The gallery was inaugurated on 21 January 1952, by then Chief Minister of Bombay State, B. G. Kher and dedicated it to the memory of Sir Cowasji's late son, Jehangir.[3] A mammoth institution in itself, its history is linked with the renaissance of Indian art. The complex was also home to the popular cafe of Samovar, which was reminiscent of the 1970s socialist culture. It also houses Natesans, the country's oldest licensed antique dealers. Entry is free of charge.
Architecture
The building has been designed by Durga Bajpai and is one of the early concrete structures in the city. The gallery has been turned inwards due to a combined function of an auditorium and an art gallery. Although the concept of an introvert art gallery could be questioned today, the Jehangir is an example of an early modernist notion of the inward looking art galleries in the city. Moreover, the function of the auditorium left no scope for the gallery to be open to the street.
The play with concrete can be easily seen with a large wavy cantilevered entrance which embraces the street. The otherwise bland facade is articulated with relief stone cladding.
In popular culture
The art gallery and the Samovar restaurant were featured in the 1975 Bollywood film Chhoti Si Baat.
The art gallery is visible in the 1987 Tamil film Nayakan.
