SH Raza.

4. National Gallery of Modern Art, Bangalore

The National Gallery of Modern Art, Bangalore, is one of the newest museums in India established in 2009. The art gallery features over 500 paintings from both traditional and modern genres.

5. National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi

Established in 1954, the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi is an initiative to promote art by the government of India. Famous paintings like Frozen Porcupine and Smoking Donkey by Karl Antao and Man with Bouquet of Plastic Flower by Bhupen Khakhar are showcased here.

6. Aakriti Art Gallery, Kolkata and Delhi

Founded in 2005, Aakriti Art Gallery has evolved into one of the most famous modern art galleries in the country. Presently operating in two cities, Kolkata and New Delhi, Aakriti Art Gallery features modern and contemporary paintings.

7. The Art Heritage Gallery

Established in 1977, this art gallery aims to promote Indian contemporary paintings and artworks. The Art Heritage Gallery in New Delhi also hosts various educational programs, talks, debates, etc with the vision to promote and educate the public about contemporary art.

8. Government Museum, Chennai

Founded in 1851, the Government Museum located in Chennai is the second oldest museum and art gallery in India. The National Art Gallery, which is a part of the museum, features paintings from the Rajput and Mughal eras along with modern paintings.

9. Indian Museum, Kolkata

Established in 1814, Kolkata’s Indian Museum is known for featuring heritage paintings and artworks by artists from various parts of India. The art gallery of the museum is divided into four sections featuring paintings from different eras and genres.

10. National Museum, New Delhi

The National Museum in New Delhi, established in 1949, features the biggest collection of miniature paintings in India. Paintings by artists from various parts of the nation are showcased here including the ones by Rajasthan, Sikh and Kashmiri artists.

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Nehru Centre, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum and Byculla Zoo received bomb threats; case registered

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Mumbai Police registered a case against unidentified persons for sending emails threatening bomb blasts at multiple locations, including Colaba’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum and the Nehru Science Centre in Worli.

“Major museums including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Colaba and Nehru Science Center in Worli received emails threatening a blast. Police and bomb disposal squad investigated the museums that received the emails. No trace of any explosives was found,” police said.

Mumbai: Major museums including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Colaba and Nehru Science Center in Worli received emails threatening a blast. Police and bomb disposal squad investigated the museums which received the emails. No trace of any explosives was found: Mumbai…

— ANI (@ANI) January 5, 2024

On Friday morning, the management of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum received an email claiming the presence of a bomb, after which the police were alerted.

“The email said bombs had been planted at more than eight locations in Mumbai, including the museum, the science centre, and the Byculla Zoo. Separate emails were also sent to these institutions,” PTI quoted a police official as saying.

Soon after, security was beefed up at vital installations in the city, while bomb detection and disposal squads and other police personnel, including those from anti-terror cells, started checking the museum. However, nothing suspicious was found during the investigation, officials said.

In this regard, a case has been registered against unidentified persons under Sections 505 (1) (b), 506 (2), 182 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Colaba Police Station, based on the complaint filed by the museum management.

Police are now investigating the matter and tracking the email address of the perpetrator.

This comes a week after Mumbai Police received a threatening phone call at around 6 pm on December 30 claiming that there will be multiple blasts in the city ahead of New Year 2024.

During the investigation, nothing suspicious was found.

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Arunachal Pradesh to show unique World War II remnants at The Hump WW2 Museum

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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A museum dedicated to the remnants of aircraft from the Hump Operations during World War II will soon be inaugurated in Arunachal Pradesh, said chief minister Pema Khandu.

Named ‘The Hump WW2 Museum’, this institution will be located in Pasighat and will serve as a tribute to the extraordinary Hump Operation. During World War II, the Allied Forces, primarily led by the United States, undertook the challenging task of transporting vital supplies over the treacherous Himalayan terrain. This perilous route became known as ‘The Hump’ due to the extreme altitudes of the Eastern Himalayas.

A significant number of aircraft from these missions disappeared in the remote jungles and mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, never to be recovered. Chief Minister Khandu highlighted that the Hump route spanned across regions of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Tibet, Yunnan (China), and Myanmar, with an estimated 650 aircraft having crashed in these areas due to the severe flying conditions.

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‘The Hump WW2 Museum’ is now in the final stages of construction. It will house remnants of an American aircraft that crashed in the state during World War II, along with other important artifacts related to these historical events.

The museum is an initiative led by Chief Minister Khandu, who would invite the US ambassador to India for the inauguration. During the Hump Operations in 1942, when the Japanese Army blocked the vital Burma Road, the US-led Allied Forces executed one of the largest airlift operations in aviation history. Pilots navigating ‘The Hump’ had to traverse deep gorges and rapidly ascend over mountains exceeding 10,000 feet. Over the course of three years, these flights transported nearly 650,000 tonnes of critical supplies, including fuel, food, and ammunition, from Assam to Yunnan in China.

