Imagine walking into an airport and stepping into an art gallery instead of a check-in queue. That’s exactly what Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru is doing—redefining what it means to travel by blending art, culture, and technology.

In an exciting new collaboration, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates KIA, has partnered with the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP), one of India’s most pioneering cultural institutions. The goal? To transform Terminal 2 (T2) into a living cultural hub that connects travellers with South Asia’s rich creative heritage.

Art Meets Travel at T2

Terminal 2 is already home to a carefully curated collection of over 210 artworks by more than 60 Indian artists. Now, the airport is taking things a step further with a new set of interactive digital installations designed and curated by MAP. These experiences bring together art, storytelling, and engagement in a space not typically known for reflection or creativity.

What Can Travellers Explore?

1. Gallery on Demand
Step into a digital world filled with iconic artworks from Jamini Roy, Jangarh Singh Shyam, Jyoti Bhatt, L.N. Tallur, and more. This platform also showcases MAP’s exceptional film ephemera collection, with curated stories built around vintage Bollywood posters and stills. From tracing tawaif culture to retelling Arabian Nights, these narratives turn idle airport time into cultural exploration.

2. Interactive Puzzles
Make art playful with touch-based digital puzzles inspired by masterworks like Universe by S.H. Raza and The Lotus Sellers by N.S. Bendre. These puzzles are as thought-provoking as they are fun—ideal for kids and adults alike.

3. Digital Lamp Lighting
Inspired by the Indian tradition of lighting a lamp to mark auspicious beginnings, this installation allows passengers to digitally light a ceremonial lamp. By scanning a QR code, they can even personalise the experience with their name—a small but meaningful pause amid the rush.

4. Cumulus: Digital Archive Access
Cumulus is MAP’s interactive digital archive platform that allows users to explore artworks, zoom into details, create collections, and even share them online. It’s designed to turn casual travellers into curious cultural explorers.

5. Virtual Greetings
Send digital greetings—animated and festival-themed—based on original artworks from the MAP collection. A personal touch made instantly accessible.

6. MAP-Inspired Retail Zone
Travellers can also shop from a retail section featuring lifestyle and homeware items inspired by MAP’s collections. These products offer a tangible piece of Indian art to take home.

7. Spotlight Exhibition – Bhuri Bai
At T2’s international terminal, passengers can view a powerful exhibit titled Bhuri Bai: My Life as an Artist. The exhibit traces the remarkable journey of Bhuri Bai, a Padma Shri awardee and tribal artist, celebrating her contribution to India’s indigenous art narrative.

Redefining the Travel Experience

BIAL’s Managing Director & CEO, Hari Marar, summarised the vision perfectly:
“We’re reimagining what it means to travel—not just as a journey from one place to another, but as an experience enriched by culture, creativity, and connection.”

This initiative doesn’t just beautify the airport; it humanises the journey. It offers moments of pause, reflection, and discovery, blending modern infrastructure with timeless cultural storytelling.

Why It Matters

As India’s cities expand and global mobility increases, airports become more than transit points—they become symbols of identity. By embedding art and heritage into its core, Bengaluru Airport sets a new benchmark for public spaces.

In a country as diverse and visually rich as India, this collaboration between MAP and KIA reflects a growing movement to make art more accessible, inclusive, and experiential.

So, next time you fly through Bengaluru, make sure to look up from your boarding pass. You might just find yourself immersed in a painting, a poem, or a piece of history.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/museum-of-art-photography-installations-to-be-exhibited-at-terminal-2-of-kempegowda-international-airport-kia-bengaluru/article69651535.ece