Culture Files
Check out Chandigarh’s top spots for art and culture connoisseurs.
Established in 1962 under the chairmanship of legendary theatre and film actor Prithviraj Kapoor, the 12 Tagore Theatre ( tagoretheatrechd.org) has been showcasing drama productions and folk arts since its inception. Moreover, they organise theatre workshops and have a repertory with the aim of promoting local talent. The theatre houses main halls, mini auditoriums, rehearsal rooms, and a souvenir shop. Show schedules can be checked and booked online. The 13 Government Museum and Art Gallery, Chandigarh ( chdmuseum. gov.in) is home to a vast collection of Gandharan sculptures, as well as Pahari and Rajasthani miniature paintings. With gorgeous views of the Shivalik range, the museum has a sprawling campus that includes the Government College of Art. The main building is an attraction in itself as it was designed by Le Corbusier. The complex is peppered with trees and sculpture and warrants a stroll. The 14 National Gallery of Portraits in Sector 17 presents a collection of 41 authentic, computer-generated photo and document panels that showcase India’s struggle for freedom from 1857 to 1947. Oil painting portraits, metal sculpture, murals and dioramas support these narratives to create a visually compelling peek at history. It’s a must-visit spot with kids.