The rugged terrain of Arunachal Pradesh remains challenging for aviation experts even today, with unpredictable weather conditions and sudden heavy winds. Efforts to recover the remains of US personnel missing since World War II continue, with investigators from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) returning to India in recent years.

(With inputs from agencies)

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UK museum to sign pact for Shivaji’s ‘Tiger Claws’ journey to India

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Victoria and Albert (V and A) Museum is all set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra government next week, which will see 17th century ‘Tiger Claws’ weapon believed to have belonged to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj make a journey back to India for an exhibition.

During a protracted military engagement in 1659, the legendary Maratha leader held metal claws, or wagh nakh, concealed in his hand and is said to have disembowelled his opponent Afzal Khan — the commander of the opposing Bijapur army.

It is believed, though unverified, that the set of claws then came into the possession of James Grant Duff, an officer of the East India Company who was appointed Resident or political agent of the Satara state in 1818 and gifted to the V and A by a descendant.

“The V and A looks forward to welcoming senior leadership from the Maharashtra government, to sign a memorandum of understanding,” a V and A spokesperson said.

“The story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s triumph over Afzal Khan is legendary, so we are delighted that the ‘Tiger Claws’ will return to India as part of the 350th anniversary events where they can be enjoyed as part of the celebrations. We hope that their display might also enable new research into their history and look forward to working in partnership with colleagues in the months ahead as we develop plans for their display,” the spokesperson said.

The MoU, expected to be signed on Tuesday, coincides with Maharashtra’s 350th anniversary celebrations of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji. It is then expected to be dispatched to India later this year for an agreed period.

According to the V and A, the weapon is accompanied by a fitted case made after Grant Duff returned to Scotland. The inscription on the case reads: “The ‘Wagnuck’ of Sivajee With Which He Killed the Moghul General. This Relic was given to Mr. James Grant-Duff of Eden When he was Resident at Satara Minister of the Peshwa of the Marathas”.

According to historical accounts, Shivaji and Afzal Khan had arranged a truce after political upheavals in order to meet in a tented enclosure, virtually alone.

The V and A description of the history of the ‘Tiger Claws’ explains: “Both came armed: Shivaji wore mail under his clothes and metal skull protection under his turban. He also held a metal ‘Tiger Claws’ weapon concealed in his hand. The two men fought, and Shivaji disembowelled his opponent.

“The last Peshwa (Prime Minister) of the Marathas, Baji Rao II, surrendered to the British in June 1818 after defeat in the Third Anglo-Maratha War and was banished to Bithoor near Kanpur. It is possible he also surrendered this weapon to Grant Duff. It has not been possible to verify whether these tiger claws are the ones used by Shivaji nearly 160 years earlier.”

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World’s largest museum Yuge Yugeen Bharat to come up in Delhi — All you need to know

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum – billed to be the world’s largest museum – will be housed in the North and South blocks in New Delhi. The museum will have eight thematic segments telling the story of India spanning over 5,000 years.

Here is all you need to know:

• The museum will cover an area of 1.17 lakh square metre with 950 rooms spread over a basement and three storeys.
• In May, the PM also launched a virtual walk-through of the upcoming museum on the occasion of the International Museum Expo at Pragati Maidan.
• The eight thematic segments broadly include ancient Indian knowledge, ancient to medieval, medieval, medieval to transition phase, modern India, the colonial rule (when the Dutch, the British, the Portuguese and others came to India), the freedom struggle and the 100 years from 1947 onwards, including the vision ahead, a senior official told news agency PTI.
• The virtual walkthrough of the museum provides a glimpse on how the galleries and gardens in it will appear once the project is completed. Ancient town planning systems, the Vedas, Upanishads, ancient medical knowledge, Mauryan to Gupta Empires, Vijayanagara Empire, Mughal Empire, and the rule of several other dynasties are mentioned in the walkthrough.
• The National Museum building will become part of the Kartavya Path. All the ancient artefacts and other rich collections of the museum will be shifted to the buildings of the North and South Blocks.
• Former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation of the National Museum building on May 12, 1955.

With inputs from PTI

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Indian artist Sri Prabha’s exhibition wows at Boca Raton Museum in Florida

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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A comprehensive guide to visiting the Borghese Gallery in Rome

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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In case you have planned a trip to Rome, Italy, the Borghese Gallery, located in the picturesque Villa Borghese is one place you must not miss on your holiday. The renowned museum in Rome boasts an extraordinary collection of sculptures, paintings, and antiquities. This guide provides you with essential information to plan your visit and make the most of your experience at this world-class art destination.

