Art Exhibition or Art Display on International Airport sounds something unique and interesting. But what a great way to experience art and culture tour on Airport while waiting for next flight or during entering or exiting the airport. Art and culture tour always depict the glorious past and present of a particular country and therefore JayaHe GVK museum at Mumbai International Airport showcases India at one place. In India, we celebrate each passage of time, in travel and there are many rituals associated with it from ancient times to the modern era. This art museum takes you the special colorful journey to multiple eras of India. Let’s go for JayaHe GVK Museum Art Tour at Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.
This art tour on Mumbai International Airport shows the cultural diversity of India. Display of all regions or states are unique in many ways and so are their art forms. In this museum, you can see a beautiful amalgamation of all diverse cultures under one roof. The massive display of art forms in various media is installed on walls, panels hanging from roofs, pillars and many center points.
You can see around 5500 artifacts from 1000’s of artisans which are spread across a span of 3.2 kms.
India’s glorious culture is reflected in many layered themes – JayaHe GVK New Museum Art Tour at Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport
INDIA GREETS – You can ancient facades, doors, windows with many balconies crafted in traditional Gujarati and Rajasthani style.
THRESHOLDS OF INDIA – Depicting India’s plural Cultural legacy, immense sculptural works on walls and living traditions.
LAYERED NARRATIVES – Depicting the Urbanism of this great city Mumbai. The artifacts are arranged in a layered format to show changing or evolution of daily lifestyle from Mumbai. It is like unfolding pages by pages.
CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY – Most of the artifacts are made from e-waste by modern era artists.
INDIA ELEMENTAL – In Indian culture, the five elements of Life – Water, Air, Space, Fire & Earth also known as Panchabhootha plays a significant role. Based on these important five elements this gallery has beautiful artworks with this theme.
INDIA SEAMLESS – 4 regions – Gallery representing the perfect blend of artworks and daily life forms from East, West, North & South India.
INDIA MOVES – Depiction of transportation in India be it wooden bullock carts or caricatures of jet planes to hot-air balloons. This gallery beautifully showcases the evolution of bullock cart to palanquins to airplanes. Some are beautifully hanging from roofs or on wall panels.
Be it a huge painting from Palitana or Shekhawati Havelis from Rajasthan or gold plated Tanjore paintings or sculpted pillars from South India are perfect examples of glorious heritage of India on Mumbai International Airport.
The most beautiful feature of this museum is that the artifacts installations are that, they never block the pathways for passengers. They are intricately designed on the huge wall panels and hanging from ceilings when you depart or arrive through the airport gates. Even when you wait for your luggage at baggage claim area, there are numerous sculptures which are located around the Baggage belts.
WHERE THEY ARE LOCATED – They are located everywhere on Terminal T2 and most prominent ones you can see it around –
DEPARTURES AREA – When you are moving to your Gates and near the Departure Lounges. The threshold of India can be seen near the Departure area.
ARRIVALS LOUNGE – When you arrive and move towards transit they are huge panels of layered narratives with some contemporary art gallery.
BAGGAGE CLAIM AREA – Various huge figurines, sculptures, and many artifacts. You can see many handwoven textiles, handcrafted trunks which were used to carry luggage in ancient times, ethnic chest boxes and many interesting things.
Jayahe GVK New Museum at Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport has given the opportunity to many rural artists and promoted many extinct art forms. This is India’s largest public art initiative on Terminal T2 airport. This art tour makes you spellbound as you can see India’s cultural evolution in various art forms.
Generally, most of the airports are slightly boring with similar branded shops, lounges and people waiting, but this art exhibit on Mumbai International Airport is a beautiful way to keep the airport lively and interesting, which also showcases history, culture and many daily lifestyles of that particular country. It also promotes various rural and struggling artists too.
USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT Jayahe GVK New Museum at Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport
- You can see all the artifacts by yourself but if you want to know all the history and all the story of making behind it then prebook your tour through Jayahe or Contact them through Information desk.
- The name JayaHe is adapted from India’s National Anthem and reflects the glory of a nation in a visual narrative of diverse India.
- Rajeev Sethi is one of the leading curators of this art concept on International Aiport with the culmination of many designers, artists, artisans, architects, historians, conservators, and anthropologists.
- Many art installations have descriptions with the name of artists and concept of why they are created and what they represent.
- There is also an official JayaHe shop at the airport, where you can pick art connoisseurs made by local artists.
I did this trip on my own when I waiting to catch the next flight for several hours on Terminal T2 – Mumbai International Airport. Let me know which art forms from India are your favorite ones? For me, I loved all of them as they are very colorful and have many interesting stories behind them.
Also, not only museums but the grand architecture of Mumbai Airport with flowery styled pillars and chandeliers make it photogenic.
If you are visiting the interesting city of Mumbai which has a lot to do and a lot to see, then book your stay options nearby Airport as it has many luxury hotels. Check this luxury stay nearby airport at Leelas. Visit India to explore Yoga, wellness and Adventure tourism as there are many wellness resorts and retreats across all over India. India is a very interesting country to visit and you will experience many unique things here and for more information read about Visiting India for the first time. Visit India and explore Incredible India.
