Jawahar Kala Kendra

A one-of-a-kind place not only in Jaipur but the entire country, Jawahar Kala Kendra is a complex displaying the art and craft of the regions of Rajasthan in a setting that has been constructed to resemble the nine planets of the solar system. Sounds fascinating, isn’t it?

About the Museum

Situated at the heart of the city of Jaipur in Rajasthan, the Jawahar Kala Kendra is dedicated to the first and beloved Prime Minister of independent India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, and showcases the cultural and traditional values of Rajasthan along with India’s rich diversity in art and craft. This art and craft Centre is not only important for the rich collection of cultural and heritage artifacts but because of its architectural design as it resonates with the design of the pink city.

Designed by the famous architect Charles Correa in 1991, the building of the Kala Kendra is constructed according to the concept of ‘Navgraha’ (nine planets) also known as the nine-house mandala. After being overlooked for some years by the administration and the public as well, the Jawahar Kala Kendra was revamped in 2015 with an aim to promote the tourism, tradition, and culture of Rajasthan through exhibitions and cultural events. The architecture of the building is quite fascinating as each section is based on a planet in our solar system and even resembles the color, character, astrological values, and functionality of the particular planet. The chief building of the Kendra comprises theatres, exhibition galleries, dormitories, cafeterias, auditoriums, museums, galleries, and a coffee house. The whole complex is constructed in red sandstone and white marble with Vastu symbols punctuated in every corner.

For illustration, Mars signifies power, so the Mangal Mahal houses the offices of administration is red in color, Jupiter signifies knowledge and the color associated with it is lemon yellow, so the library which houses thousands of books is covered under this planet is painted lemon yellow. Venus as the artistic sign encloses the theatre complex and so on. The center of the complex is a stepped tank, a pool of knowledge and convergence, of meeting and reflection that resonates with the warmth of the sun. The peripheral walls are adorned by the astronomical symbols of each planet marked through a cut-out opening. The complex houses several galleries such as Sukriti Gallery, Surekha Gallery, Parjit-1 Gallery, and Parjit-2 Gallery that showcase various artifacts related to art & craft and the glorious history of the state.

The Jawahar Kala Kendra is a delight to visit with its aesthetic appeal and stunning creation. The visitors can spend an entire day exploring various aspects of the complex such as the Open-Air Theatre called ‘’Madhyavarti’’ where several arts, cultural, and literary performances are organized, the food court called the ‘’Tilam’’ to devour the delicacies, the ‘’Shilpgram’’ complex that houses life-size models of huts that represent the life in various regions of Rajasthan. For the enthusiasts, numerous workshops for dance, music, cultural festivities, etc., are organized frequently. The Jawahar Kala Kendra successfully portrays the architectural vision of India along with the rich heritage and culture through its unique and quirky ways. Within the nine squares setting is a construction of jocularity and quirkiness, which is as creative in its design as it is specific to the functions necessitated of it.