culture

National Museum Reopens Decorative Arts Gallery With 160 Historic Objects

The refreshed space puts 18th- and 19th-century ivory, jade and ceramic works back on view for Delhi visitors amid a growing cluster of commercial galleries nearby.

By Delhi Culture Desk · Published 18 July 2026

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Sculptures in National Museum, New Delhi, India (2015) c. Photo: Guptaele / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

The National Museum in Delhi has reopened its renovated Decorative Arts-I gallery, putting 160 exhibits of ivory, jade and ceramic objects from 18th- and 19th-century India on display once more.

Why the timing matters for the city

Delhi has long lacked a concentrated commercial art area, unlike Mumbai. That is shifting as new spaces open in Defence Colony, where several established galleries now sit within walking distance of one another. The museum reopening adds a public anchor to this expanding scene, giving residents and out-of-town visitors a free or low-cost option alongside paid exhibitions in the neighbourhood.

Defence Colony already hosts Vadehra Art Gallery and its contemporary offshoot, Shrine Empire, Akar Prakar, plus recent arrivals including Mirchandani + Steinruecke, Method and the combined Galleryske and Photoink premises. These spaces focus on modern and contemporary work, creating a natural complement to the historic pieces now visible again at the National Museum.

What to see and how to plan a visit

The 160 objects include carved ivories, jade items and ceramic pieces that reflect courtly and everyday tastes from the period. Staff at the museum note that the renovation improves lighting and display cases, making the smaller details easier to examine. No new admission fee has been announced for the gallery itself.

Visitors can combine a stop at the National Museum with a short trip to Defence Colony to catch current shows. The Kiran Nadar Museum of Art and the forthcoming Brij museum, both cited by gallery operators as reasons for their Delhi moves, further strengthen the case for an art-focused day in the capital. Check opening hours in advance, as construction restrictions in the National Capital Region have affected some private gallery schedules this year.

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