So, until then KEEP TRAVELING……………… KEEP EXPLORING……………………………………………………
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I was at this airport just a week back! I did see how beautifully they had done it up but unfortunately did not get too much time to spend exploring the airport as I arrived quite late and had to rush for my flight. It’s one of the nicest airports in India, even though it’s not very large and spacious, the interiors are extremely gorgeous. I hope to catch The Threshold of India at the airport when I travel again – hopefully with more time on hand to explore properly.
I agree, that this airport is one of the nicest in India.
How long does it take to wander through and see the art displays? You did it while transfering through the airport which is great — love airports and there are an increasing number of them worldwide — that provide art and other forms of cultural and other entertainment. Can you see most of the art without having to go out and then back through security? Is there a printed or online guide to the art?
It is all over inside the airport the moment you check out from immigration officials and security area. Now it depends on you either you walk 3.2 whole area, checking all departure gates or talk a golf cart /buggy to see around. On Arrivals also you can see many artifacts and paintings.
I have to admit, I am in love with colours of India. So cool to have an art exhibit at the airport to get familiar with art and colours of India immediately upon arrival!
Yes, India is very colorful and it is great you love them
What a cool place to put an art exhibit! I love the larger than life wall panels. Such a great way for a huge number of people to get to enjoy the artworks.
Wow! Love the way Mumbai International Airport comes up with such a unique idea of celebrating Indian art and culture. What better way to let the travelers around the world know about Incredible India. We spend so much time on airports during layovers and waiting for the flights, this seems like a great idea to keep travelers busy, and entertained. I’ll surely check this museum next time I’m at Mumbai International Airport.
Thanks Anjali and yes art and culture of India looks truly Incredible on Mumbai International airport
I still remember 5 years back, during my first ever international trip I had seen the doors and balcony installation at GVK. My flight was in an hour and I couldn’t help by take a detour to see as much of the installation as I can before I absolutely had to run for my flight! The installations of GVK are mesmerizing. I didn’t know they have a tour now and that it was actually called the Jaya He museum. I know now from this article and your pictures, how much of the museum work I am yet to see. Next time I am in India, while returning back, I know what I will be doing before the flight 😀 Loved your pictures!
Thanks Vaishakhi and yes this museum is very big and spread out all over, so everytime I also see some new art pieces as many times our departure gates are in very different directions from previous flights
What a great post and I must say that it looks nothing like an airport with all that great art work. I have seen a few airports around the world but nothing so rich in art and one where you could die ss hours easily. As time passes and we travel more airports are becoming more then just the transit point they use to be and this one surely making its mark. Thanks for sharing with the world.
Thanks Amar and yes airports should be beautified more in art and culture of that local place. Mumbai International Airport is now unique in the world.
I love it that they are making the ever so boring airports more interesting and fun! This is also a great way to teach visitors about Indian culture. This artwork is so beautiful and colourful. I wish all the airports would do the same.
I think it’s a wonderful idea to have an art exhibit at the airport. Often, airports are so sterile looking, and travelers may not have much time to get to know a region or country while on a layover. This collaboration between the JayaHe GVK Museum and Mumbai International Airport is brilliant (and beautiful)! I hope to see more airports following this lead, as everyone benefits!
Yes Jackie as airports are very boring and same everywhere, but it always a great idea to promote some culture of local place
I have heard so much about this museum but somehow have never made an international connection through Mumbai. Would love to explore this! Lovely posts and photos.
It is not at international terminal, even if you are traveling through Air India within India, you are traveling through T2. I did this tour during my internal travel when I was going to Hyderabad from Mumbai
This is a very impressive post, Yukti. And about something that I am truly passionate about – art. I have always loved the art pieces at the Mumbai airport but never managed to see all of them. Through your post, I was happy to glide through all the nooks and corners showcasing India’s talent. I love all of them especially the Tanjore style paintings and the Warli art. And I had no idea I could actually book a tour for this museum. That is very thoughtful. Thanks for letting me know. Would love to do a tour.
Thanks Soumya and yes it is very intriguing to see so many art pieces from all over India at one place. Also they have arranged very elegantly
I have been to Mumbai International so many times but never got a chance to visit the Jayahe-GVK museum due to lack of time. Guess I will go to the airport an hour or two early for my next flight just to tour the museum. I loved all the photographs that you have clicked. It inspires me to visit the museum soon.
Thanks but when you are exiting or entering the airplane, you can see many art exhibits there only. Some of them are at baggage claim, so you don’t have to go for separate areas. Just have a look when you are entering the plane i.e. near the departure gates on the side walls
Thanks for posting it with lots and lots of pictures. Had been hearing about it.
Thanks
I think more airports these days are seeing themselves in a new light, as the gateway to culture and countries, not just the means from getting from one place to another. Plus, with having to get to the airport so early these days they have a captive audience so why not bring some culture to the airport! SeaTac International Airport in Washington State is much the same with art in terminals and live music on certain days. I’d love to explore the exhibits at this airport.
