Kerala offers a treasure trove of art galleries and exhibition spaces that celebrate its rich artistic heritage. From classic paintings to modern sculptures and terracotta creations, visitors can immerse themselves in diverse artistic expressions. Below are some notable art galleries worth exploring:
Sree Chithra Art Gallery
Located near the Napier Museum in Thiruvananthapuram, this historic gallery was established in 1935 by the Maharaja of Travancore, Sree Chithira Thirunal. It houses an exceptional collection of paintings, including works by Raja Ravi Varma, Svetoslav Roerich, and Nicholas Roerich, along with masterpieces from the Mughal, Rajput, and Tanjore schools of art. Visitors can also admire oriental art from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali, as well as unique reproductions of Indian murals spanning pre-historic to 18th-century art.
Durbar Hall Art Centre
Located in Kochi, this state-of-the-art venue is renowned for hosting large-scale art exhibitions, including internationally acclaimed shows. It also features a dedicated gallery for the works of T. K. Padmini, making it a focal point for art lovers in Kerala.
Chithrasala Art Gallery
Set amidst the tranquil landscape of Vyloppilli Samskrithi Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, this gallery provides ample space for hosting significant exhibitions, and has been the site for many notable art shows.
Art Galleries in Malampuzha and Kozhikode
The Malampuzha Art Gallery in Palakkad and the Kozhikode Art Gallery in north Kerala are prominent venues for regular art exhibitions. The Kozhikode gallery, recently renovated, now accommodates even more notable shows.
Shankar Memorial National Cartoon Museum & Art Gallery
Situated in Kayamkulam, this unique space pays tribute to the legendary cartoonist Sankar with a dedicated cartoon museum. It also serves as a venue for art exhibitions and creative programmes.
Valmeekam Clay Art Gallery
Located near Kuruva Island in Wayanad, this terracotta sculpture museum is the first of its kind in Kerala. The gallery features intricately crafted terracotta sculptures that reflect humanity’s connection with Nature and spirituality.
Art lovers visiting Kerala can explore these diverse galleries to experience the state’s artistic legacy in all its forms.