Planning your visit

Opening Hours and Ticket Information:

• The Borghese Gallery is open from 9 am to 7 pm, Tuesday through Sunday.
• Tickets must be purchased in advance, and they are available for specific time slots.
• To ensure entry, especially during peak seasons (April to October), it is advisable to book tickets well in advance.
• Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket office.

Guided Tours:

• Consider booking a guided tour to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the artworks.
• Guided tours provide insightful commentary and in-depth information about the collection.
• You can inquire about guided tour options when purchasing your tickets.

Highlights of the Borghese Gallery:

• The David by Bernini: Marvel at this iconic sculpture depicting David, the young shepherd boy, preparing to confront Goliath.
• The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa by Bernini: Witness the profound beauty and emotional intensity of this masterpiece, capturing Saint Teresa in religious ecstasy.
• The Caravaggio Rooms: Explore the captivating paintings of Caravaggio, including “The Conversion of Saint Paul on the Road to Damascus” and “The Deposition of Christ.”
• The Raphael Rooms: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking works of Raphael, such as “La Fornarina” and “The Madonna of the Chair.”

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How to Visit 

By Car:

• The Borghese Gallery is located in the Villa Borghese park, which has limited parking spaces.
• It is recommended to use public transportation instead of driving due to parking constraints.

By Bus:

• Several bus lines, such as 116, 490, and 491, stop near the Villa Borghese.
• Check the official Rome public transport website for the most up-to-date bus routes and schedules.

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By Metro:

• The closest metro station to the Borghese Gallery is Spagna (Line A).
• From the Spagna station, it is approximately a 20-minute walk to the gallery through the beautiful Villa Borghese park.

By Taxi:

• Taxis are readily available throughout Rome, and you can easily reach the Borghese Gallery by giving the address to the driver.
• Be sure to use authorized taxis with official signage and meters.

Tips for a Great Visit

• To avoid crowds and have ample time to appreciate the artworks, aim to arrive early in the morning.
• Early mornings offer a quieter and more serene atmosphere.

Wear comfortable shoes

• The Borghese Gallery encompasses a significant area, requiring considerable walking.
• Opt for comfortable footwear to ensure a pleasant and enjoyable experience.

Carry a Bottle of water

• While exploring the gallery, it’s essential to stay hydrated.
• Carry a refillable water bottle, as there are no water fountains available inside the museum.

Be Respectful

• The Borghese Gallery is a space of art and cultural significance.
• Show respect for the artworks, fellow visitors, and the rules and regulations of the museum.

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PM Modi inaugurates International Museum Expo

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said his government has prioritised preserving the country’s heritage, even as he lamented that enough efforts were not made in this direction post Independence.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the International Museum Expo 2023 in  Pragati Maidan  at New Delhi, Modi also flagged the issue of trafficking of ancient Indian art and antiques, and said that with India’s increasing prestige in the world, various countries have now started returning things belonging to Indian heritage.

Modi said 10 special museums are being built to immortalise the contribution of the tribal community in the country’s freedom struggle.

The long period of slavery also resulted in the destruction of the country’s written and unwritten heritage, Modi noted.

This is not only India’s loss, it is the loss of the whole world, he asserted.

“Unfortunately, the efforts that should have been made post Independence to preserve our heritage, were not made,” he said.

He also urged people to make preserving historical artifacts their nature.

“For example every household must make a family museum in which they preserve things of their ancestors and elders. Schools and institutions should also make their own museums,” he said.

During the event, Modi also unveiled the mascot of the International Museum Expo, a graphic novel titled “A day at the Museum”, a directory of Indian museums, a pocket map of Kartavya Path, and museum cards.

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The mascot of the International Museum Expo is a contemporised version of the dancing girl made of wood in the Chennapatnam art style.

The graphic novel portrays a group of children visiting the National Museum where they learn about different career opportunities that are available at a museum.

The pocket map of the Kartavya Path highlights various cultural spaces and institutions and also traces the history of the iconic pathway.

The Museums cards are a set of 75 cards with illustrated facades of iconic museums across the country, and is an innovative way to introduce museums to people of all ages and each card holds brief information of museums.

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The expo is being organised as part of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to celebrate the 47th International Museum Day (IMD), according to an official statement.

The IMD theme for this year is “museums, sustainability and well-being”.

The expo is designed to initiate a holistic conversation on museums with professionals to enable these to evolve as cultural centres that play a pivotal role in India’s cultural diplomacy, it said.

During the programme, Modi also inaugurated a virtual walkthrough of the upcoming national museum at North Block and South Block.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow