Set among tall trees and lush gardens, the Kasturbhai Lalbhai Museum complex consists of two buildings that were painstakingly restored by renowned architect Rahul Mehrotra. The main building, a colonial structure built in 1905, showcases over a thousand years of Indian art. The artworks on display reflect the eclectic nature of the collection. The museum seeks to balance art-historical merit with personal favourites while retaining the essence of the family home. The artworks on view are from a range of traditions and styles, with paintings from the Persian, Mughal, Deccan, Pahari and Rajasthani schools being displayed alongside Tibetan thangkas, Company School portraits, modernist paintings from the Bengal School and painted postcards from pre-independent India. Art in stone, metal, wood and Bidri are also on display. In the adjacent Claude Batley house, built in the 1930s, space was created to house temporary exhibitions, retrospectives of established artists and display of works by young artists. Leaving the beauty of the older building untouched and unmarred, a unique glass gallery was added to create extra display space. The complex also has a small amphitheatre with a seating capacity of 250 that can host small performances, musical soirees, talks and discourses. Thus, with a variety of events being planned throughout the year, the museum hopes to create a dynamic and vibrant atmosphere to draw people in for a cultural treat.
This guided tour is free.
