A massive stadium nestled in the center of the city, Sree Kanteerva Outdoor Stadium is a part of the huge Sree Kanteerva Sports Complex. The 25,810 capacity venue is the inevitable choice for any grand event or happening in Bengaluru. Reserved mostly for sports activities, the stadium is a regular host to Athletic events and Sports championships. International Football Championships are a regular occurring here. Administered by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, the stadium offers ample of facilities like eating outlets, changing rooms, VIP and VVIP lounges, and a dormitory. The stadium also extends accommodation facilities to important personnel and sportspersons, when required.
The Venkatappa Art Gallery is a government initiative to promote art amongst the city's people. The gallery is named after K. Venkatappa, the illustrious painter known for his magical landscapes of picturesque southern towns like Ooty, Kodaikanal and others. The entrance to this gallery is from the Government Museum, and the rather scenic walk down to the gallery is over a bridge with pretty pink lotuses in a pond. The paintings are on display on the first floor of the gallery and photography is not permitted here. The artists featured are mostly local, and the temporary exhibitions keep changing every 3 weeks. Most artworks exhibited include watercolor, charcoal and oil paintings.
The Government Museum is an initiative of the Karnataka State Government to preserve the archaeological excavations retrieved from the southern regions of India. The display here consists of interesting pottery pieces, curios, metal coins, musical instruments, and also stone idols of Gods and Goddesses. The premises are well-maintained and the gardens pruned to an impossible perfection. The red building with its majestic columns form a vital aspect to its structure and is an architectural feat from the late 19th Century. On giving prior notice, entry for school students is free. The Government Museum is situated on the Kasturba Road near Cubbon Park. Call ahead before visiting, as the museum is closed on government holidays, Mondays and second Saturdays.
The city's green lung, Cubbon Park is a botanical wonder, replete with thousands of plants and trees of various species. The park is officially called Sri Chamarajendra Park. However, the name Cubbon Park is the often seen name on most of the signboards here. Within the premises lie the KSLTA, Venkatappa Art Gallery, Government Museum, Jawahar Bal Bhavan and other prominent buildings. The park is home to several statues, including those of Queen Victoria and Sheshadri Iyer. The park serves as a recreational area for joggers as well as those who simply want to enjoy a peaceful stroll in the evening.
The red tiled roof the Gallery Time and Space at Lavelle Road speaks of an indelible mark of the old world, in this modern city. The gallery, located next to an old English Bungalow complete with an aesthetic garden, is a pleasant sight to see. The theme, that is evident in its very name, comes out even more strongly by the juxtaposition of the art it displays and space it stands on. What started out as an ode to Contemporary Indian art now stands as one of the richest culture hubs in Bengaluru. The gallery not only holds art exhibitions but it also functions as a venue for many book readings, film screenings, discussions on art sessions etc. Artists featured here include names such as Amitabh Sengupta, Aparna Caur, F.N Souza, Ravindra Salve etc. The gallery includes works of paintings, sculptures, and photography, a window into the world of experimental art. A visit here is indeed a cultural enrichment.
One of the foremost contributions made in India by the British Council, an educational and cultural organization operating worldwide, is establishing libraries in a number of cities. The one in Bengaluru which stands right opposite the Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum has an excellent collection of books on virtually every topic. The library, which represents the British Council is a delight for avid readers with a number of regular literary events and book launches happening here. While it is well-known that book-reading as taken a backseat with the advent of new technology, it is heartening to see organizations such as the British Council using books as a major medium to promote culture.