Bharat Bhavan, Multidisciplinary art complex in Bhopal, India.
Bharat Bhavan is a multi-arts complex set on the Shyamla Hills facing Upper Lake, enclosed by a long low wall of reddish-brown brick. Above the wall rises a large pyramidal roof painted in broad triangular sections of blue, red, yellow and green, and to its right stands a white pointed fin-like structure. A paved courtyard of rectangular stone slabs with a grid of green lines and a low white metal railing lies in front.
The institution opened in February 1982 as an autonomous cultural house funded by the Government of Madhya Pradesh. It came into being during a period of cultural initiatives in India following independence.
The name Bharat Bhavan means "House of India". Its five wings are named in Hindi: Roopankar for the fine-art museum, Rangmandal for theatre, Vagarth for poetry, Anhad for classical and folk music, and Chhavi for cinema. Vagarth holds a library and archive of Indian poetry and organises the Katha Prasang festival on Hindi literature.
The spaces open in winter between 1 PM and 7 PM, and in summer between 2 PM and 8 PM. Those who want time to visit multiple exhibition areas should plan at least two hours.
The collection includes tribal and folk art brought into focus through the initiative of artist J Swaminathan. The house has hosted a biennial international printmaking exhibition since 1989.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,822 contributors worldwide.