National Gallery of Modern Art

The National Gallery of Modern Art holds India's most significant public collection of modern and contemporary Indian art, tracing the country's artistic development from the mid-19th century through to the present, including major works by figures like Raja Ravi Varma, Amrita Sher-Gil and the Bengal School artists. Housed partly in a converted colonial-era palace, the gallery combines historic architecture with a genuinely world-class collection.

Rotating temporary exhibitions alongside the permanent collection keep the gallery relevant for repeat visits, and its relatively central location near India Gate makes it an easy addition to a day exploring the surrounding government and heritage district.

Established in 1954, shortly after independence, the gallery was intended to give India's modern artistic achievements the same institutional recognition already afforded to its ancient and classical heritage through institutions like the National Museum.

Near India Gate, easily reached from Central Secretariat metro station.