Just like the other architectural creations of Jaipur, Jawahar Kala Kendra has been a spellbinder for the visitors. In the last few years, JKK has become a popular cultural destination. It promotes various genres of Indian art and culture. Since the year of its inception, JKK has been a quintessential place that displays the true essence of the rich heritage and traditions of the Pink City. It is a hub of arts and artistic activities where local, national as well as international arts come together.
The tourists from within and outside India, as well as the natives, visit Jawahar Kala Kendra for its astounding architecture. It’s every section is an architectural marvel, that leaves one mesmerized by its beauty. This center has given recognition to many famous artists who are now famous in the theatre world. They started their career from the stage at The Jawahar Kala Kendra. It allows an individual to get a glimpse of the real and authentic Rajasthan.
History of Jawahar Kala Kendra
Jawahar Kala Kendra also known as JKK is named after Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. This multi-arts center was established with the aim of preserving and nurturing Rajasthani arts and crafts. This piece of art was an initiative of the Rajasthan government and designed by a renowned architect Charles Correa in 1986. After its completion in 1991, it opened its doors to the public and art and cultural connoisseurs in 1993. The structure of Jawahar Kala Kendra is inspired by the original city plan of Jaipur which was based on architectural principles called the Vastu Vidya and was drawn by the Maharaja of Jaipur.
The architecture of Jawahar Kala Kendra In Jaipur
Right from where you enter the time you leave this place, every part of JKK is admirable and worth watching. It is based on a concept of 9 planets and has eight blocks consisting of nine squares with central square left open. Each of its sections resembling the characteristics of a planet. The building has the design with walls and ceilings bearing artworks and scriptures based on astronomy and cosmology, and some of them giving an honest tribute to art and theatre. This international art and cultural center comprised of a museum, a library, a cafeteria, an art studio, a small hostel, art display rooms, one amphitheater and a closed auditorium. It also houses two beautiful permanent art galleries and three other galleries.
Alankar Museum in JKK
The Alankar Museum is an exhibition space consists of two floors. It exhibits a variety of stylistic collection of ceramics, decorative boxes, and carved wooden furniture. There are some large-sized, carved wooden doors, noble furniture items, pots, artifacts and also a few depicting statues of Rajasthani icons as well as the Hindu deities. A collection of various articles representing the traditional system of rural living of Rajasthan and Rajasthani folks is also the focus of the display. The traditional items like hookahs, lanterns, embossed pitchers and duvets are available here.
Coffee House at Jawahar Kala Kendra
The Coffee House in JKK is famous for its excellent coffee and South Indian dishes like dosa, idli, and uttapam. You can also try sandwiches, pakoras, and noodles. This cafeteria is the most favorite place for youngsters to chill out. You can see this cafeteria, mostly crowded with the city’s journalists, political leaders, poets, and thinkers. Witness the leisure activities of the art connoisseurs with the paintings and creativity shown all around even on the coffee tables.
Library of Jawahar Kala Kendra
The library of JKK is the most loved place for bibliophiles. The two-storey library gives them ample of space for research and learning. It has a collection of more than 14000 books of various genres like art, culture, religion, architecture, literature, spirituality, etc. JKK also has a special adult section and a kid’s section separately. It recently hosted India’s first and largest children’s literature festival ‘Bookaroo’ for the first time in Jaipur. A host of distinguished authors, poets, illustrators, and theatre artists participated in this festival and made the experience unforgettable.
Shilpgram an authentic Rajasthan at JKK
Located right side to the entrance, Shilpgram or the village of crafts is a 9.5 acre complex. It has six huts. That represents the rural ambiance of various regions of Rajasthan such as Marwar, Braj, Shekhawati, Tribal, Desert land, and Hadoti. Numerous fairs, haat bazaars, and festivals can be seen here on a routine basis. Apart from the regular art-culture oriented activities, a mega annual festival called “LokRang” is held in the month of October and November. You can also taste the traditional cuisine here with a traditional Chowki seating system. They serve you the local delicacies like Dal- Baati- Choorma containing two types of Choorma and Baatis. Kadhi, Besan Ke Gatte ki sabzi, Besan Mirchi are also a part of the meal.
Events Jawahar Kala Kendra hosts
It nurtures the spirit of art and culture representing various forms of art and cultures prevalent in Rajasthan. There is always something cultural and innovative happening here like drama festivals, dance and music performances, art exhibitions, craft fairs, workshops, discussions and seminars, theatre shows or films and film screenings and publication of books on art & culture. The art center hosts also its own theatre festival every year. Owing to the activities showcased here, this lively organization significantly facilitates art-connoisseurs, scholars, visitors, artists, and artisans to interact with each other. This facilitates them to learn about, art, culture, community struggles, history and the way of life prevalent in Rajasthan and India. A local handicraft fair is also organized here for an eclectic collection of handcrafted souvenirs from all across the country.
This multi-art center is not just confined to the art and artists, but also famous amongst the Shopaholics and foodies. This center also has hostels that come with residential facilities.
Visiting Hours
The Jawahar Kala Kendra is open every day from 9 in the morning and remains open till 9 at night.
Time Duration needed to visit
It will take around half an hour to 2 hours to visit this place and dwell deep in its magnificence.
Entry Fee
There is no entry fee to visit this art center.
Location of
2, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Opp Commerce College, Jhalana Doongri, Jaipur
How to Reach
Jawahar Kala Kendra itself is a landmark destination in Jaipur. JKK has very well connectivity with the city. It is very easy to reach by local buses, Ola/Uber taxi, and personal vehicle.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Jawahar Kala Kendra is during the theatre festival organised every year.
