Kashi Art Gallery

Overview

Kashi Art Gallery is one of Fort Kochi's pioneering contemporary art spaces, housed in a charming Portuguese-era building alongside the popular Kashi Art Café. Since its founding in 1997, it has been instrumental in establishing Fort Kochi as a center for contemporary art in India.

Highlights

• Monthly exhibitions: Rotating shows featuring emerging and established contemporary Indian artists working across painting, sculpture, photography, and installation.
• Historical building: The gallery occupies a beautifully restored colonial house with high ceilings, wooden floors, and a garden.
• Art café: The attached café is a beloved institution in Fort Kochi, popular for breakfast and coffee.

History

Founded in 1997 by Dorrie and Anoop Scaria, Kashi was one of the first art galleries in Fort Kochi and helped catalyze the neighborhood's transformation into an art destination. It played a supporting role in the genesis of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale.

Visitor Tips

• Free entry: The gallery is free to visit; purchases support the exhibiting artists.
• Café hours: The café opens earlier than the gallery, making it a good breakfast stop before exploring Fort Kochi.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.