Cholamandal Artists Village Chennai Entry Fee
- 30 per person for Adults
- 10 per person for Children below 10 years of age
Cholamandal Artists Village Chennai Phone
044 2449 0092
044 2449 4053
Rating: 
| 4/5 stars
Based on total 39 reviews
Cholamandal Artists Village Chennai Address: Injambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600115, India
Cholamandal Artists Village in Chennai is one of the largest art centres in the country. This village has been a dynamic, throbbing space for creativity, and it has played a pivotal role in the modern art movement in South India. It’s a vibrant world of art that thrives as an association of resident artists who live, work and create in an inspirational setting.
The residents of Cholamandal Artists Village Chennai combine traditional Indian art styles with modern artistic expressions. The complex houses galleries of various artistic artefacts, making it a pilgrimage destination for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts.
Cholamandal’s artists communicate in different styles, ranging from paintings to ceramics and metalwork. The village fosters a spirit of experimentation and innovation. Resident artists can be found working in their studios, carefully finessing their pieces.
Where is Cholamandal Artists Village in Chennai?
Cholamandal Artists Village is in the Injambakkam locality, on the scenic East Coast Road (ECR). It’s around 20 km away from the Chennai city centre. This serene coastal setting of Cholamandal Artists Village Injambakkam elevates the whole experience, making it a cultural destination worth visiting. The complex also has a dedicated space to purchase artworks directly from the artists.
History of Cholamandal Artists Village Chennai
Founded in 1966 by the modernist painter and teacher K. C. S. Paniker, Cholamandal is India's largest self-supporting artists' village. It emerged from the vibrant intellectual climate of the Madras Art Movement of the 1960s. This movement sought to establish a regional artistic sensibility, which is distinctly South Indian and far from European Modernism.
The village was named after the medieval Chola dynasty, renowned for its patronage of the arts. Most founding members were associated with the Madras School of Art (now Government College of Fine Arts) and the Progressive Painters’ Association.
Paniker encouraged artists to reconnect with traditional crafts and produce saleable works (such as batik and leatherwork) alongside painting and sculpture. The Artists’ Handicrafts Association (AHA) was established in 1963, and proceeds from early sales were invested in purchasing the land at Injambakkam. Here, the artists collectively developed an eight-acre commune.
By the 1970s, Cholamandal Artists Village had achieved economic self-sufficiency. It also gained international recognition as a meeting point for artists from India and abroad. It’s a rare example of a flourishing artists’ colony. The village has over 20 resident artists and several others, showcasing contemporary Indian art and fostering new generations of artists.
Architecture of Cholamandal Artists Village
Cholamandal Artists Village plan reflects the values it was built on – self-reliance, community and artistic freedom. Early structures were modest and functional, shaped by the immediate needs of artists. Residents worked here under simple thatched-roof structures and spartan conditions. That simplicity continues to define the village’s character, giving it an organic, lived-in quality.
Over time, this art village expanded through shared contributions. Dedicated residences, studios and workspaces were added as resources allowed. The working spaces at Cholamandal were designed to accommodate varied practices while remaining adaptable.
Today, spread across nearly ten acres, the village includes artist homes, studios, galleries, guest accommodation and administrative offices. One of its most distinctive architectural elements is the open-air theatre, Bharathi, named after the Tamil nationalist writer Subramania Bharathi. It serves as a venue for community gatherings and various events of Cholamandal Artists Village.
Things to do at Cholamandal Artists Village
1. Visiting the art gallery – The art gallery at Cholamandal Artists Village offers a deep dive into contemporary Indian art. You can explore the in-house collections as well as ongoing exhibitions held from time to time. It also has a Museum of the Madras Movement, which showcases works by prominent artists from the movement. These galleries present a wide range of styles and ideas, helping you understand the artistic philosophy that influences modern art.
2. Interacting with resident artists – Cholamandal is home to some of the finest contemporary painters and sculptors of the country. You can wander through open studios, witness artisans at work, and interact with them while they experiment with materials. These conversations can often reveal interesting stories behind their techniques and inspirations.
3. Strolling through the sculpture garden – The open-air sculpture garden is a lush green space within the art village. It hosts works from visiting artists, both Indian and international, many of whom came to Cholamandal on cultural exchange programmes. And these sculptures, placed in a natural setting, add a new perspective to the arts.
4. Taking a guided village tour – Cholamandal Artists Village Chennai is a serene haven where creativity echoes in every corner. Local guides walk you through galleries, studios and shared spaces explaining the village’s evolution. They help you understand the artistic ecosystem deeply. Guides often share behind-the-scenes insights and stories that enhance your experience and make the visit more meaningful.
5. Shopping for handcrafted souvenirs – At Cholamandal’s craft shop, you can buy unique, handcrafted souvenirs directly from the artists. These include paintings, sculptures and craft items, along with art books and other handmade products. Each piece reflects the artist’s individual style, making it a truly one-of-a-kind memory.
Cholamandal Artists Village Timings and Entry Fees
This cultural centre is a gallery-plus-residence for artists, and it’s accessible every day of the week. You can explore the galleries throughout the day. The usual open timings of Cholamandal Artists’ Village Chennai are from 9.30 AM to 6.30 PM.
Cholamandal Artists Village entry fee is ₹30 per person for adults. For kids (anyone under 10 years old), it’s ₹10 per person.
Best time to visit Cholamandal Artists Village Chennai
The best time to plan a visit to Cholamandal Artists Village is in winter (November-February). The weather is pleasant and dry during this time, making it easier to explore the outdoor sculptures and studios. Visit during the morning hours so you can interact with some enthusiastic artists early in the day.
Time to explore Cholamandal Artists Village
Allow yourself at least 2 hours to comfortably explore this art complex. This gives you enough time to soak in the art, interact with the artists, and enjoy a relaxed day outdoors. If you have more time, you can even enjoy some live art creations going on in the studios.
How to reach Cholamandal Artists Village Injambakkam?
Cholamandal Artists Village is in the Injambakkam area, 20 km away from the Chennai city centre. It’s 24 km from Chennai Central railway station, 25 km from Koyambedu bus terminal, and 21 km from Chennai airport.
Now, here are the different ways to reach this cultural village –
By bus – Local city buses are available for the Cholamandal Artists Village in Chennai. Injambakkam bus stop is the nearest, around a km away.
By taxi/cab – Getting a taxi or private cab is the best way to visit Cholamandal Artists Village. You can easily hire them from the top car rental companies in Chennai and explore the cultural complex at your convenience.
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