Yes Lara, Airports are gateway to a place or country and they can be used as art & culture promotion areas as many people arrive very early or have short layovers.
OMG this is a very unique and gorgeous museum! Their collections are so grand and truly translates the unique culture of India. I love supporting local artists 😀
Thanks Blair and yes this concept on International airport is very unique
What a great program they have at the Mumbai airport with so many art installations! I was happy to read that they help support rural artists and those who work in older art forms. I think my favorite display that you photographed is the “Thresholds of India”. This would be a fantastic way to pass a long wait at the airport!
Thanks Carrie and yes Thresholds of India is great to see here at the airport.
I really support the idea. We should have more art and museums in airport. Sick of endless overpriced shops.
Yes that so true
I love the idea of a museum inside an airport, since those long layovers can often be so dull with nothing to do.. I love how the museum features both traditional art from around India, and some contemporary pieces. And I love the idea of having some sculptures and artwork to look at while I’m waiting for my baggage, too. Great post!
Thanks Dee and I too agree with you that having a museum on Airport is always interesting and it is worth as many passengers can spent their time fruitfully
Wow, the Mumbai International Airport really went all out to tell about I he culture and history through art. I thought it was just one area. It us all over the airpirt!
Thanks Carol
Whenever at Mumbai I am always hurrying to be home and never really look around..I guess next time I will stay back at the airport little longer to appreciate these beautiful installations – Indian Art is worth the visit 💕
Thanks Richa and yes Indian Art is worth
I’ve been to Mumbai once and that too on occ of Ganesh festival, it was so vibrant.
That was a really interesting and informative blog. Would love to visit someday!
Thanks Marc and yes you would love Mumbai International Airport
This is something I haven’t noticed much in the Mumbai airport. Wondering how I missed it. I loved the south indian artwork. It’s looking so gorgeous. I think I noticed the floral chandelier near the boarding gate of Ethiopian airlines. Overall here I can see a great compilation of art in Mumbai airport.
Thanks Shreya, yes sometimes we are so much in hurry while exiting or entering the airport, we miss many things, but this time – take some time to admire Indian art on Mumbai International Airport
This is absolutely amazing!! I love art and especially colorful, ornate art which all of this is! I love that you can view it on your own or do an organized tour. I also love that they spread it out over so much of the airport so you can view it whether you are flying or not. It’s the perfect thing to do during a long layover and it honestly makes me want to visit!
I am a big fan of culturally relevant art museums in airports. There is always the debate if you can “claim” a country or city if you’ve only been to the airport. This museum would lend credence to the claim. Hopefully, they have regional food at the airport as well and you would have a pretty solid case.
Thanks Jenn
This is becoming more common place in Airports and I’m all for them! It gives us a taste of the culture for the area AND passes the time during those laborious stop overs.
I visited the Mumbai airport a few years ago and I have to say I was impressed. The JayaHe GVK museum looks to be a cool art initiative. I’ll have to have a look if I’m back!
Thanks David and yes Mumbai Airport is very impressive.
I wish more airports would follow Mumbai’s lead and offer an art exhibit and museum at the airport. I like how there are so many themes but my favorite was India Elemental with the five elements. I like an opportunity for visitors to learn more about India through art even if they’re just flying through Mumbai. Lovely photos too!
Thanks Annick and yes it would be great to know about more of India on airport itself
That is very neat that they have such a vast art display in an airport. I hope that more airports will start to do this! It would be wonderful to be able to visit displays like this while waiting for flights. It is very neat that they have used e-waste to create art!
Thanks Leah and yes it is great to see some art and culture while waiting for flights
Great article. I have to compliment you on your photos they really depict the art! What a great idea to have an art gallery at the airport. My favourite was the layered narratives. I have never seen anything like this before.
Thanks Jane
Wow this is sooo cool! I have been in many airports but I don’t think I have ever encountered one with so much artwork. Love the contemporary art that are made from e-waste and that even the baggage claim area is adorned with art! And looks like they have done well in making sure it doens’t obstruct traffic. Very coo.
Thanks Amy, I too agree with you that I too have not seen art gallery on many of the International Airports and this initiative is great to promote the folk culture of India.
I love the concept of a museum tour at an airport. I’m glad they decided to do this in Mumbai too. The exhibition looks lovely and would definitely love to check it out someday!
Yes Daniel, Museum tour on airport sounds nice as we see many interesting art forms while passing through many boring procedures of airport. It is a great way to engage the passengers.
Yesterday was the first time I saw an exhibition on the airport, it was in the Philippines and I thought it’s a briliant idea. In between all the commercial shops and services it’s hard to find some silence and art is a great answer for that. This exhibition of art in India looks incredible and so rich. WOuld be happy to see it.
Thanks Anita and yes it is great to see art exhibits on Airports as we pass our time beautifully during transit.
Great post 😁
Thanks