If you’re in Mumbai on the second Thursday of the month, don’t miss the chance to go gallery-hopping and discover the latest the art world here has to offer on this self-guided tour, taking in installations, previews and exhibitions.
As any seasoned visitor will tell you, Mumbai – especially the stretch from Fort to Colaba – is best seen on foot, and south Mumbai is particularly well suited to walking tours given its relatively low-traffic roads and proliferation of heritage buildings.
Mindful of the declining interest in art, a dozen art galleries in the city now stay open post-working hours as they host special events. Art Night Thursday then, is a fascinating chance to explore some of Mumbai’s lesser-known galleries and art spaces.
There is no need to be an art expert to enjoy an Art Night Thursday; this is far from the typical high-brow art-viewing experience. Pick up the easy-to-follow map (available at all art galleries) and don a pair of flats. Be warned: there is a lot of walking involved!
A typical gallery-hop begins at the Jehangir Art Gallery, which happens to be the meeting point for enthusiastic photographers, NID graduates, art aficionados and tourists. The group then heads to the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) and Clark House Initiative near Woodside Inn, Colaba, before exploring the other art galleries situated close by. In total, 12 art galleries in south Mumbai participate in the initiative, all remaining open till 9.30pm.
During your walk, it’s worth stopping for a taste of the local cuisine. Café Samovar at Jehangir Art Gallery should be your first pit stop, here you can check out delicious samosas, parathas, rolls and pakoras, all washed down with chilled guava juice, freshly roasted bean coffee or a cup of hot chai.
A visit to Café Leopold is another must. A Mumbai fixture since 1871, it bears the look of a French café and though crowded it won’t be long before you get a vacant table and a very welcome chilled beer.
Finally, nearby Theobroma offers a good choice of desserts to round things off.
By default, Art Night Thursday also lets you discover the architecture of south Mumbai in a more meaningful fashion. When you’re done wandering, wrap things up by visiting Lion’s Gate and Elephant Gate, or plonk yourself down at the Asiatic Library steps. If you’re drawn to the sea then check out Mumbai’s most famous landmark Gateway of India or head to Marine Drive and enjoy the sea breeze from the promenade.
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