Located in a building which once belonged to the Maharajahs of Jaipur, the NGMA has a setting that is ideal for showcasing the best of Indian artwork. This includes beautiful sculptures by some of the country's best known artists; displayed cleverly in the surrounding gardens. There are also paintings from the 19th and 20th Centuries, with works from artists, such as Rabindranath Tagore, Jamini Roy, Raja Ravi Varma and Amrita Sher Gill. There is a small but a rare collection of artworks by international artists as well, which includes names like Henry Moore, Jacob Stein and Kozo Mio. Spend a few hours studying the beautiful work here and lose yourself in the myriad of colors and shapes.
The resplendent Rashtrapati Bhavan is a fitting ode to the nation's architectural heritage. Built for the British Viceroy over a span of 17 years, it was designed by architects Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens and Herbert Baker. Spanning four stories and featuring 340 rooms, this massive edifice is a masterpiece, not only for its stunning architecture but equally flamboyant layout that encompasses spellbinding gardens and a museum complex. Completed in 1929, Rashtrapati Bhavan is one of the largest residences of state heads in the world and still evokes awe.
An architectural marvel par excellence, the glorious India Gate is an emblematic jewel of New Delhi. It is a majestic structure that stands at the end of Rajpath, amidst manicured lawns and water fountains carved in sandstone. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, it was originally known as the All India War Memorial. This structure was built in honor and memory of the scores of Indian soldiers who laid down their lives as part of the British Indian Army between 1914-1921 in battles across the world. Beneath its arch burns the eternal flame, or Amar Jyoti, which has been alight since 1971. The area is especially breathtaking in the evenings when India Gate and the sprawling lawns are dramatically lit. Drawing its architectural nuances from that of a triumphal arch, this is one of the most beautiful localities in the city.
The Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum which was the Gandhi Smriti is the place where Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948. It was his residence at that time and was converted into a museum soon after his death. It displays an extensive collection of Gandhi's photographs and personal items. There is also an interesting exhibit of small doll houses and terracotta dolls portraying the major events of Gandhi's life. The bare room, where he resided, is kept just as it was in his time. His last footsteps, from the house into the garden (where he was shot) are marked out in cement.
Spread across three floors, Lalit Kala Academy is a spacious art gallery that has been operating since 1954. This venue has been a platform for amateur and well-known artists alike. Being an art hub, this gallery has been the venue for the Triennale India exhibition which sees around 40 countries participating. Besides this, the art gallery also holds the National Exhibition of Photography and Arts and is a host to several film shows and other events regularly. All in all, Lalit Kala Academy is surely a must visit for all the art aficionados in town.
A trip to Delhi would amount to much less if The National Museum were not on your itinerary. Built in 1960, this repository stores an endless and spectacular collection of Indian antiquities. The collection is truly fantastic and extraordinary; there are treasures from pre-historic times and from the time of the birth of Indian civilization. Priceless pieces of art and sculptures from the Indus Valley civilization, can also be found here. That's not all, the museum houses rare miniatures, Buddhist and Jain relics and an extensive collection of artifacts from the Chola Era. If you are interested in decorative arts; this museum exhibits those too.
The buildings that form The Secretariat surround the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The North Block are the offices of the Home and Finance Ministries and the South Block is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is a series of beautiful buildings in red sandstone with Baroque domes covered with lotus motifs and elephants, another example of the architect's, Lutyen's genius. Unfortunately, entry into the premises is not allowed.
Established in 2004, this fairly new gallery has a lot to its credit. A promoter of modern and contemporary Indian art, Gallerie Nvya has always managed to fascinate the visitor. Not restricting itself to only paintings, it showcases skilfully crafted sculptures, installations and also ceramics. The gallery has a homely aura to it which makes one comfortable once you step inside. Check the website for information regarding exhibitions.
World Bank works in association with the local and central governments on a number of development projects in India. The office in Delhi is situated in the Lodi Estate. The building made of beige and pink sandstone is a spectacular sight to watch. The architecture is reminiscent of the Mughal past and still keeps its contemporary appeal intact. The place is worth a visit for sheer architectural brilliance.
Ambedkar Auditorium stages some really good cultural events; and with an arty infrastructure and the latest facilities, gives a beautiful feel to the entire act. This place is one of the most preferred places for people who love all kinds of cultural events. The auditorium can accommodate approximately 250 to 500 people at a time for an act. And the good part is that it also accepts all major credit cards. There is also a canteen within the venue that is open depending on the timing of the acts. Located near Connaught place, it is also very easily accessible.
Founded in 2008, Passage Art takes you through an artistic sojourn to the various states of the nation. From decorative artworks such as canvas and murals to abstract and contemporary paintings, these carefully selected pieces are of good quality and come in different sizes and forms.
If you wish to spend a fun-filled evening with your gang of friends then Movida is the place to be. Drenched in vibrant hues and decked up in eccentric paraphernalia, this bar is known for their Karaoke evenings. Located in one of the more popular areas of New Delhi, Movida is a haunt for youngsters, locals and tourists alike. The place has an impressive line-up of drinks on offer. Also, the food menu here complements its drinks counterpart with scrumptious snacks that keep your hunger in check. The service is swift thus leaving no room for disappointment.