"India's 1st Art & Photography Museum"

The Museum of Art and Photography, Bangalore Overview

The Museum of Art and Photography (MAP) is a private museum in Bengaluru, India, that was founded by industrialist Abhishek Poddar in 2016 as a digital platform to make his collection of art, photography, and textiles available to the public. The museum is spread across 5 floors, and its collection comprises over 60,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and textiles.

The museum has since launched educational ventures in collaboration with notable international museums and tech giants. MAP is set to open its physical space in February 2023, with an extensive library, a multimedia gallery, a 130-seat auditorium, a technology center, a sculpture courtyard, a research and conservation laboratory, a learning center, a gift store, a café, and a fine-dining restaurant on the lower ground floor making it a popular destination for art lovers and visitors alike. The museum's mission is to democratize art and enhance the museum-going experience for the country by taking art into the heart of the community.

Must Know Before You Visit The Museum of Art and Photography

Note: :

Museum is closed on Mondays and certain public holidays.
Opening hours, ticket prices are subject to change. So always ensure to check the website before visiting.
Consider booking your tickets online (map.everyticket.in) in advance to avoid long queues at the ticket counter.
Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable unless otherwise specified in museum policy.
Any donations made at the time of purchasing the ticket cannot be refunded.
Prior written consent from the museum management is required for filming and photography with professional equipment.
The museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities, including wheelchair users. The building has elevators and accessible restrooms, and the museum offers special tours for visitors with disabilities. Contact the museum in advance if you require any special accommodations.
The museum occasionally hosts temporary exhibitions, so be sure to check the museum's website or social media pages for information about upcoming events and exhibitions.

The Museum of Art and Photography Highlights

1. VISIBLE/INVISIBLE Exhibition

VISIBLE/INVISIBLE is an immersive experience that explores the visual representation of women through art, spanning from the 10th century to contemporary times. The exhibition seeks to challenge tradi (Read More)tional perceptions of femininity and gender as a social construct and presents a more inclusive understanding towards it.

Through a diverse range of artworks and artists from India and around the world, the exhibition highlights selected stories of women, focusing on themes such as sacrifice, nourishment, aggression, abandonment, desire, success, struggle, and power dynamics. The exhibition also addresses the historically male-dominated image building of women in art, presenting ideas and histories that provide a counter to it.

The exhibition is located on the 4th floor of the building and is an immersive experience that explores the role of art in shaping identity and representation. A unique feature of the exhibition is the inclusion of tactile interpretations of six artworks that can be touched by all visitors, adding a new dimension to the exhibition.

To ensure inclusivity, the exhibition also offers specially curated tours for groups of visitors with disabilities, which can be pre-booked free of charge by contacting [email protected] or [email protected]. These tours include ISL interpreters, touch tours for people with visual impairments, and tours during quiet hours to avoid sensory overload.

2. The Sculpture Courtyard

This courtyard is an open-air space located within the museum that features a collection of sculptures created by renowned Indian and international artists. The artworks on display represent different (Read More) artistic movements and styles, providing visitors with a glimpse into the evolution of sculpture as an art form.

One of the unique features of the Sculpture Courtyard is the interactive nature of the artwork. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the sculptures through touch, allowing for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art. Additionally, the courtyard is used for various educational programs and events, such as workshops, talks, and performances, making it a vibrant hub of artistic activity within the museum.

3. The Mazumdar-Shaw Auditorium

The Mazumdar-Shaw Auditorium is a performance space located on the 1st floor of the museum. The auditorium is named after Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the chairperson and managing director of Biocon Limited, (Read More)who donated funds for its construction.

The auditorium has a seating capacity of 170 people and is equipped with state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment. It is a versatile space that can be used for a variety of events, including lectures, talks, panel discussions, film screenings, and musical performances.

The Mazumdar-Shaw Auditorium is also equipped with hearing loops to facilitate people who use hearing aids.

4. A.I. Holograms and Digital Galleries at MAP

The museum experience has been digitized with an AI-powered hologram of MF Husain which greets visitors and answer to their questions, while a multimedia gallery being fitted with multiple digital scr (Read More)eens that allow audiences to pull up any of the nearly 60,000 digitized artworks that MAP is a custodian of.

Read More on The Museum of Art and Photography

India’s 1st Art and Photography Museum

The Museum of Art and Photography (MAP) is India's first art and photography museum located in the heart of Bangalore. It boasts a unique and diverse collection of over 60,000 artworks and photographs, dating back to the 8th century, representing various regions, styles, and mediums. The museum's mission is to preserve, showcase and promote India's rich cultural heritage and contemporary art and photography practices to a global audience. Through its permanent galleries, special exhibitions, educational programs, and research initiatives, MAP seeks to engage visitors in a meaningful dialogue about the role of art and photography in shaping society and culture. As India's premier cultural institution, MAP offers a world-class museum experience that celebrates India's artistic legacy while embracing its dynamic present and future.

Why is MAP famous?

MAP, which stands for Museum of Art and Photography, is renowned for being among the pioneering museums in India that are exclusively devoted to contemporary art, photography, and design. Its extensive portfolio boasts a vast compilation of more than 60,000 artworks contributed by local and global artists and photographers alike, ranging from the 10th century to the present day. These comprise an assorted range of works across various genres. The museum aims to present alternative perspectives on the world through art and photography by providing varieties of options for visitors to interact with such as exhibitions, presentations, workshops, and events.

In addition to its impressive collection, MAP is also famous for its modern and innovative approach to presenting art and photography which offers a warm setting that welcomes visitors from different age groups and ethnic origins. Everyone who is interested in art will find the museum to be a stimulating location to visit because it is outfitted with cutting-edge technology to offer immersive digital experiences, and interactive displays, as well as a sculptural garden.

