The Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) has unveiled an architectural model of its upcoming building at the 18th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. Presented as part of the Curator’s Special Projects, titled Mnemonic, the exhibition took place at the Arsenale – Artiglierie in Venice. Designed by renowned architect Sir David Adjaye in collaboration with S. Ghosh & Associates, the new building is set to become India’s largest cultural center. The museum, founded in 2010 by art collector Kiran Nadar, showcases modern and contemporary Indian and subcontinent artworks.
The visionary project by Sir David Adjaye will be located in Delhi, on a sprawling 100,000 square meters site near the National Highway and in close proximity to the Indira Gandhi International Airport. With a scheduled opening in 2026, the building will not only house the KNMA’s growing collections but also provide spaces for temporary exhibitions and performances in various art forms such as visual arts, music, dance, and theater.
Alongside the architectural design unveiling, the Mnemonic Special Project exhibition at the Arsenale – Artiglierie features notable works from the museum’s collection by prominent Indian artists. Among them, Tyeb Mehta, a renowned painter and a key figure in India’s post-colonial art movement, explores the pain and historical significance of the Partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, capturing the rupture of a unified sense of place and identity. Zarina, an acclaimed artist recognized for her geometric abstraction in prints and sculptures, brings themes of memory and displacement to the forefront through her personal experiences.
The Kiran Nadar Museum of Art’s expansion represents a significant milestone in India’s cultural landscape. With its ambitious design and commitment to showcasing diverse art forms, the museum aims to become a hub for artistic exploration and a platform for both established and emerging artists. The unveiling of the architectural model and the accompanying exhibition in Venice serves as a preview of the museum’s future, captivating audiences with the richness and depth of Indian art.
As the KNMA’s new building takes shape, anticipation builds for the opening of this cultural landmark, poised to make a lasting impact on the art scene in Delhi and beyond. With its grand vision, the museum seeks to foster creativity, celebrate artistic expression, and provide a platform for dialogue and engagement within the vibrant Indian art community and international art world.