About Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery
Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery is a historic palace in central Mysuru, Karnataka, built in 1861 by Krishnaraja Wadiyar III. It served as the royal residence of the Wadiyars after the 1897 fire at Mysore Palace. Since 1915 it houses the Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, renowned for its extensive collection of traditional Mysore paintings, works by Raja Ravi Varma, and artifacts of the Wadiyar dynasty.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a three-storey traditional Hindu-style palace with ornate facades, wooden interiors and large exhibition halls. Inside, the Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery displays paintings by Raja Ravi Varma including the famous Glow of Hope, traditional Mysore and Mughal miniatures, portraits of the Wadiyar family, sculptures, musical instruments, and antique furniture. The palace is located in the heart of Mysuru near Mysore Palace and is explored on foot through gallery halls and corridors.
Key highlights
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Historic palace built in 1861 in traditional Hindu architectural style
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Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery established in 1915 by Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar
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One of the largest collections of Raja Ravi Varma paintings including Glow of Hope (Lady with the Lamp)
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Collection of traditional Mysore paintings, Mughal miniatures and Russian artist Svetoslav Roerich works
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Royal portraits, sculptures, antique furniture and artifacts of the Wadiyar dynasty
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Central location within walking distance of Mysore Palace
History of Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery
Built in 1861 by Krishnaraja Wadiyar III in traditional Hindu style, Jaganmohan Palace served as an alternate royal residence. After the old Mysore Palace was destroyed by fire in 1897, the Wadiyar royal family lived here until the new Mysore Palace was completed in 1912. In 1915, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar converted the palace into an art gallery, named Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery after Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, to house the royal art collection.
Culture & Context
The gallery is a major cultural institution of Karnataka, preserving traditional Mysore painting style and works by renowned Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma. It also displays works by Russian artist Svetoslav Roerich, who settled in Karnataka, along with royal memorabilia, sculptures and crafts that reflect the artistic patronage of the Wadiyar dynasty and Mysuru's heritage as a centre of art and culture.