How do I get tickets for the museum?

Tickets for The Museum of Art and Photography can be purchased online in advance through the museum's official website or in person at the museum's ticket counter on the day of the visit.

Visitors can also purchase discounted combo and group tickets at the museum's reception desk. The museum's ticket prices do not include GST.

It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long queues and ensure availability. Visitors can also book guided tours and bespoke events by contacting [email protected].

Online Booking: map.everyticket.in

How to Reach: The Museum of Art and Photography

The Museum of Art and Photography is located in the heart of Bengaluru city on Kasturba Road, Shanthala Nagar. The nearest metro stations are Cubbon Park, MG Road, and Vidhana Soudha. From the metro station, the museum is within walking distance of around 10 to 15 minutes. BMTC buses run throughout the city, and the museum is easily accessible via public transport. Visitors can take a bus to the Cubbon Park bus stop, which is located close to the museum. Visitors can book a taxi or cab to the museum, and the driver can drop them off at the entrance. Several online cab services like Uber and Ola are available in Bengaluru. Visitors can drive to the museum and park their car at the designated parking area on Kasturba Cross Road, parallel to Lavelle Road, or at UB City.

Guided tour at The Museum of Art and Photography

The museum offers guided tours for visitors, which can be booked in advance through the museum's website or by contacting [email protected]. Visitors can gain deeper insights into the history and significance of each exhibit, as well as explore the museum's various themes and narratives.

The museum offers several accessibility features to enhance visitors' experience, including the Bloomberg Connects App, which provides inclusive audio and written guides suitable for everyone, tactile interpretations of artworks for visitors with visual impairments, and specially curated tours for groups with disabilities.

The Bloomberg Connects App can be downloaded by either scanning this QR Code or by installing it from Google Play Store or App Store.

Collections at the Museum

Global Collection of International Contemporary Art
The museum offers a unique and diverse collection of contemporary art from around the world, featuring works by both established and emerging artists. The collection is a celebration of different artistic styles and mediums, with a focus on showcasing the global cultural exchange through art. The collection also includes works by Indian artists, providing a glimpse into the country's contemporary art scene and its place in the wider global art community.
Additionally, the MAP collection is divided into six categories: Pre-modern; Modern and Contemporary; Textiles, Craft, and Design; Living Traditions; Photography; and Popular Culture.

A Hub of Contemporary Art and Cultural Exchange
The Museum of Art and Photography is designed as a cultural hub, with a focus on contemporary art and photography. The museum houses both permanent and temporary exhibitions, showcasing the works of established and emerging artists. The collection at MAP spans various themes and genres, ranging from traditional and modern Indian art to international contemporary art. Moreover, MAP is committed to engaging with the local community and promoting cultural exchange through its programs and initiatives. The museum hosts a range of workshops, talks, and events, aimed at fostering creativity and critical thinking among visitors of all ages.

Art & Science
'Art and Science' is a highlight of MAP, which explores the intersection of both through a variety of exhibits including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and textiles, along with interactive multimedia displays that illustrate the connections between the two fields. The exhibits showcase the way art and science have influenced each other throughout history and how they continue to inspire new perspectives, ideas, and creations.

Architectural Marvels of the Museum of Art and Photography

The architecture of MAP is a blend of traditional and modern design, with a facade that reflects the cultural heritage of the region. The building is spread over 44,000 square feet and is divided into 4 large galleries and exhibition spaces. Moreover, the museum's architecture is designed by the award-winning firm, Sameep Padora & Associates, and is inspired by the traditional Indian stepwell. The building features a unique facade made of custom-designed terracotta tiles that create a play of light and shadow, reminiscent of the dappled light found in the courtyards of Indian homes.

Are there any restrictions inside the museum?

The museum has restrictions on photography, smoking, eating, and drinking inside the galleries.
Visitors are not allowed to touch the exhibits, use a selfie stick or use flash photography.
Backpacks and suitcases are not allowed, while handbags and purses up to 40cm x 40cm can be carried.
Photography is partially allowed without flash in some designated areas of the museum, such as the Sculpture Courtyard and MAP Cafe.
Pets are not allowed in the galleries, except for guide dogs for the visually impaired.
Food and drinks are not allowed inside the galleries or the auditorium. There is a cafe on the ground floor where you can grab a bite to eat.
Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all the time within the museum premises.
Do not carry charcoal, pastels, permanent markers, and watercolor or oil paint.

Is the museum accessible to visitors with disabilities?

The museum also offers accessible parking, wheelchair accessibility, a quiet room for visitors experiencing sensory overload, and hearing loops for visitors using hearing aids.
To request any of these accessibility features, visitors can contact MAP at either [email protected] or [email protected], and MAP will arrange them on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Membership

The museum offers an exclusive membership program for art enthusiasts who are passionate about discovering the hidden stories of artworks and exploring the diverse collection. As a MAP member, you'll get to be part of an exclusive community and enjoy various benefits. For more information, visit this webpage to see offerings about their package and benefits.
Annual Plan: INR 2,000
Lifetime Plan: INR 12,000

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the Museum of Art and Photography is during weekdays, as it can get crowded on weekends. One can also plan their visit on Tuesday to get a free entry benefit. The museum's exhibitions are constantly changing, so it is recommended to check their website for the latest information before planning a visit.

Tips

Visitors can save on ticket costs by purchasing discounted tickets or combo and group tickets. The museum also offers free entry to all exhibitions on Tuesdays from 2 pm to 6:30 pm. Visitors can also visit the museum's website for updates on special offers and promotions.