Step into the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery at 8:30 AM on any weekday, and you’ll have the first quiet moments with over 2,000 paintings before the tourist groups arrive. Located just 200 meters west of Mysore Palace, this art gallery in the historic Jaganmohan Palace charges 75 for adults (recently increased from 35) and houses South India’s most impressive collection of traditional paintings, including Raja Ravi Varma’s masterpieces and the famous “Lady with the Lamp.”
Gallery Information and Timings
Location: Jaganmohan Palace, near City Bus Stand, Mysore
Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (All days)
Entry Fee: Indians – 75 adults, 20 children; Foreigners – 175
Contact: Managed by Mysore Royal Family Trust
Best Time to Visit: Morning 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Time Required: 2-3 hours for complete viewing
Parking: Street parking only – 20 for two-wheelers, 40 for cars
Raja Ravi Varma Collection
The gallery proudly displays 16 original Raja Ravi Varma paintings donated by Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar. These oil paintings depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata occupy the main hall’s prime positions. “Galaxy of Musicians,” showing celestial beings playing instruments, draws particular attention with its lifelike expressions and vibrant colors despite being over 100 years old.
The Regional Conservation Laboratory recently restored several damaged Ravi Varma works including “Syrendri” (which had a hole in the canvas), “Victory of Meganath,” and “Malabar Lady.” Each painting now has climate-controlled lighting to prevent further deterioration from heat and humidity.
The Famous Lady with the Lamp
S.G. Haldenkar’s “Lady with the Lamp” occupies a dedicated dark room on the first floor. This sole exhibit in the room creates an illusion where the lamp’s glow appears to illuminate the woman’s face. Painted in the 1940s, the work shows Haldenkar’s daughter holding a lamp, and experts value it at several billion rupees.
Visitors spend average 10 minutes in this room, mesmerized by the painting’s photographic quality. The controlled lighting enhances the three-dimensional effect, making the lamp appear to actually glow. Guards ensure only 10 people enter at a time to maintain the viewing experience.
Historical and War Paintings
Colonel Scot’s paintings documenting Anglo-Mysore wars provide the only visual representation of these historical battles. These works, painted by a British Army officer, show battle scenes, military camps, and portraits of both British and Mysore commanders. Though artistically less refined than other collections, their historical value is immense.
Murals painted on palace walls using vegetable dyes depict Mysore Dasara processions from the 1800s. These are the earliest known visual records of the Jumbo Savari, stretching across three walls. A painted family tree of the Wodeyar dynasty helps visitors understand the royal lineage from 1399 onwards.
Unique Artifacts and Curiosities
A French clock mechanism displays miniature soldiers parading every hour, with drums beating seconds and a bugle marking minutes. This 200-year-old timepiece still functions, delighting visitors who wait specifically for the hourly display. Paintings on rice grains, viewable only through magnifiers, showcase incredible miniature artistry.
Musical instruments from across India fill an entire room – veenas, tablas, flutes, and rare instruments no longer in use. Royal weapons including gem-studded swords, ivory-handled daggers, and ceremonial armor occupy glass cases. Antique coins and currencies from various Indian kingdoms provide numismatic insights.
Traditional Art Styles Represented
The gallery showcases diverse Indian painting styles – Mysore, Mughal, Shantiniketan, and Tanjore paintings. Works by Rabindranath Tagore, Abanindranath Tagore, and the Ukil brothers (Sharada, Ranada, and Barada) represent the Bengal School. Russian artist Nicholas Roerich and his son Svetoslav Roerich’s paintings add international perspective to the collection.
Two wooden displays showing Dashavatara (ten incarnations of Vishnu) demonstrate traditional wood carving excellence. These 150-year-old pieces use natural dyes and gold leaf, retaining their original colors remarkably well.
The Palace Architecture
Built in 1861 by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III, the three-story palace showcases traditional Hindu architecture. The 1900 addition of an external facade with an auditorium created the current entrance with three doorways. Religious motifs and miniature temples carved on the entablature demonstrate the period’s architectural style.
The palace served as the royal family’s residence from 1897 to 1912 while the main Mysore Palace underwent reconstruction after a fire. Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV’s coronation in 1902 by Governor-General Lord Curzon took place in this very building.
The Auditorium and Cultural Events
The palace auditorium, built in 1900 and opened to public in 1980, hosts cultural programs during Dasara. Classical music concerts, dance performances, and theatrical shows happen here throughout October. Tickets for these events (100-500) sell through the palace office.
The first legislative assembly session of Mysore state convened here in July 1907. The University of Mysore held its initial convocations in this hall before constructing Crawford Hall. These historical connections add layers of significance beyond the art collection.
Recent Additions and Restorations
A new wing opened in 2003 to accommodate paintings previously in storage. The additional space allows rotation of displays, ensuring preservation while maximizing public viewing. Climate control systems installed in 2015 maintain optimal temperature and humidity for artifact preservation.
Water seepage damage to murals required extensive restoration work. Traditional materials and techniques preserve authenticity while ensuring longevity. The restoration team documents each process, creating valuable records for future conservation efforts.
Photography and Visitor Guidelines
Photography remains strictly prohibited throughout the gallery. Unlike some museums, even special photography permits aren’t available. Artists wanting to sketch must obtain prior permission from the curator’s office. The no-touching rule is strictly enforced with barriers maintaining safe distances from paintings.
- Bags must be deposited at entrance (free service)
- Food and drinks prohibited inside
- Maintain silence in viewing halls
- Group tours should book in advance
Accessibility and Facilities
The palace has limited wheelchair accessibility – only ground floor fully accessible. Steep stairs to upper floors pose challenges for elderly visitors. Clean toilets available on each floor (5 usage charge). No cafeteria inside, but several restaurants within 200 meters walking distance.
Best Route Through the Gallery
Start with ground floor historical paintings, then visit first floor for Raja Ravi Varma collection and Lady with the Lamp. Second floor houses manuscripts and smaller paintings. The basement (often missed) contains archaeological artifacts and sculptures. Allow 30 minutes per floor for proper appreciation.
Comparative Value
At 75, the gallery offers exceptional value compared to similar institutions. The National Gallery of Modern Art in Bangalore charges 150 for fewer works. The combination of artistic quality, historical significance, and preservation makes this one of South India’s premier art destinations.
Tips for Art Enthusiasts
Hire the gallery’s official guide (300 for groups up to 10) for detailed artwork explanations. The guide service, though not widely advertised, provides context missing from display labels. Morning light offers best viewing conditions for oil paintings on the eastern walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery worth visiting?
Absolutely worth the 75 entry fee. The Raja Ravi Varma paintings and Lady with the Lamp alone justify the visit. Allow 2-3 hours for proper appreciation.
Can we take photos inside the gallery?
No photography allowed anywhere inside. Security strictly enforces this rule. Even mobile phones must be kept away.
What’s the difference between this and Mysore Palace?
This gallery focuses on paintings and art, while Mysore Palace showcases royal lifestyle and architecture. Both complement each other – visit both if possible.
Is the gallery suitable for children?
Children above 10 years who appreciate art will enjoy it. Younger children might find it less engaging. The French clock mechanism particularly interests kids.
Do they provide audio guides?
No audio guides available. Hire the official guide for detailed explanations or research artworks beforehand for self-guided tours.
Last Updated: June 2025
Next Update: After new wing inauguration
Combine your visit with Mysore Palace Museum just 200 meters away. Learn about other cultural sites in Mysore.