Time to step away from the brunches, coffee shops and rooftop bars (at least for a bit). One of my favorite things about Bangalore is the abundance of art and culture related activities- from exhibitions to theaters, culture walks to feminist talks, there is something for everyone. Here is the essential guide for Bangalore newbies and seasoned expats alike.
THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF MODERN ART
This beautiful, vast space hosts an impressive collection of Indian modern art, from the East India Company commissioned portraits to contemporary works by painters from the world-famous Bengal art school. The collection is huge so I definitely recommend taking half a day for your first visit. They host exhibitions and talks regularly, including dance performances, live painting by famous artists and presentations on different art schools. The gallery also offers guided tours. Please bear in mind NGMA, as most museums around the world, is closed on Mondays. If you have guests in town, I suggest doing Bangalore Palace in the morning and continuing on to NGMA for an afternoon of art and beautiful architecture.
THE VINE TIP: they are not great at marketing, so keep an eye on their Facebook page for interesting events, especially children-friendly events.
National Gallery of Modern Art, 49, GF, Manikyavelu Mansion, Palace Rd, Vasanth Nagar, 560052, Tel: 080 2234 2338, Timings: Closed Monday, 11 AM- 6:30PM Tue-Sun, ngmaindia.gov.in
RANGA SHANKARA
Opened by the wife of late Shankar Nag, a famous Kanada actor, this state-of-the-art theatre has shows pretty much every day of the week. They are known among theatre troops to be one of the most progressive, accommodating spaces for Indian and global theatre performances, which means you can expect the highest levels of quality here. Check their extensive schedule for plays in English, as well as plays for children. They often host theatre festivals. Ranga Shankara is located in JP Nagar, which is definitely going to be an issue for a lot of North Bangalore crowd, but they do host matinee shows on the weekends that make the trip a bit easier. Combine it with a visit to Lal Bagh for a lovely afternoon of art and nature.
THE VINE TIP: Ranga Shankara has free seating and it’s always full, so do come a bit earlier to get a good spot!
Ranga Shankara, 36/2, 8th Cross Road, R K Colony, 2nd Phase, JP Nagar, 560078, Tel: 080 2659 2777 www.rangashankara.org
THE COURTYARD
This wonderful Shanti Nagar space is conducive to all kinds of magic things happening, from yoga supper clubs (Copper + Cloves and Namrata Sudhindra) to plays, talks and movie screenings. I have gone to see a few plays in The Courtyard and both times I have been blown away. They host smaller, intimate, more progressive shows as well as very interesting talks on issues ranging from the role of art in the #metoo movement to sustainable living. The Courtyard also partners with The Tenth Muse for some yummy supper clubs that approach food from a more anthropological perspective.
THE VINE TIP: join them for their movie screenings in the actual courtyard. The chef pairs the food to match the movie and the space is just perfect for a more off-beat date night (they also do Kids Movie Nights!)
The Courtyard, 105, K.H.Road (Double Road), Shanthi Nagar
Bangalore, India 560027, Tel: 080401 24484, Facebook Page, check out their upcoming events here
LAHE LAHE
If I opened a community space, it would look, feel and do exactly what Lahe Lahe does. This gorgeous multi-purpose building on 80ft Road hosts a ton of cool stuff pretty much every day. Think pottery classes for children, teens and adults, women’s business circles, masculinity meetups and yoga, all under one roof. It has a really relaxed vibe, the people that frequent it are super nice and the you get to be barefoot during sessions, which is always a plus as far as I’m concerned. Come for a poetry reading and stay for chai with new friends you have met along the way.
THE VINE TIP: if you are looking for a cool workshop space that won’t break the bank and has a more relaxed vibe, definitely check out one of their many breakout rooms!
Lahe Lahe, No. 2906, 2907, HAL 2nd Stage, Kodihalli, 560008, Tel: 098862 94444, lahe-lahe.com, check out their upcoming events here
JAGRITI THEATRE
Despite only being founded in 2011, performance venue Jagriti has a well-established spot on Bangalore’s thriving cultural map, and is not to be missed out on! The vibrant community theatre boasts two performance venues; a state of the art 200-seater, and a beautiful outdoor performance space, Lumbini. Jagriti is home to theatre for all ages, with plays, music, dance and comedy, so whatever piques your interest – they’ve got it! If you check out their jam-packed weekend bills, you’ll be sure to find international and local artists alike, and performances in English and Hindi. If performing is more your thing, Jagriti is an official Trinity College London exam hub and hosts an array of classes and workshops. Being in Whitefield, getting there can be a bit of a trek, but follow the show with a glass of wine or a delicious meal in the adjoining restaurant The Fat Chef to really make a wonderful evening out.
