Jehangir art gallery is one of the most iconic tourist places in Mumbai. Founded by Sir Cowasji Jehangir at the request if a certain Mr. K. K. Hebbar and Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha. The latter of whom was considered the progenitor of nuclear research in India. It had a few important people in history behind its construction.
Constructed in 1952, it was a remarkable building- a mansion at the first glance. The entire cost of design and construction was borne by Sir Cowasji Jehangir. He was a noticeable figure in Mumbai and a key member of the Parsi Community. Cowasji Jehangir was also bestowed with the title of Knight Commander of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire (established, 1878).
It became one of the major tourist places in Mumbai soon after it was completed. Its place of construction is Kala Ghoda, South Mumbai. It is built remarkably close (behind) the Prince of Wales Museum. The design for the gallery was done by G.M Bhuta of G.M. Bhuta & Associates, another notable figure.
On the 21st of January, 1952 an inauguration ceremony was held for the gallery. Thereafter it was opened for the public. The Chief Minister of Bombay at the time, B. G. Kher was present at the inauguration. Entry was free and the art and cultural displays were hard pins a monetary value on. It was quick to gain its position among the major tourist places in Mumbai.
Some facts about the Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai
The Gallery itself was a commemorative building. Built in the memory of the late son of Sir Cowasji- Jehangir. Which is also where the name of the complex comes from. It houses the spirit of a life lived in appreciation of contemporary art and cultural evolution.
Soon after its construction, it became a powerhouse of producing contemporary Indian Artists. The gallery at various points of time has held exhibitions of some of the greats in India’s art scene. It’s even frequented by the likes of M. F. Husain and S. H. Raza.
It became a center of an arts renaissance in India. Soon after its construction the National Gallery of Modern Arts, The Arts Trust, numerous art galleries, pavement art stalls, designer boutiques, and cafés popped up around it. It became a second home to artists from the city.
Kala Ghoda benefitted a lot from this movement and evolved. Slowly turning into a cultural hotspot for Indian Art and even gaining the title of “art district” of Mumbai. The gallery hosts one of the most prominent arts festivals in India. “The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival” attracts people from all over the world each year.
The Gallery also holds an iconic annual art show called Monsoon Art Show. In order to promote the growth of arts in India, it showcases the emerging talent from the city and its vicinity. It also holds over three hundred regular art shows spanning the entire year, every year.
Sometimes even applying for a slot a year in advance might not guarantee a place at the gallery. The competition has been fierce and doesn’t seem to be dying down anytime soon. A. Ramachandran, Akbar Padamsee, Ram Kumar, M.F. Husain, Anjolie Ela Menon, S.K. Bakre, S.H. Raza, K.G. Subramanyan, and K.K. Hebbar are some folks you might’ve heard of.
All of these people have accomplished great things in the world of art for India. The gallery has hosted its exhibitions at some point in time, multiple times for some more than once. There is a café that has gained popularity over the years just like the gallery, by the name of Samovar. The café is a stark reminder of the 70’s socialist movement.
India’s oldest licensed antique dealers, Natesans, are also situated inside the complex. While the complex itself is constructed with an inverted gallery design. Serving both as a gallery and an auditorium. It goes on to show how the building even at the time was built with modernist views.
The concrete mesh is a piece of art in itself- that is the limit of things getting meta so rest assured. This building holds a special place in history and its cultural and artistic significance can’t ever be overstated. This is why it’s a great choice to visit first in Mumbai.