Bengaluru’s New Cultural Landmark: Where Art Meets Technology.
About the Museum – A New Era of Storytelling
Located in the heart of Bengaluru’s museum district, the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) is a trailblazer in India’s cultural landscape. Established as the first major privately owned museum in South India, it is the brainchild of philanthropist and collector Abhishek Poddar.
What began in 2011 as the Art & Photography Foundation evolved into a digital-first museum in 2020 during the pandemic, connecting with global audiences through virtual exhibitions and masterclasses. On February 18, 2023, MAP opened its physical doors, cementing its mission to democratize art and ignite creativity through a massive collection of South Asian art and culture.
The digital museum launched with curated online exhibitions, along with artist talks, panel discussions, workshops for children, masterclasses, and more. This was followed on February 18th, 2023 with a physical space, to reinforce its mission to harness the transformative potential of art, to enrich lives, ignite creativity, and connect people.
The Building
Spread across seven storeys, the building includes art galleries, an auditorium, library, multimedia gallery, technology centre, sculpture courtyard, learning centre, research facility, conservation lab, gift store, café, member’s lounge, and a rooftop al-fresco restaurant.
The Collection & Exhibitions
MAP is custodian to a growing collection of over 100,000 artworks that take viewers on a comprehensive journey of South Asian art and culture. Dating from the 10th century to the present, the collection includes paintings, sculptures, textiles, photographs and more. Using this rich collection, our talented team of curators weave together exhibitions with powerful narratives that spark curiosity and invite exploration.
With multiple galleries across the museum, visitors are invited to engage with varied forms of art, as well as to participate in associated programming that delves deeper into the themes of each exhibition.
Digital Experiences
In a remarkable set of innovations, the museum offers several digital experiences that are a first in the country. Visitors can choose from a Holographic interaction with MF Hussian’s persona and get up close with an artwork of their choice with a 3D interaction. Additional immersive experiences are being devised and will be introduced shortly. There is also a multimedia gallery where visitors can create a personal museum for themselves by choosing from a variety of digital exhibitions to view.
There is also a multimedia gallery where visitors can create a personal museum for themselves by choosing from a variety of digital exhibitions to view.
MAP’s vibrant and free public programming brings together experts from across the arts and cultural world to create engaging events that range from film screenings, talks, panel discussions, book launches, performances, workshops and more.
Accessibility Features
As a museum dedicated to making art accessible, MAP has adopted several measures to ensure the building, its’ programming and content are able to support people with disabilities. The architects, Mathew & Ghosh, in collaboration with Diversity and Equal Opportunity Centre (DEOC), integrated comprehensive accessibility features in the building design to support a wide range of disabilities. This video showcases all the accessibility features of the museum building. Tactile works in exhibitions, audio guides, ISL walkthroughs, and wheelchair access enhance the sensory experience for visitors with various disabilities.
Awards/Recognition
In recognition of the museum’s efforts towards accessibility and inclusivity, as well as creating a landmark institution in the city, MAP has received awards and accolades in the one year since opening its physical space.
Named as one of the top cultural hotspots of 2024 by National Geographic
15th NCPEDP – Mphasis Universal Design Awards 2024
2024 NDTV Samarth Hero Award for Excellence in Accessible Infrastructure
MAP strives to redefine the perception of museums, presenting them as vibrant spaces of ideas, storytelling and dialogue. It seeks to inspire people to engage with art in ways that encourage humanity, empathy and a deeper understanding of the world we live in.
VISITOR ESSENTIALS
Museum Timings
Tuesday-Friday, 10:00 am – 6:30 pm
Saturday-Sunday, 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Monday, Closed
Tuesday: free entry to all exhibitions, all day.
How To Reach
Address: 22, Kasturba Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
Phone: +91 80 6933 4100
Click Here to Book Ticket
For more information visit the MAP website
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FOLLOW MAP ON SOCIAL MEDIA
@MAPBangalore / #MAPBangalore