Jagriti Theatre, Varthur Rd, Near Adarsh Palm Meadows, Ramagondanahalli, Whitefield, 560066, Tel: 080 4124 2879, www.jagrititheatre.com
ATTA GALLATA
This wonderful space in Koramangala makes the trek to the South so worth it. Similar to Lahe Lahe, their schedule is jam-packed with so many cool things. Early morning comedy show? Doodle workshop? Book reading? Conversations around what it means to be a person? Check, check and check and it’s all coming in the next two weeks. With summer holidays around the corner, check them out for activities to keep your little ones busy.
THE VINE TIP: check out their Words and Visuals summer activities program for kids ages 10-13 on creative writing, book reading and movie appreciation! I feel like I would sign up for something like that in a heartbeat if they had it for a bit… older kids.
Atta Gallata, 134, KHB Colony, 5th Block, Koramangala, 560095, Tel: 96325 10126, Facebook Page, check out their upcoming events here
THE BOHEMIAN HOUSE
The Bohemian House is an oasis for freelancers, bloggers, entrepreneurs and artists. The building itself is beyond gorgeous and it hosts a variety of events, from cheese tastings to block printing workshops. They also have an amazing interior design store that sources unique pieces from social enterprises around Asia. This is truly a gem if you want to spend a day in an amazing heritage building, have some Third Wave Coffee and stay on for a talk on sustainable cities or a paint and wine class.
THE VINE TIP: all you writers and freelancers check out their co-working rates. Most packages come with community credit that allows you to host your own workshops and events.
The Bohemian House, 5, Raja Ram Mohan Roy Rd, Sampangi Rama Nagara, 560027, Tel: 084473 80380, tbh.community, check out their upcoming events here
THE ARTS VILLAGE
Being at this peaceful oasis in the middle of the city makes you forget the hustle and bustle of Bangalore. Yoga, Dance, and Art classes take place in the tree-covered colonial spaces and there is always something new to try here! Rainbow Villa provides courses for toddlers and kids including Rhythm and Rhyme, dance and music, crafts and more. The Surya House of Yoga teaches Ashtanga, Hatha and Vinyasa style and also holds 200-hour teacher training. You’ll also find more dynamic cardio workouts here like Zumba.
VINE TIP: We love trying new Folk Art and Textile workshops (Madhubani, Lippan Kaam Mirror, Zardosi Embroidery, Mandala and sooo many others) held in the studio spaces by Iteeha.
The Arts Village, No 57, 58, 60, Opposite Bowring Institute, Saint Marks Road, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, 560001, Tel: 099724 44775, Facebook Page
BANGALORE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE
Bangalore International Centre (BIC) has been organizing events, talks, movie screenings and book readings since 2005 but they only got their new building in February 2019. The building itself is an absolute marvel, with its industrial design and seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. It is a neutral, non-profit institution that curates a program that contributes to the intellectual and cultural discourse in the city. Best part? All of the events are totally free for the public to attend. They host everything from Nobel laureates doing talks, jazz musicians, writers doing book readings to talks on archeology for the children and anthropologists explaining the history of the saree. If you haven’t yet, you have to check it out! They are also soon opening a café with a Copper and Cloves curated menu. Truly on a fast track to becoming our favorite place in town!
THE VINE TIP: sign up for their newsletter because they have something on almost every day and it’s easy to miss the things you are interested in due to sheer volume.
BIC, 7, 4th Main Road, Domlur II Stage, 560071, bangaloreinternationalcentre.org
CULTURE WALKS
I urge you to get out of the car and start walking around this city. It hides so many gems that can only be seen and tasted on foot. I am a huge fan of walking tours, food tours and cultural walks. Culture Rings does some excellent experiential tours (such as washing clothes at the Dobi Ghat!) in and around Bangalore, as does the team behind Unventured. I especially recommend Unventured for their cycling tours. Bengaluru By Foot has something going on pretty much every weekend and it’s usually free. Learn about the history of Bangalore, why it came to be the city of lakes (and what happened to them) and about the close connection of food, history and culture.
Culture Rings, www.culturerings.com
Unventured, unventured.com
Bengaluru By Foot, www.bengalurubyfoot.com
THE VINE TIP: join us for an auto tour of Bangalore’s most important sites with Unventured this April 27th! Contact us for more details.
