Kolkata, often hailed as India’s cultural capital, boasts a thriving art scene that reflects both its rich heritage and dynamic contemporary practices. The city is home to a remarkable spectrum of art galleries, each contributing uniquely to the visual arts landscape. From modernist pioneers to cutting-edge contemporary spaces, Kolkata’s galleries are platforms where tradition meets experimentation, and where artists, collectors, and enthusiasts converge to experience creativity in its myriad forms.
In this blog, we explore some of the most influential and iconic art galleries in Kolkata, highlighting their history, mission, and contribution to the arts.
CIMA Art India
Address: Sunny Towers, 43 Ashutosh Chowdhury Avenue
Established in 1993 under the auspices of ABP Pvt. Ltd., CIMA Art India—the Centre of International Modern Art—is one of India’s premier art centres. Designed with inspiration from renowned galleries in London and New York, CIMA spans over 11,000 sq. ft. of state-of-the-art exhibition space.
Over the years, the gallery has curated nearly 100 critically acclaimed exhibitions, both in India and abroad. Its focus on modern and contemporary art, combined with robust publication and evaluation facilities, has positioned CIMA as a cornerstone of Kolkata’s art ecosystem. Art enthusiasts can experience curated exhibitions that balance aesthetic excellence with scholarly insight.
Gallery Kolkata
Address: Duckback House, 41, Shakespeare Sarani
Founded in 2004, Gallery Kolkata aims to bridge the gap between art and young collectors, cultivating a new generation of art enthusiasts. With 5,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space in the prestigious Duckback House, the gallery hosts thoughtfully curated solo and group exhibitions.
Significant shows include Mother and Child, Contemporary Art and Creative Furniture, and War or Pesce, commemorating 100 years of World War II. Gallery Kolkata’s dedication to accessible, documented art experiences has made it a prominent platform for emerging and established Indian artists.
Art Exposure
Address: 16/2, Lake View Road
Art Exposure is a modern and contemporary art gallery committed to advancing critical dialogues around South Asian art. By bridging historical practices with emerging voices, it creates a vibrant platform for both established masters and new-generation artists.
In 2024, Art Exposure expanded into a 7,000 sq. ft. space, reinforcing its mission to foster sustained conversations about contemporary art. The gallery’s programming emphasizes intellectual rigor, creative experimentation, and regional diversity.
Akar Prakar
Address: P 238, Hindustan Park
Founded in 2004 by Reena and Abhijit Lath, Akar Prakar operates galleries in both New Delhi and Kolkata. It curates modern and contemporary Indian art with an emphasis on indigenous narratives and collaborations with international curators.
Akar Prakar represents artists like Ganesh Haloi, Jayashree Chakravarty, Manish Pushkale, and Debasish Mukherjee, alongside Southeast Asian artists like Cambodian painter Leang Seckon. The gallery provides a unique platform for dialogue across cultures while promoting Indian modernism globally.
Emami Art
Address: Kolkata Centre for Creativity, 777 Anandapur EM Bypass
Established in 2017, Emami Art is a forward-looking gallery that blends contemporary art with socio-cultural and geopolitical narratives of South Asia. Situated in the Kolkata Centre for Creativity, it offers a dynamic space for curated exhibitions ranging from intimate displays to large-scale presentations.
Emami Art emphasizes artists from Eastern and North-Eastern India, representing emerging, mid-career, and established talents. Its participation in national and international fairs highlights its commitment to bridging local art with global audiences.
Experimenter
Address: 2/1, Hindusthan Road
Experimenter, co-founded by Prateek and Priyanka Raja in 2009, is a hub for experimental contemporary art. The gallery supports multidisciplinary practices, including exhibitions, workshops, performances, and curatorial programs.
With multiple spaces—including a new expansion in Mumbai—Experimenter fosters critical dialogues, knowledge creation, and creative risk-taking. Its annual Curators’ Hub exemplifies its commitment to nurturing curatorial talent alongside artist representation.
Aakriti Art Gallery
Address: Orbit Enclave, 12/3A, Hungerford Street
Aakriti Art Gallery has championed modern and contemporary Indian art for nearly two decades. With a strong online presence and physical gallery in Kolkata, it showcases works by Indian modern masters like Jogen Chowdhury, Satish Gujral, and Ramkumar, as well as contemporary artists like Priyanka Lahiri and Sagar Bhowmik.
Aakriti regularly hosts workshops, seminars, and exhibitions across India, making it a pivotal institution for cultivating art appreciation and market engagement.
Chitrakoot Art Gallery
Address: 55 Gariahat Road, Presidency Court
Established in 1984, Chitrakoot Art Gallery is Kolkata’s oldest private commercial gallery. It has showcased legendary Indian artists like Jamini Roy, Gaganendranath Tagore, and Somnath Hore while providing a platform for emerging talents.
Chitrakoot’s exhibitions, affordable art bazaars, and mentorship programs have fostered intellectual discourse and cultivated a vibrant artistic community. Celebratory exhibitions such as Continuum (2014) intertwine modernist traditions with contemporary practices, ensuring Chitrakoot remains a vital cultural beacon in the city.
Conclusion
Kolkata’s art galleries are more than just exhibition spaces—they are cultural hubs where tradition, experimentation, and contemporary vision converge. From established institutions like CIMA and Chitrakoot to innovative spaces like Experimenter and Emami Art, the city nurtures a rich ecosystem for artists, collectors, and enthusiasts.
Whether you are exploring modernist legacies, contemporary experiments, or emerging South Asian talent, Kolkata offers an unparalleled journey through India’s visual culture. Each gallery reflects the city’s enduring commitment to artistic excellence, intellectual discourse, and creative exploration.
For art lovers, collectors, or casual visitors, Kolkata’s galleries promise an immersive experience—inviting you to witness, engage with, and be inspired by the city’s vibrant art world.
