Credited for its rich architecture and cultural diversity, Mumbai is where many Indians from all walks of life aspire to live to experience its authentic way of life. Mumbai International Airport’s Terminal 2 or T2 as we call it, mirrors the hustle and bustle of Mumbai city and sees millions of passengers traverse through it everyday.
Amidst the chaos of one of India's busiest airports is India's largest Public Art Programme. Commissioned by Rajeev Sethi, designer, scenographer and art curator, T2 with its massive structures, seemingly endless corridors, and huge space was a perfect venue for art installations and thus, has been transformed into one of the world's finest art museums .
This museum, called the Jaye He (Glory To Thee) Museum serves as a gateway to India's local culture. As a matter of fact, the art works are sourced from all states and union territories of India and is the largest art museum built in any airport in the world to rival even the Paris and Amsterdam airport Art Museums . The endeavour of over 1000 artists, 5000 exhibits, and nearly 5600 artefacts together make up the Jaya He Museum, a captivating sight for travellers.
The artwork depicted on the airport walls includes commissioned art from noted artists like Gulammohammed Sheikh, Vivan Sundaram and G.R. Iranna.
These pieces, besides adding a sense of beauty and aesthetic, also furnish travellers with a taste of what lies outside the arrivals' doors.
The Museum is divided into 2 phases - Phase 1 is the interpretation of how various artists see Mumbai and is called ‘Layered Narratives’. It gives a glimpse into an artist's rendering of Urban India and Mumbai in particular. Phase 2 is a 3.2 km Art wall that is split into six themes, all intricately weaving various pieces of India.
The Jaya He museum is a brilliant example of how unhurried art can be juxtaposed against the busy atmosphere of the airport, an excellent study in contrast. It also encourages other airports to follow suit and makes an effort to bring India's heritage and contemporary art out there for the world to see and admire.
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