The Academy of Fine Arts has reopened one of its most cherished spaces, The Rabindra Galleries, featuring an unparalleled collection of original paintings and personal artifacts of Rabindranath Tagore on the bard’s death anniversary. This historic event named ‘Phire Pawa’ was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including Shri Jogen Chowdhury, Eminent Painter; Shri Gautam Mohan Chakraborty, Former Commissioner of Police, Kolkata; Prof. Manoshi Roychowdhury, Co-Chairperson, Techno India Group and Smt Nandita Palchoudhuri, Cultural Entrepreneur.
The newly reopened Rabindra Galleries offer an intimate glimpse into the life and legacy of Rabindranath Tagore. Among the priceless exhibits are several original paintings by Tagore, his personal belongings, letters, diaries, and booklets. A particularly poignant artifact is a part of his beard, encased in an ornate box, which he gifted to Lady Ranu Mukherji on her wedding. Additionally, the gallery showcases portraits of Tagore painted by other renowned artists, adding a multifaceted dimension to the tribute.
The event marked a significant moment in the Academy’s history, reflecting on its longstanding tradition of preserving and promoting cultural heritage. The Gallery of Contemporary Art, inaugurated by Sri Atul Bose in November 1966, set the precedent for such endeavors, showcasing works by eminent artists of the time. The current collection, largely bequeathed by Lady Ranu Mukherji and other notable artists, includes masterpieces by Abanindranath Tagore, Gaganendranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Asit Kumar Haldar, Kshitin Mazumdar, and their distinguished students, including Benode Behari Mukherjee, Sarada Ukil, Sudhir Khastagir, Ram Kinkar Baij, Gopal Ghosh, Nirode Mazumdar, Hussain, Satyajit Ray, among others.
In 2016, approximately 200 paintings from the Academy’s collection underwent meticulous restoration by the National Research Laboratory for Conservation (NRLC) in Lucknow, funded by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The current display, curated from these restored works, has been thoughtfully mentored by Sri Jogen Chowdhury, ensuring a selection that resonates with both historical significance and artistic excellence.
The reopening of The Rabindra Galleries stands as a testament to the Academy of Fine Arts’ commitment to preserving and celebrating India’s rich cultural legacy. This event not only honors the memory of Rabindranath Tagore but also provides a platform for contemporary audiences to engage with the profound impact of his awe-inspiring works throughout. The gallery will remain open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12 Noon to 6 PM. Today’s inaugural program was fully organized by Techno India Group and it’s students.
Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays
Ticket Information: General Admission: Rs 25/- Student Admission: Rs10/- (Valid student ID needed)
