By IANS,
New Delhi : Congress president Sonia Gandhi Monday inaugurated the new wing of the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) here, making it one of the largest of its kind in the world.
“The genius of the Indian artists and their creativity is being sought after. They are exhibited in the leading museums of the world,” said Gandhi at the inauguration function.
“This new wing is the coming of age of modern art of India. It has six times the existing space for display. I hope this gallery will hold more international exhibitions where ideas and influences from different lands cross-fertilises each other.”
“I hope it adds a new chapter in Indian art history,” she added.
The new wing has permanent gallery space, an auditorium, a special preview theatre, a conservation lab, a library and an academic section.
Culture and Tourism Minister Ambika Soni said: “A number of exhibitions have been planned and a retrospective of legendary painter Nandalal Bose is being showcased.”
Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal, Minister of State for Steel Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Defence M.M Pallam Raju, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, former home minister Shivraj Patil and Congress leader Margaret Alva were present on the occasion.
Artists Satish Gujral and Jatin Das as well as diplomats were also present.