Jaganmohana Palace Art Gallery sits on Deshika Road in Mysuru, a short walk from Mysore Palace and the city bus stand. The palace was turned into a gallery in 1915 and later took the name Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery. Its collection includes many paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, works of the Mysore School of Painting, and European art from the 18th and 19th centuries. Look for the carved main door and the wooden panels showing the ten forms of Vishnu on the way in.
From royal palace to art gallery
The palace was converted into an art gallery in 1915. In 1955 it was renamed the Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, after Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar.
The building is in a Hindu style with Indo-Saracenic features. The main door is the piece most visitors stop for, and its carvings are said to have taken 70 days to complete. Two wooden panels show Dashavatara, the ten forms taken by Vishnu.
What hangs inside
The gallery holds many paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, including large canvases from the royal era. Works of the Mysore School of Painting show the regional style of the area.
European pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries sit alongside Indian artworks. The foreign artists represented include Nicholas Roerich.
Carved furnishings and sculptures are spread through the palace, so the building is part of what you see.
Planning your visit
The gallery is on Deshika Road, opposite the City Bus Stand building. From Mysore Palace it is a short walk, so the two can be seen on one outing.
Temporary exhibitions take place in the exhibition halls. Check what is on before you go, and allow time for both the permanent collection and any special show.
FAQ
Where is Jaganmohana Palace Art Gallery?
It is on Deshika Road in Mysuru, opposite the City Bus Stand building. From Mysore Palace it is a short walk.
Is it open on Sundays?
Yes, the gallery is open every day of the week, from morning to late afternoon.
Can I take photos inside?
Ask for permission before you take photographs inside the gallery.
What is the gallery best known for?
Its large group of Raja Ravi Varma paintings, along with Mysore School works and European art from the 18th and 19th centuries.
