Thing to do
Johari Bazaar
The old city's jewellers' street near Hawa Mahal, lined with family-run shops selling gemstones, kundan and thewa jewellery in Jaipur's planned grid of pink shopfronts.
Jawahar Kala Kendra
Charles Correa's arts centre on JLN Marg, built around a nine-square plan inspired by Jaipur's own layout, with galleries, theatres, festivals and a café.
At a glance
- Type
- Arts centre
- Area
- Jhalana Doongri, Jaipur, India
Good to know
- Galleries
- Open-air theatre
- Library
- Café
Why we recommend it
Jawahar Kala Kendra, usually shortened to JKK, is Jaipur's main multi-arts centre. Run by the Government of Rajasthan, it was designed by the architect Charles Correa, one of the leading figures of modern Indian architecture, and completed in 1992, with the centre established the following year. It is a good place to see the living arts of Rajasthan rather than its palaces, and the building itself is a reason to visit.
Correa based the plan on the Navagraha mandala of nine squares, each linked to one of the nine planets of Indian astronomy. The idea echoes the original plan of Jaipur, which Sawai Jai Singh II also laid out on a nine-square grid. One square is shifted out of line to form the entrance, just as one block of the old city was displaced, and the whole complex is wrapped in a tall wall without windows on the facade, like a modern version of the city walls. Each square has its own use: the library, galleries, theatres and museum spaces each occupy a different 'planet', and the central square, dedicated to the sun, is an open-air theatre.
Inside there are several art galleries, an enclosed theatre called Rangayan, the open-air Madhyavati in the central square, a library of around 20,000 books on art, architecture, music and drama, and a crafts village known as Shilpgram. The calendar includes exhibitions, theatre and music, workshops, an annual national folk festival called Lok Rang and a yearly theatre festival. Folk theatre forms such as Khayal and Tamasha are staged here, and children's summer schools run in dance, music, theatre and painting.
JKK suits travellers interested in architecture, contemporary art and performance, and it is a calm break from the crowds of the old city. Check the programme for exhibitions and evening performances before you go, as the experience depends a great deal on what is on. Allow an hour to look around the building and galleries, longer if you stay for a show. There is a branch of the Indian Coffee House on site for a break.
The centre is on Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg, south of the old city and a short drive from Albert Hall Museum. Birla Mandir lies further along the same road, so the two can be visited in one outing.
Jawahar Kala Kendra FAQs
Who designed Jawahar Kala Kendra?
The architect Charles Correa. The building was completed in 1992.
What is the design based on?
A nine-square Navagraha mandala, echoing the nine-square plan of old Jaipur.
What can I see there?
Art exhibitions, theatre and music performances, a library, a crafts village and changing events.
Is there somewhere to eat?
Yes, there is a branch of the Indian Coffee House on site.
What festivals are held at JKK?
Lok Rang, an annual national folk festival, and a yearly theatre festival, among other events.
How long should I spend there?
About an hour to explore, or longer if you attend a performance.
Where is it?
At 2 Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg, opposite Commerce College, south of the old city.
Who runs it?
The Government of Rajasthan.