Mumbai Gallery Guide: 5 Standout Art Exhibitions Happening Across The City Of Dream

A melting pot of cultures, contradictions, and creativity, Mumbai is more than just India’s financial capital; it is its artistic heartbeat. The city’s art scene mirrors its essence: layered, restless, and constantly evolving. From the colonial charm of historic galleries to edgy contemporary art spaces tucked into industrial warehouses, Mumbai offers a visual and emotional feast for every kind of art lover. Its artistic ecosystem, born out of chaos and fuelled by imagination, stands today as one of the most dynamic and resilient in the country.

Manoj Jain's It Didn’t Ask to Be Art

Manoj Jain's It Didn’t Ask to Be Art: Artist Manoj Jain is set to debut his first solo art exhibition, It Didn’t Ask to Be Art, with a preview from 5 to 10 p.m. on 31st May at Soho House, Juhu. Curated by Dheeya Soumaiya, the exhibition will open to the public on June 1st from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., showcasing a closer look into a collection that speaks more to emotional truth than aesthetic intention. The art pieces are in line with Art Brut, a term coined by French artist Jean Dubuffet, which translates into "raw art". It aims to present authenticity, originality, and creation that is not defined by societal norms or artistic rules. It Didn’t Ask to Be Art showcases necessity over ambition. It presents a deeply spiritual journey — a process of confronting and releasing inner chaos, evolving from darkness into clarity. More than born out of a purpose to be hung on exhibition walls, the creations are the artist’s moments of vulnerability, movement, and quiet transformation. They are not finished products but a living art of metamorphosis.

Address: Soho House, Juhu

Art Carnival Exhibition: The Art Carnival is envisioned as a dynamic platform that fosters direct dialogue between artists, collectors, viewers, and art writers. Recognising that many talented artists live and work beyond the reach of major art markets, this initiative seeks to bridge the gap, bringing their work into the spotlight and into the hands of those who appreciate it. By creating space for meaningful exposure and exchange, the Art Carnival not only champions emergingg and under-represented talent but also offers collectors and art enthusiasts access to a broader, richer spectrum of contemporary art.

Address: The Bombay Art Society, Bandra

Kala Connect Art Exhibition: The Nehru Centre in Mumbai is one of the city’s most respected cultural institutions, known for hosting thought-provoking exhibitions, performances, and intellectual events. Located in the heart of the city, its Art Gallery provides a dynamic space for emerging and established artists to showcase their work in a professional and prestigious setting. With its rich history and constant engagement with the arts, the Nehru Centre remains a cornerstone of Mumbai’s vibrant cultural landscape.

Address: Nehru Centre Art Gallery, Worli

Form and Flow – Group Exhibition: Jehangir Art Gallery, nestled in the heart of Kala Ghoda, Mumbai, presents “Form and Flow”, a compelling group exhibition featuring four painters and two sculptors from South India. On view in the Auditorium Hall from 20th to 26th May 2025, the showcase brings together a rich tapestry of styles, themes, and mediums. “Form and Flow” celebrates the expressive power of contemporary art, inviting viewers into a dialogue that stirs emotion, sparks curiosity, and reflects the evolving pulse of artistic exploration.

Address: Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda

Dreamers – Gurjeet Singh x Jaipur Rugs

Dreamers – Gurjeet Singh x Jaipur Rugs: Artist Gurjeet Singh, in collaboration with Jaipur Rugs, presents a powerful collection that weaves identity, queerness, and personal expression into handcrafted carpets and sculptures. Rooted in lived experiences and intimate moments with Jaipur’s artisans, the exhibition explores themes of gender, class, and cultural tradition. Using repurposed silk saris and salvaged fabrics from burnt rugs, the works reflect a deep emotional landscape—of yearning, hope, and the quest for individuality. Featuring 10 handwoven rugs, two large soft sculptures, and a series of drawings, this show is a tribute to the artistry and humanity of the artisans, created together with Godhi, Boogli, Gajanand, Pinki, Pushpa, Jahir, Nishrat, and Rais.

Address: Chemould Prescott, Fort

In a city where tradition and modernity collide with striking harmony, Mumbai’s art landscape continues to inspire, challenge, and transform. These five must-see exhibitions are not just showcases of creativity; they are portals into the soul of a city that never stops expressing itself. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious wanderer, Mumbai invites you to experience art that speaks, stirs, and stays with you.