In Celestial Company
Exhibition
13 Sep 2025 -18 Jan 2026
XHFW+RP8, 22, Kasturba Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001, India
Description
This festive season, Bengaluru finds itself In Celestial Company. Only this time, the focus is less on deities and more on their grand procession of divine helpers, wondrous animals, and mythical beings, and their fascinating stories.
The exhibition brings to the foreground those that have shimmered at the edges, supporting, accompanying and carrying divine protagonists. These vahanas, attendants and companions of deities in mythology are depicted in almost all imagery of divine beings—however, rarely are they explored as figures in their own right. In Celestial Company unravels these stories, exploring their symbolism, characteristics, and their transformative journeys. Through a selection of artworks ranging from sculptures, textiles, paintings and prints, the exhibition looks at the legends of mythological characters like Garuda, Mooshika, Airavata, Somanadi, Makhara, and more. Some carry deities—acting as physical forms of transportation—while others are a part of the divine retinue, complementing those they accompany. These beings embody everything from protection and hope to love and strength, as well as the natural rhythms that shape our lives from the changing skies of day and night, to the gentle flow of rivers.
The exhibition creates rich engagement with the artworks on display through a number of interventions. The physical handout allows visitors to read through stories of these characters, while allowing them to keep a souvenir of their experience. Visitors with visual disabilities can experience an essence of the exhibition through the tactile book that represents the artworks and their display layout in the gallery, as well as listening to the audio guide that takes them through the exhibition narrative. Those with hearing disabilities can read through the compelling tales of these celestial beings through the Bloomberg Connects app. A 360 immersive experience on stories of Garuda invites audiences to engage with art in fun and accessible ways.
We invite you to come meet these mythic beings whose stories once hidden in the margins, now take centre stage.
In Celestial Company opens at MAP on September 13, 2025.
Venue
XHFW+RP8, 22, Kasturba Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001, India
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Terms and Conditions
This ticket is non-transferrable and non-refundable. Please refer to the museum policy for exceptions.
Please carry your relevant ID card with you to avail the discounted entry ticket (applicable to Senior Citizens, Defense Personnel, People with disabilities, 19-25 year old students).
The ticket you receive will entitle you to access the gallery/ies and event/s stated on the front of this ticket. It is valid only on the date stated on the front of the ticket.
During your visit you must retain your ticket safely for production on demand by our representative(s).
The Museum cannot refund any donations made at the time of purchasing the ticket.
Should you have any access requirements, please speak to a member of staff and they will be happy to assist.
Children under 12 must always be accompanied by an adult within the Museum premises. Exceptions may only be made for specific closed-door programmes with pre-agreed terms and conditions.
If you are visiting the galleries, you agree to be bound by and to abide by our Visitor regulations, as stated here:
Backpacks and suitcases of any size are not allowed. Handbags and purses up to 40cm x 40cm are allowed.
Food and drinks are not allowed.
Please do not touch artworks, unless the label indicates it is a tactile response.
The use of charcoal, pastels, permanent markers and watercolour or oil paint is not allowed.
The use of flash, camera supports and selfie sticks is not permitted.
Filming and photography with professional equipment requires prior written consent from the Museum management.
Please only photograph or film people with their consent.
Pets are not allowed in the galleries, with the exception of guide dogs for the visually impaired.