Chennai has long been celebrated as a cultural capital—known for its classical music season, architectural heritage, and a thriving visual arts landscape. Today, the city’s art galleries play a vital role in nurturing contemporary expression while preserving traditional aesthetics. From prestigious institutions that helped shape India’s art market to modern spaces championing new voices, Chennai offers a diverse range of creative hubs that attract collectors, casual explorers, and art enthusiasts from around the world.
In this guide, we explore some of Chennai’s most influential art galleries—each with its own identity, history, and artistic mission. Whether you’re planning a gallery-hopping weekend or building your art collection, these dynamic spaces promise inspiration and discovery at every turn.
Apparao Galleries
📍 No. 7, Wallace Gardens 3rd Street, Nungambakkam
Since 1984, Apparao Galleries has been a cornerstone of contemporary Indian art. Founded by creative director Sharan Apparao, the gallery is known for elevating both established and emerging artists, making it one of Chennai’s most respected art destinations. Its exhibitions often bridge the gap between traditional Indian sensibilities and modern global conversations, offering visitors a nuanced perspective on evolving artistic narratives.
What sets Apparao Galleries apart is its commitment to curation. Every showcase feels intentional—an exploration of form, material, and meaning that invites viewers to reflect deeply. For collectors and art admirers, it’s a space that consistently delivers depth, diversity, and innovation.
The Faraway Tree Gallery
📍 3 Sterling Road, 3rd Cross St, Nungambakkam
Established in 2009, The Faraway Tree Gallery champions high-quality contemporary art by Indian artists. Over the years, it has hosted exhibitions featuring both acclaimed masters and rising talents, marking its reputation as a gallery with a discerning eye for artistic excellence.
Notable showcases include the retrospective of R.B. Bhaskaran in 2010 and the Silver Anniversary Exhibition of the Association of British Scholars, where works of South Indian artists who received British Council fellowships were featured. While the gallery now operates primarily online, collectors can still view works by appointment—giving them access to an impressive selection of original art and limited-edition prints by stalwarts like S.H. Raza, Sakti Burman, Akkitham Narayanan, and more.
Its hybrid model of online and appointment-based viewing makes Faraway Tree a versatile platform for both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers seeking curated, high-value pieces.
Focus Art Gallery
📍 No. 11, Kasturi Rangan 2nd Street, Alwarpet
Located in the heart of Alwarpet, Focus Art Gallery is a vibrant space teeming with visual richness. Visitors are greeted with a diverse collection—watercolours, oil paintings, photographs, installations, prints, and drawings from both Indian and international artists. The gallery’s aesthetic merges traditional and contemporary expressions, making it an inviting stop for anyone interested in varied art forms.
Beyond paintings, Focus Art Gallery also displays antiques, Buddha statues, and intricately crafted brass and bronze figures, offering a museum-like experience that appeals to collectors as well as culturally curious visitors. Its inclusive, immersive environment ensures there’s something for every kind of art lover—whether you’re on the hunt for a standout piece or simply exploring Chennai’s creative offerings.
Gallery Veda
📍 4/22 (1st floor), Rutland Gate 5th Street, Nungambakkam
Founded by Preeti Garg, Gallery Veda was built on a mission to make art accessible, inclusive, and engaging. Beyond curating exceptional works, the gallery prioritizes education—helping visitors understand, appreciate, and connect with the art they encounter.
From its debut exhibition “Firm Ground Beneath Her” to shows featuring renowned artists like Chandra Bhattacharjee, Seema Kohli, Arpana Caur, and Jogen Choudhury, the gallery continually challenges perceptions and sparks meaningful dialogue. With two venues—including one at Park Hyatt—Gallery Veda has become a dynamic space for contemporary exploration.
The gallery also provides art consulting, home décor advisory, corporate gifting, and commissioned artworks, helping art lovers seamlessly integrate meaningful pieces into their living and working spaces. As it participates in major art fairs like the Kochi Muziris Biennale and Venice Art Biennale, Gallery Veda continues to expand Chennai’s artistic footprint onto global platforms.
Artworld – Sarala’s Art Centre
📍 1/12, Ganeshpuram 3rd Street
Sarala’s Art Centre, established in 1965, is South India’s oldest gallery and a foundational institution in India’s art ecosystem. Celebrating over 60 years, it has significantly contributed to building the country’s contemporary art market.
In 1997, the second-generation gallery Artworld was launched to promote Indian art internationally. The gallery has since presented exhibitions across Germany, Paris, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Penang, and Kuala Lumpur, bringing Indian artistic voices to global audiences.
Directors Bishwajit and Sarala Banerjee have nurtured generations of artists with sincerity and passion. With the third generation—Anaheeta and Shavira Banerjee—joining the gallery’s legacy, Artworld continues its mission to preserve tradition while pushing forward the future of Indian art. For collectors seeking historically rooted yet forward-looking works, Artworld remains an essential Chennai destination.
Forum Art Gallery
📍 57, 5th Street, Padmanabha Nagar, Adyar
Founded in 1997 by artist Shalini Biswajit and cartoonist Biswajit Balasubramanian, Forum Art Gallery is one of India’s most forward-thinking contemporary art spaces. The gallery celebrates paintings, sculptures, photography, ceramics, cartoon art, and digital installations, embracing technological innovation through projection mapping and new-media art.
Forum is more than just an exhibition venue—it’s a cultural ecosystem. The space has hosted musicians, dancers, poets, and performers, creating an interdisciplinary environment that enriches Chennai’s creative community. Programs like ARTINK, an art education initiative for children and adults, highlight the gallery’s commitment to artistic growth and healing, including outreach efforts for physically challenged and terminally ill children.
With 25+ years of curated shows in India and abroad, Forum continues to champion innovation, collaboration, and accessibility—solidifying its place as a progressive force in the Indian art landscape.
A City That Breathes Art
Chennai’s art galleries offer more than exhibitions—they offer experiences, conversations, and connections. From the pioneering legacy of Sarala’s Art Centre to the contemporary vision of Gallery Veda and the inclusive creativity of Forum Art Gallery, each space contributes to a vibrant cultural tapestry.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector, an emerging artist, or someone simply curious about Chennai’s artistic spirit, these galleries invite you to explore, learn, and immerse yourself in the evolving world of Indian art.
