A new sculpture exhibition at the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi brings together more than 250 works by 150 artists, with an additional change for the institution: an initiative to offer artworks for sale.
TAKSHANAM, inaugurated by Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, will remain open until November 15, 2026, at NGMA’s Jaipur House near India Gate, the Ministry of Culture said in its October 15 announcement.
What is on display?
The exhibition connects established sculptors with artists selected through an open call. Its two sections, Eminent Artists and Open Call Artists, are intended to place different generations and approaches to sculpture alongside one another. Works from NGMA’s own collection are also included.
The open-call section features approximately 80–90 artists chosen by a jury. That figure refers to participating artists, not the total number of sculptures in the exhibition. Across both sections, the ministry reports 150 artists and more than 250 sculptures.
Why the sale initiative stands out
According to the ministry, NGMA is introducing the sale of artworks for the first time through this initiative. Its stated purpose is to connect artists with collectors and other interested visitors and create another avenue of support for sculptural practice.
The announcement does not mean that every object in the exhibition, including works from the permanent collection, is available to purchase. It does not set out a public price list, commissions, payment procedure or delivery arrangements. Prospective buyers should obtain those details directly from the gallery before making commitments.
A visitor’s quick guide
| Venue | National Gallery of Modern Art, Jaipur House, India Gate, New Delhi |
|---|---|
| Exhibition | TAKSHANAM |
| Last announced date | November 15, 2026 |
| Scale | 150 artists; more than 250 sculptures |
Opening hours, ticket prices, weekly closures and access arrangements are not specified in the ministry’s release. Visitors should check the gallery’s current information before travelling; the announced closing date alone does not confirm admission on every intervening day.
The idea behind the exhibition
The title draws on the Sanskrit root takṣ, associated with carving and shaping. The curatorial approach treats sculpture as a changing relationship between ideas, materials and form, rather than a tradition confined to historical monuments.
For audiences, the opportunity is to compare veteran practitioners, emerging voices and museum works in one setting. For artists, the sale initiative will be worth watching for its practical terms and whether it develops into sustained support beyond a single exhibition.
Sources and image credit
Reporting source: Official ministry announcement, October 15, 2026. This report distinguishes announced decisions from details not disclosed in the source.
Photo: Ministry of Culture / PIB, October 15, 2026. TAKSHANAM inauguration at NGMA, New Delhi. Image source · Reuse terms.
The National Desk covers India's politics, governance, security and public-interest news. Stories are checked against at least two credible sources before publication.
