One of the gems to explore in Mysore, the cultural capital of Karnataka, is the Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery. Mysuru is renowned for its royal heritage, palaces, and vibrant traditions. The Mysore Palace, Mysore Dasara, the Chamundeshwari Temple, Brindavan Gardens, Devaraja Market, and Mysore Pak are some of the iconic and quintessential epithets that one associates with the royal city of Mysore. Among the many treasures of the city, the lesser-known Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery stands out, housing exquisite paintings, artefacts, and historical collections that offer visitors a glimpse into the city’s artistic grandeur and the opulent legacy of the Wadiyar dynasty.
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Mysore’s Royal Treasure Trove of Art
Housed within the majestic Jaganmohan Palace, the Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery is a living testament to India’s rich artistic heritage. First established in 1915 and rechristened in 1955 to honour Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, it endures as one of India’s most cherished cultural landmarks.
Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery AKA Jaganmohan Palace – History
Completed in 1861, the three-storied Jaganmohan Palace—an architectural symphony blending Indo-Saracenic grandeur with traditional Hindu artistry—was conceived as an alternate royal abode during the reconstruction of the main Mysore Palace. Between 1897 and 1912, its regal halls played host to the royal household during momentous occasions, including the resplendent Dussehra celebrations and distinguished university convocations.
In fact, during the construction of the new Amba Vilas Palace (the current Mysore Palace), after the old wooden palace was destroyed by fire in 1896, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV’s wedding took place at the Jaganmohan Palace. In 1915, Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV bestowed upon the palace a new cultural destiny by transforming it into an art gallery. Four decades later, in 1955, this repository of heritage was fittingly renamed as Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery.
Inside Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery: Where Art Meets Royalty | Inside Jaganmohana Palace
After you admire the majestic facade of the Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, formerly Jaganmohana Palace, and step inside the famous art gallery, you enter a fascinating world. It is like stepping into a time machine and being transported into a different era, an era steeped in grandeur and vintage charm.
The Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery inside Jaganmohana Palace has three main galleries spread across its three floors, each dedicated to different forms of art — including traditional Mysore paintings, European and Indian works, and an array of artefacts, sculptures, and musical instruments.
Inside the Galleries of Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery
Once inside the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, you begin your exploration with the Ground Floor gallery, which houses royal paintings and iconic artefacts. Here you can see over 2,000 paintings that encompass various styles of art, including Mysore, Western, Mughal, and many more.
Among the collections are 16 exquisite paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, which bring to life episodes from the Indian epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata. “The Lady with the Lamp,” a painting by Sawlaram Haldenkar, displayed in a dimmed room, is sure to blow you away with its beautiful play of light and shadow. Here you will also see some rare Western paintings of masters like Rembrandt, Ruben, and others.
Works by acclaimed Indian artists like Rabindranath Tagore, Abanindranath Tagore, Venkatappa, M. Veerappa, Subbakrishna, and local Mysore artists can also be seen here. The ground-floor gallery also showcases some unique artefacts that include a French musical clock, which features marching miniature soldiers marking each hour, with minute and second signals from a bugle and drum. Other exhibits include weapons, a brassware collection, coins, and more.
The second-floor gallery of the Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery houses musical instruments and other royal artefacts. Musical instruments are from the personal collection of the Maharajahs and were once used by them. You can also see royal ornate furniture, antiques, sculptures, and traditional ceremonial items displayed here.
When you move to the third-floor gallery, you are welcomed with colourful murals that depict the royal way of life of the Mysore Maharajahs. Some of the noteworthy murals include the ones that depict the famous and grand Mysore Dussehra procession, one of which shows King Krishnaraja Wodeyar III seated in a chariot. This gallery is a visual chronicle of the grandeur of Mysore’s royal customs and traditions.
Facade of Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery | Jaganmohan Palace
As you enter the grounds of the Jaganmohan Palace, what is sure to catch your attention is its imposing facade. We suggest you spend some time here, as this is the only part of the erstwhile palace that you can photograph, as photography is strictly prohibited inside the art gallery.
The magnificent façade of the Jaganmohan Palace commands attention with its trio of intricately carved entrances, each framed by exquisite depictions of the Dashavatara—the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu—paying homage to the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology. Stepping inside, visitors are immersed in a visual symphony of artistry, beginning with grand, vividly painted murals that capture the pomp and pageantry of Mysore’s famed Dussehra celebrations. These include the spectacular Jumbo Savari procession, brought to life in vibrant hues and meticulous detail, alongside an intricately illustrated royal family tree rendered in the time-honoured Mysore painting style. This fusion of heritage and craftsmanship not only narrates the city’s regal past but also preserves it for future generations.
Beyond its artistic treasures, the palace is also home to a historic auditorium, completed in 1900, which has, for over a century, resonated with the sounds of music, dance, and theatrical performances. Today, it remains a vibrant cultural stage, hosting events that bridge Mysore’s storied traditions with contemporary artistic expression, making the Jaganmohan Palace not merely a museum, but a living, breathing cultural landmark.
Important Information For Visiting Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery
- Photography of any sort is not allowed inside the art gallery
- There is a ticketed entry to the art gallery
- Visitor timings are 8.30 AM to 5.00 PM on all days; however, do check to confirm before planning your visit
- You can buy souvenirs at the store within the premises of Jaganmohan Palace
How To Get To Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery
- The Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery is located in the Chamarajapura area of Mysore
- It is located about 2 kilometres from the KSRTC Bus Stand
- It is located about 2 kilometres from Mysore Railway Station
- It is located about 11 kilometres from Mysore Airport
- It is located about 2,2 kilometres from the Mysore Palace
Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery Mysore – FAQ
- Where is the Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery located?
The gallery is housed inside the historic Jaganmohan Palace, situated in the heart of Mysore city, Karnataka. - What are the visiting hours for the art gallery?
The gallery is generally open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, all days of the week; however, do confirm timings before visiting - What is the entry fee for the Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery?
As of recent updates, Indian citizens pay a nominal entry fee, while foreign visitors are charged slightly higher. Fees may vary, so it is advisable to check before your visit. - What can I see inside the gallery?
The gallery showcases an impressive collection of traditional Mysore paintings, rare works by Raja Ravi Varma, ancient musical instruments, sculptures, and artefacts from across India and abroad. - Is photography allowed inside the gallery?
No, Photography is not allowed inside the gallery. - How much time should I plan for my visit?
It depends on your interest and how much time you can devote; however, you should plan for at least 2 hours to do justice to your visit.
The Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery is far more than just a repository of paintings and artefacts. It is a living chronicle of Mysore’s royal grandeur and India’s artistic brilliance. Every hall, every brushstroke, and every doorway whispers stories of a bygone era, inviting visitors to step into a world where history and creativity fuse. A visit here transcends mere sightseeing; it is an immersion into the soul of Mysore, one masterpiece at a time.
We hope you loved reading about the Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, and are planning a visit soon. Do subscribe to our blog and Newsletter for more of such engaging and informative content. Let us also connect on our social media channels. We shall be back soon with another destination, another cultural experience, or another travel itinerary.
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