R. K. Laxman Museum, Political cartoon museum in Balewadi, India
The R. K. Laxman Museum is a cartoon and sketch museum in Balewadi, featuring roughly 35,000 works by the artist displayed across multiple galleries. Dedicated sections showcase his most celebrated creation, The Common Man character, along with his police-related illustrations and editorial cartoons.
The artist began creating daily cartoons in 1951, which evolved into significant commentary on Indian society over the following decades. This museum opened in 2022 as a formal recognition of his artistic impact and legacy.
The cartoons and sketches here reflect how Laxman's work shaped conversations about Indian society for decades, becoming a daily fixture in homes across the country. His drawings turned everyday observations into commentary that made people think about the world around them.
The museum is open most days of the week and provides audio guide tours to help visitors navigate the collections. The space is wheelchair-accessible, and you can move at your own pace through the different gallery sections without feeling rushed.
A standout feature is the hologram of The Common Man character that speaks to you through voice recordings by well-known actors, creating an unusual blend of classic art and modern technology. This interactive element brings the cartoons off the page in a way visitors do not typically expect from a traditional art museum.
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