Kolkata Museum of Modern Art | Herzog and de Meuron's first India project

Construction has started on KMOMA, the new Kolkata Museum of Modern Art, which will be the Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron's first project in India, creating a new cultural centre which will further establish Kolkata as a city of the arts. KMOMA seeks to highlight the important role that museums play in society, supporting creatives, students and scholars.

The new Kolkata Museum of Modern Art will represent Kolkata’s cultural renown by establishing itself as an ‘Art City’, bringing modern and contemporary, national and international art together with performing arts, music, cinema, photography, literature, fine art and sculpture. KMOMA will expand the multiple functions that support a traditional contemporary museum to provide a platform for artists, scholars, students and visitors alike to have an enhanced experience of the critical role art and museums play in the community.

The 50,000 square metre project is divided, with the first zone containing gallery space, educational amenities and a theatre, and the second forming a ‘culture-city’ offering dining and event facilities, artist studio and residences and various retail outlets. The museum will house both Indian and international pieces of art, dating from the late 18th century to the present day.

The proposal to have a world-class museum named the Kolkata Museum of Modern Art (KMOMA) was first discussed at a high-profile meeting in the city in 2006. A scheduled opening date is not yet announced.

Read more about KMOMA in designboom