Delhi Performing Arts

Sights Shopping Nightlife

1. Art Heritage

Part of a cultural institute with several galleries and performing spaces, Art Heritage has some of the finest exhibits in town.

2. Art Konsult

Art Konsult hangs some accomplished contemporary work.

3. Delhi Art Gallery

A substantial collection of paintings by old masters and contemporary artists can be seen here; it often hosts comprehensive historical art exhibitions.

4. Devi Art Foundation

The Devi Art Foundation, with its sprawling exhibition area, is out of the way for the typical visitor—and the walk from the Metro station is unpleasant—but it's worth a visit for art enthusiasts. Shows on various themes are usually curated out of the permanent collection, which consists of long-time collector Lekha Poddar's folk art and historically significant acquisitions, as well as her son Anupam's trove of more cutting-edge contemporary works (he's a high-end hotelier).

5. Dhoomimal Gallery

It's a bit chaotic but this gallery that focuses on older contemporary artists is centrally located and large.

6. Gallery Espace

A small but remarkable space featuring both new and canonical artists, sometimes mixed together in edgy theme shows.

7. Habitat World

The various exhibition spaces here showcase painting, sculpture, Indian craft, and creativity of every kind. The main Visual Arts Gallery is just inside Gate 2.

8. India Habitat Centre

Several cultural events, from classical Indian dance performances to local stand-up comedy acts, take place here every evening. It's also a regular venue for local theater troupes.

9. India International Centre

This is an established performance space near the Habitat Centre. From poetry readings to documentary film festivals, this is the place to witness the capital's famed love of high art.

10. Kamani Auditorium

This is a long-standing venue for Indian classical music and dance. It's also a good place to sample Delhi's vibrant student-theater scene.

11. Lalit Kala Akademi

This government-run gallery in a large 1950s building shows several exhibits at once, usually of varying quality.

12. LTG Auditorium

This is an old theater venue with performances by local and student groups. The performances are mostly free, so just show up a little in advance to get tickets.

13. Nature Morte

This is one of the most cutting-edge art and photography galleries in town.

14. Navratana

Navratana is a tiny but spirited hoard of old paintings, photographs, and movie posters, with a few contemporary works thrown in.

15. PVR Plaza

16. PVR Saket

17. Shri Ram Centre

A constant stream of plays are staged here, some for one day only. The institute's famous for its annual Ramlila production, an enactment of the life of Rama, which is staged during the Dussehra festival, usually in October.

18. The Stainless

One of the more experimental galleries in Delhi, this space welcomes designers, architects, artists, and sculptors to display their work, and there is a permanent collection of stainless-steel installations.

19. Triveni Kala Sangam

In addition to the galleries at Art Heritage, regular dance performances and classes take place here. There's also a cozy cafeteria where you can retire afterward for a relaxed tea and paranthas amid lush greenery.

20. Vadehra Art Gallery

Respected for its permanent collection of 20th-century masters, this is also one of Delhi's best galleries for contemporary, established artists. There are several locations.