The five-acre campus with its stunning but crumbling colonial structure was restored to house the National Gallery of Modern Art, and celebrated its sixth anniversary last February. “I wanted the space to be footfall-friendly and have a sociable character,” says architect Naresh Narasimhan, the man behind the restoration that cost nearly Rs. 10 crore in 2009. “I remember visualising the museum as the ‘diamond’ in a ring, the focal point in the greenery,” says Mr. Narasimhan who added nearly 60,000 sq. ft of floor space to the existing 20,000 for permanent and floating gallery spaces within. “Retaining the high ceiling suited the public-space chemistry; and I brought in a pathway for viewing, book shop, auditorium, café, and open spaces with seating and water bodies,” he says. NGMA does not have a permanent director on its rolls but it is still the busiest and the most sought-after gallery in India, going by the number of shows it hosts. “Excellent curators make both the display and the permanent exhibits vie for attention,” says artist S.G. Vasudev, member of the NGMA Advisory Committee. However, Mr. Vasudev strongly recommends a de-centralised administration. “Globally, museums are not government-controlled but assisted with finance run by Trusts set up by art aficionados and advisors.” He also wants a Friends of NGMA society, but to start with, “the Centre should think of having museums open at least till 8 p.m. to accommodate people walking in after work,” he says.
