A prominent collector and patron of the arts, Poddar is a connoisseur who owns an impressive collection of South Asian art, craft, and antiquities, modern and contemporary art, and photography. He shares his recommendations for museums that one must visit in India.
Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) Bengaluru
As the founder of MAP, he says that the team has not just showcased art in the way it is curated, but also given them a series of experiences that they can choose from. Technology means that visitors can go to the gallery on demand and virtually see exhibitions that have ended. “We also have a digital experience centre which gives you immersive views of certain artworks and shows you how you can enter it, and gives you holographic tours. You can explore the collection and, almost physically, look at an object by magnifying it, by turning it around, something that you would not be able to do in any other museum,” he says.
With five galleries and the sculpture court, their permanent exhibition encompasses all six different categories of art that the collection is about. This includes modern and contemporary art, photography, textiles, crafts, and design, popular culture, living traditions, and classical art.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), Mumbai
“This is a museum that I always go to whenever I'm in Mumbai: the CSMVS, which is an amazing collection and very, very accessible. They do a great job with even their temporary exhibitions, and they now also have the Jehangir Nicholson collection,” says Poddar. He suggests that one shouldn't miss the miniature section, the classical art, the textile section, and the collection of publications.
National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, Delhi
The Crafts Museum in Delhi is another old favourite of Poddar. He points out that they have a textile collection that is quite spectacular. During the winter, the museum has an entire section where craftsmen and artisans make and sell their products, and the weather allows visitors to spend time there and enjoy the experience. “It's really something that whoever is interested in museums, especially in textiles, must definitely visit,” says Poddar. Visits here need to be booked in advance and are limited to small groups.
Kasturbhai Lalbhai Museum
The Lalbhai Collection has a temporary exhibit space and a permanent one, and in the latter, there are two sections on modern and contemporary art around indigo. The main haveli houses the family's ancestral collection, which is special. “So, it's like walking into a home and seeing a home, but every piece there is really special from their pichhwais, bronzes to their kangra miniatures and collection of Bengal school works,” says Poddar.
Government Museum Chennai
This museum in Egmore, Chennai, is well known for its bronze collections. “I think these are just unbelievable collections, even though they leave a lot to be desired in terms of the way they are kept and the way they are displayed. But what lies behind the glass would take your breath away, as these are absolute gems.” He points out the brilliant collections of the Natarajas, Vishnus, Hanumans, and the Devis.
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