Venkatappa Art Gallery: A Cultural Gem in Bengaluru
Explore over 600 paintings and sculptures at Bengaluru's Venkatappa Art Gallery, a treasure trove of Indian art and culture in Cubbon Park.
The Venkatappa Art Gallery, established in 1975, stands as a testament to Karnataka's rich artistic heritage. Named after the celebrated painter K. Venkatappa (1886–1965), the gallery is located within the serene Cubbon Park, adjacent to the Bangalore Museum and the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum. The gallery's foundation stone was laid in 1967, with the aim of preserving K. Venkatappa's works and providing a platform for artists from across Karnataka. The building's construction faced delays, leading to protests by artists demanding its completion. The gallery finally opened its doors in 1975 and has since become a prominent cultural institution in Bengaluru. The Venkatappa Art Gallery boasts a collection of over 600 paintings, sculptures, and drawings. The first floor showcases the works of K. Venkatappa, including his famous paintings of Ooty sunrise, Nilgiri hills, and Church Hill. The gallery also features works by other notable artists such as M. F. Hussain, Vasudev, Hariram, Rekha Rao, Yusuf Arakkal, and N.S. Bendre. The second floor is dedicated to the paintings of K. K. Hebbar. The gallery also hosts rotating exhibitions, workshops, seminars, and art talks, promoting public engagement and education. The building has been renovated to include better infrastructure, public amenities, and enhanced gallery displays, including a cafe space.
Local tips
- Visit during the daytime for the best viewing experience, as the gallery is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday through Sunday.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the adjacent Bangalore Museum and Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum for a full day of exploration.
- Take the metro to Cubbon Park station for convenient access to the gallery, which is about a kilometer away.
- Check in advance for special events or exhibitions that may require prior registration or tickets.
A brief summary to Venkatappa Art Gallery Bengaluru
- XHFW+P4R, Kasturba Rd, Bengaluru, Ambedkar Veedhi, Sampangi Rama Nagar, Karnataka, 560001, IN
- +918022864483
Getting There
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Walking
From Cubbon Park Metro Station (Purple Line), walk southeast on Kasturba Road. The gallery is approximately 1 km away, a pleasant walk through the park. No costs involved.
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Public Transport
Take a BMTC bus to the St. Joseph Boys High School Malya Hospital bus stop, which is a 3-minute walk to the gallery. Bus fares range from ₹5 to ₹30. Alternatively, take the metro to Cubbon Park or Vidhana Soudha stations and walk to the gallery.
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Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Ola and Uber are readily available in Bengaluru. A short trip from the city center to Venkatappa Art Gallery will typically cost between ₹100 and ₹200, depending on traffic and distance.
