Abhishek Poddar is the founder of the Museum of Art and Photography (MAP) in Bengaluru, India, a ground-breaking new cultural institution in India, which opened in 2023.
The new museum is a testament to Poddar’s passion for art and heritage and stands as a beacon of arts engagement. With a dedication to preserving and honouring India’s rich cultural heritage, MAP features a varied collection that crosses genres and eras. Through the integration of conventional and modern forms, the museum functions as a conduit connecting the past and the present. Poddar’s vision was for a museum that would be more than just a building, and the resulting institution is a transformative space that sparks dialogues, fosters the development of creative minds, and brings India’s cultural scene to the attention of the world.
Poddar is an Indian industrialist, art collector, and philanthropist. He is currently on the advisory panel of the Foundation Inde-Europe de Nouveaux Dialogues (FIND), also known as the India-Europe Foundation for New Dialogues, with its headquarters located in Rome. He is also a trustee of the Art & Photography Foundation in Bengaluru.
With his family, Poddar donated $7 million and 7,000 pieces from their personal collection to the Museum of Art & Photography.
With more than 18,000 pieces of art from the 12th century to the present, most of which are from the subcontinent, MAP’s collection is constantly expanding. The museum wants to spark change in the industry and increase public awareness of the rich cultural heritage of Indian arts. It is motivated by the idea that museums ought to improve society.
Situated in the city centre, the museum is housed in a cutting-edge 44,000-square-foot building designed by renowned Indian architect Soumitro Ghosh. It has many galleries, as well as an auditorium, a research library, a conservation lab, classes, a museum store, and a cafe, spread across five floors. Particular attention has been paid to inclusivity, accessibility, and creativity in the space’s design.