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Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Bangalore: timings and what to see
Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath on Kumara Krupa Road is Bengaluru's main art complex: eight museums, exhibition galleries and an art college. The museums are open 10:30–18:30 and closed on Mondays and public holidays; temporary exhibitions run 11:00–19:00. Its best-known rooms hold the works of Nicholas and Svetoslav Roerich, the largest Roerich collection in South India.
Bengaluru's leading art center, encompassing a museum, galleries, and educational institution. It hosts exhibitions of contemporary and traditional Indian art, including painting, graphics, sculpture, and folk crafts. The complex features several galleries displaying both established masters and emerging artists, with separate exhibitions dedicated to regional styles like Mysore painting and Karnataka's folk traditions.
Many works are inspired by Vedic themes: scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranic stories, where gods, sages, and heroes unfold through visual language. These pieces give the gallery special depth and a sense of continuity with ancient cultural tradition.
Don't miss the Roerich galleries: Two permanent halls hold 117 works by Nicholas Roerich and his son Svetoslav, donated by Svetoslav in 1990 on the condition that they stay on permanent display. It is the largest Roerich collection in South India. His paintings, suffused with the mystical light of Himalayan landscapes and philosophical imagery, resonate powerfully here. He bridges India and Russia, mysticism and reality. You don't just feel the beauty of forms; you sense philosophical depth and the search for eternal truths.
The complex features a pleasant inner courtyard, shaded pathways, and a simple canteen serving homestyle South Indian food. Craft fairs and artisan markets are frequently held, where you can buy jewelry, block prints, paintings, and wooden and textile work, all from local artists and craftspeople. An excellent place for unhurried immersion in art, culture, and local creativity.
Chitrakala Parishath timings
The Parishath publishes separate hours for its museums and its exhibition galleries:
- Museums: 10:30–18:30. Closed on Mondays and public holidays.
- Exhibitions: 11:00–19:00. No closing day is stated for them.
- Event days: the doors open 30 minutes before the event.
The official site does not publish an entry fee. If you come on a Monday, the museums are shut, but a temporary show in the galleries may still be on.
What to see
The Parishath was founded in 1960 by M. Arya Murthy and Prof. M. S. Nanjunda Rao. Today the complex has 18 galleries, 13 of them with permanent collections of painting, sculpture and folk art, and eight named museums:
- Nicholas Roerich Museum and Svetoslav Nikolaevich Roerich Museum. 117 works by father and son, donated by Svetoslav in 1990 on condition that they stay on permanent display. Himalayan landscapes full of a mystical light, and philosophical images.
- Mysore traditional Museum. The regional Mysore style of painting: gods, sages and heroes in scenes from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Puranas.
- Leather Puppets Museum. Shadow-theatre figures cut and painted from hide.
- Kejriwal Museum and Kejriwal Folk Art Museum, Srikanta Shastry Kukke Museum, Dr. Krishna Reddy Museum.
Between the halls there is a shaded inner courtyard and a simple canteen with home-style South Indian food. Craft fairs are held often, with jewellery, block prints, paintings and wood and textile work from local makers.
Chitra Santhe, the street art fair
Once a year the Parishath turns Kumara Krupa Road into an open-air art market. Chitra Santhe has run since 2004 under the motto "Art for All". The 23rd edition was held on Sunday 4 January 2026 from 8:00 to 20:00, and was expected to bring more than 1,500 stalls and artists from over 22 states and union territories. Traffic is restricted on the surrounding roads for the day. The Parishath announces the date of each edition in advance.
👣 How to get to Chitrakala Parishath
The address is Kumara Krupa Road, Bengaluru 560001.
- By metro
Get off at Mantri Square and walk about 10 minutes.
- By bus
Take a northbound bus (towards Hebbal, Yelahanka or the airport) to the Shivananda stop, then walk 2 minutes.
- By car
Parking inside is limited for cars and two-wheelers, and street parking is not allowed.
❓ FAQ
What are Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath timings?
Museums 10:30–18:30, closed on Mondays and public holidays. Exhibitions 11:00–19:00.
What is Chitrakala Parishath famous for?
Its Roerich collection (117 works by Nicholas and Svetoslav Roerich), Mysore paintings, leather puppets, its art college and the annual Chitra Santhe street fair.
Where is Chitrakala Parishath in Bangalore?
On Kumara Krupa Road, a 10-minute walk from Mantri Square metro station.
Where will Chitra Santhe be held?
On Kumara Krupa Road and around the Parishath. The 2026 edition was on 4 January; the Parishath announces each year's date.
Is there any exhibition in Chitrakala Parishath today?
Temporary exhibitions change often and run 11:00–19:00; check the Parishath's website or call before you go.