About
To preserve the artistic heritage of modern and contemporary Indian art through collection, preservation, documentation and public display, and to support research and education.
The Piramal Art Foundation was established in 2014 by the Piramal family to preserve the artistic heritage of modern and contemporary Indian art. Based at Piramal Tower in Lower Parel, Mumbai, it collects, preserves, documents and displays a substantial collection spanning the eighteenth century to contemporary works, maintains a growing research library and workspace for scholars, supports research and education, and has begun public displays of its collection, with an ambition to run workshops and provide gallery space for young artists.
Founded in 2014, the Piramal Art Foundation grew rapidly through acquisitions at auction and privately, building a collection that tracks the history of art in India and publishing a major volume on its holdings. With a full-time researcher and expanding library, it positioned itself as a serious institution for the study and display of Indian art, its chairman Ajay Piramal speaking of making art accessible across economic strata and nurturing young artists.
Visit & Access
Free and open to the public through the week. Library and Archives accessible by prior registration.
Founding & Leadership
Swati Piramal is a scientist, businesswoman and philanthropist who serves as Vice Chairperson of Piramal Enterprises. Her support for the arts through the Piramal Art Foundation reflects the broader Piramal family's tradition of cultural philanthropy.
Piramal Group patronage
Piramal family; foundation governance not separately published
Initiatives & Portfolio
The Foundation's primary public venue, holding a collection of Indian modernist and contemporary art and hosting temporary exhibitions.
Residencies for emerging and mid-career Indian artists, providing studio space, mentorship and exhibition opportunities.
Conservation initiatives for traditional Indian art works and support for the preservation of endangered art techniques.
Educational programmes connecting Mumbai schools and colleges to the Foundation's art collection and exhibitions.
Cultural Funding
Cultural verticals
Impact & Metrics
Credentials & Compliance
CSR-eligible · Not formally a CSR initiative; private family philanthropy
Recognition
Exhibits include works by FN Souza, MF Husain, SH Raza, Raja Ravi Verma, AR Chughtai, Binode Behari Mukherjee, Thukral and Tagra, and Subodh Gupta. Supporter of Khoj Studios residency programme.
The Piramal Art Foundation is a significant private patron and custodian of modern and contemporary Indian art, notable for its collection, research resources and commitment to public access.
[Atlas Perspective] Profiled as an Institution with the role of Funder in the field of modern and contemporary art. The Foundation collects, preserves and displays Indian art and supports research, connecting it as a patron to the visual-arts ecosystem. It was founded by the Piramal family.