History of the Collection
As one of India’s most prominent collectors, Abhishek Poddar has acquired an extensive collection of Indian art, photography and textiles over the past three decades, which forms the nucleus of MAP’s collection.
Culture and Values
MAP’s mission is to take art and culture to the heart of the community, making it accessible to diverse audiences, and to create a museum-going culture that encourages people to experience art and heritage in new ways.
As South India’s first major private art museum, Museum of Art & Photography in Bengaluru aims to create a museum-going culture that encourages people to experience art and heritage in new ways.
At the core of its mission is to take art and culture to the heart of the community, making it accessible to diverse audiences. The museum will be a space for ideas and conversations that are initiated through its collection, enabling us to engage with audiences in multiple ways. MAP seeks to inspire people to interact with art in ways that encourage humanity, empathy and a deeper understanding of the world we live in. While preserving the nation’s rich artistic heritage is the primary goal, the museum is keenly sensitive to the positive role a cultural institution can play in development and progress of society.
Inclusion, Accessibility, Innovation
At MAP, we believe that impacting and sensitising the next generation to the heritage of the country is paramount: a cause that will be championed through a variety of educational programmes as a part of the museum’s outreach. Furthermore, with a concentration on features such as specially designed technological tools, and a 360-degree approach to accessibility for people with special needs, MAP will ensure a more holistic experience for visitors. The team at MAP is committed to establishing art and culture as a soft power tool of global diplomacy, and will strive to bridge the gap between cultural institutions and the community.
The Museum
Situated in the heart of Bengaluru, India, MAP’s building will include art galleries, an auditorium, an art and research library, an education centre, a specialised research and conservation facility, as well as a terrace cafe.
Conservation
A state-of-the-art conservation lab, set up with the support of Tata Trusts in 2019, occupies a significant place in the MAP’s five-storey building. While conserving our collection, we hope to also provide expertise to enrich the field of restoration in India.
Become a Member
MAP memberships give you access to the full museum experience at home! Explore all online exhibitions, events, workshops for children and adults, and more.
Meet the team
MAP is governed and advised by members from a range of backgrounds and expertise. Meet the team members who are all enthusiastic about the museum’s vision of taking art to the heart of the community.
Loans
The active loans programme at MAP enables the objects in the collection to be accessible to several cultural institutions around the world, and helps in building stronger networks within a global art community.
Join Us
At MAP, we welcome creativity, excellence and different perspectives of individuals from all backgrounds. Join the organisation that is set to change the way museums are viewed in India!
Internships
MAP’s internship programmes provide the opportunity to learn about the operations of a nonprofit art institution, and offer experiences in working with rare and diverse artworks.
Governance
MAP is a not-for-profit institution that currently receives no governmental funding and is a unit and major project of the Art & Photography Foundation.