20 Best Performing Arts in Delhi, India

Part of a cultural institute with several galleries and performing spaces, Art Heritage has some of the finest exhibits in town.

Art Konsult hangs some accomplished contemporary work.

A substantial collection of paintings by old masters and contemporary artists can be seen here; it often hosts comprehensive historical art exhibitions.

The Devi Art Foundation, with its sprawling exhibition area, is out of the way for the typical visitor—and the walk from the Metro station is unpleasant—but it's worth a visit for art enthusiasts. Shows on various themes are usually curated out of the permanent collection, which consists of long-time collector Lekha Poddar's folk art and historically significant acquisitions, as well as her son Anupam's trove of more cutting-edge contemporary works (he's a high-end hotelier).

It's a bit chaotic but this gallery that focuses on older contemporary artists is centrally located and large.

A small but remarkable space featuring both new and canonical artists, sometimes mixed together in edgy theme shows.

The various exhibition spaces here showcase painting, sculpture, Indian craft, and creativity of every kind. The main Visual Arts Gallery is just inside Gate 2.

Several cultural events, from classical Indian dance performances to local stand-up comedy acts, take place here every evening. It's also a regular venue for local theater troupes.

This is an established performance space near the Habitat Centre. From poetry readings to documentary film festivals, this is the place to witness the capital's famed love of high art.

This is a long-standing venue for Indian classical music and dance. It's also a good place to sample Delhi's vibrant student-theater scene.

This government-run gallery in a large 1950s building shows several exhibits at once, usually of varying quality.

This is an old theater venue with performances by local and student groups. The performances are mostly free, so just show up a little in advance to get tickets.

This is one of the most cutting-edge art and photography galleries in town.

Navratana is a tiny but spirited hoard of old paintings, photographs, and movie posters, with a few contemporary works thrown in.

A constant stream of plays are staged here, some for one day only. The institute's famous for its annual Ramlila production, an enactment of the life of Rama, which is staged during the Dussehra festival, usually in October.

One of the more experimental galleries in Delhi, this space welcomes designers, architects, artists, and sculptors to display their work, and there is a permanent collection of stainless-steel installations.

In addition to the galleries at Art Heritage, regular dance performances and classes take place here. There's also a cozy cafeteria where you can retire afterward for a relaxed tea and paranthas amid lush greenery.

Respected for its permanent collection of 20th-century masters, this is also one of Delhi's best galleries for contemporary, established artists. There are several locations.