If you’re crossing the Atal Setu into or out of South Mumbai, you’re minutes away from some of India’s finest art galleries. The Wadala side of the bridge puts you within easy reach of Artequest Art Gallery’s collection of Indian masters, and a short drive further into South Mumbai opens up the Kala Ghoda and Colaba art district, home to Jehangir Art Gallery, Chemould Prescott Road, and half a dozen other must-see spaces.

Why Atal Setu is changing how Mumbai sees its art scene

The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, now known as Atal Setu, has cut travel time between Navi Mumbai and South Mumbai dramatically. For art collectors and casual visitors alike, that means the galleries clustered around Wadala and further into Fort, Kala Ghoda, and Colaba are now a much shorter trip than they used to be. This guide covers the ones worth planning a day around.

1. Artequest Art Gallery, Wadala

Artequest is the closest serious gallery to the South Mumbai end of Atal Setu, located in Wadala near the RTO office. Established in 2010, it deals exclusively in authenticated paintings and sculptures, with a collection that includes works by S.H. Raza, Laxma Goud, Thota Vaikuntam, Suhas Roy, and Anjolie Ela Menon. Every piece sold comes with a signed certificate of authenticity and a hologram system that verifies provenance, which matters if you’re buying rather than just browsing.

2. Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda

A short drive from Wadala into Fort, Jehangir Art Gallery has been a fixture of South Bombay’s art scene since 1952. The two-floor space hosts a rotating calendar of contemporary exhibitions and gets busy on weekends, so weekday mornings are the quieter time to visit.

3. Chemould Prescott Road, Kala Ghoda

One of the galleries that shaped Mumbai’s modern art narrative, Chemould Prescott Road focuses on boundary-pushing contemporary work. It sits within walking distance of Jehangir, making the two an easy pairing for a single visit.

4. Chatterjee and Lal, Colaba

Founded in 2003 by Mortimer Chatterjee and Tara Lal, this Colaba gallery has built a reputation for spotlighting emerging and mid-career Indian artists rather than only established names, making it a good stop if you want to see where the market is heading next.

5. Project 88, Colaba

Housed in a converted commercial space with around 4,000 square feet to work with, Project 88 shows unconventional and multimedia work, including pieces by contemporary artist Bharti Kher. It’s one of the more experimental stops on this route.

Quick reference: galleries by area and specialty

Frequently asked questions

How far is Artequest Art Gallery from Atal Setu?

Artequest is in Wadala, close to the South Mumbai approach of Atal Setu, making it one of the first galleries you reach coming off the bridge.

Do I need to book in advance to visit these galleries?

Most Mumbai galleries, including Artequest and the Kala Ghoda spaces, welcome walk-ins during posted hours. It’s worth calling ahead if you want a specific exhibition or a private viewing of a collection.

Which gallery is best for buying an original Indian painting?

Artequest specializes in authenticated works by Indian masters with certificates of provenance, making it a solid choice if you’re collecting rather than just viewing.

Is entry free at Mumbai’s art galleries?

Most commercial galleries in Kala Ghoda and Colaba, including Jehangir, Chemould Prescott Road, Chatterjee and Lal, and Project 88, do not charge entry.

Can I cover multiple galleries in one day?

Yes. Jehangir and Chemould Prescott Road are walking distance apart in Kala Ghoda, and Chatterjee and Lal and Project 88 are a short drive away in Colaba, so a single day trip from Wadala can realistically cover all five.