WHERE ART MEETS FINE FOOD

Three new culinary destinations by Beyond Designs at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi celebrate art, architecture and design styles from around the world

- Satarupa Paul

Winter in Delhi this year wasn't the stuff of romance that it usually is; the exceptionally harsh and gloomy weather largely kept us snuggled indoors. So, when the sun shone bright and cheery one Sunday morning, I found myself venturing out to the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) at the India Gate circle, for a stroll and a leisurely brunch at one of the three new restaurants that have recently opened on its premises. As part of the newly conceptualised Heritage Courtyard by the Delhi-based Beyond Designs, the two fine-dining restaurants and a casual cafe offer a whole new array of dining choices for museum visitors, while also providing a new venue for foodies from across the city to explore.

Fusing classic and contemporary elements, the glorious NGMA building is a landmark institution in itself. Designed by Sir Arthur Bloomfield back in 1936, it served as the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, until it was converted into a museum in 1954 to house an impressive collection of over 17,000 works by 2,000 plus artists, making it one of the largest modern art museums in the world. Its glorious edifice boasts a harmonious blend of Doric and Roman architectural styles, while the expansive galleries within unfold with a deliberate fluidity, providing a spatial journey through time and artistic expressions. The grandeur of the marble façade is softened by intricate detailing and arched windows, allowing natural light to illuminate the curated artworks within.