An arts and cultural centre of Jaipur, Jawahar Kala Kendra (JKK) has been created with the purpose of preserving traditional arts of Rajasthan. This centre is unique in the sense that it has eight unique blocks that house various museums. An amphi theatre, arts display room and an art studio are the other unique innovations in Jawahar Kala Kendra.

Jawahar Kala Kendra is host to numerous literary activities throughout the year as the Kendra holds its own theatre festival every year.

Design Aspect

Noted architect, Charles Correa prepared the plan of Jawahar Kala Kendra in 1986 and it took five years for Jawahar Kala Kendra to come in its present shape. A unique aspect of Jawahar Kala Kendra is that the city plan of Jaipur city has been followed in letter and spirit in Jawahar Kala Kendra. The Kendra consists of nine squares and the central square has been left open.

Divisions ofJawahar Kala Kendra

Theatre

Theatre is a reflection of society and refines and reforms the society.Jawahar Kala Kendra has been able to live up to its expectations and provides an ideal platform for scholars, students and artists to blend their creativity and learn in turn from each other.

Madhyavarti

This is an open air theatre that has been designed creatively to reflect the look of a traditional step well that are common in rural locations of Rajasthan.

Rangayan

All modern plays are screened in this regular closed theatre which has been appropriately named Rangayan.

Krishnayan

All intimate performances are done in Krishnayan making Jawahar Kala Kendra unique in the sense that this is the only theatre in the region which has dedicated theatres for distinct kind of performances.

Kala Galleries, Museum and Shilpgram

Jawahar Kala Kendra is a multidisciplinary arts centre in the sense that it has numerous Kala galleries where art exhibitions are held throughout the year.  The Kendra galleries including Sudarshan, Sukriti, Surekh, Chaturdik and Parijat I and II live upto their expectations and host numerous workshops and camps of artists throughout the year.

Alankar Museum is another attraction at Jawahar Kala Kendra that cannot be missed. The museum is home to carved wooden doors, furniture items, pots and terracotta artefacts that offer a glimpse into traditional art and architecture of Rajasthan.

Another unique addition to Jawahar Kala Kendra is Shilpgram. All fairs, haat bazaars and festivals get organized in Shilpgram making it a unique gathering point for all those who admire the traditional decor of the region.

The true elegance of Rajasthan is amply displayed in Shilpgram as it has huts representing distinct aspects of Rajasthani life. Get a glimpse into cultural elegance of distinct regions of Rajasthan as different depictions of the same have been made in form of huts which offer a true collage of rich cultural ethics of Rajasthan.

Music and Dance

The classical and folk music of Rajasthan has attracted worldwide attention. Jaipur Kathak gharana and dancers from Sujangarh have created a niche for themselves as have drupad and khayal singing of Jaipur and Udaipur region of Rajasthan.

Preserving the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan is another endeavour of Jawahar Kala Kendra and the same has been able to live upto its expectations. Solo and group performances, camps for children and workshops and lectures too are organized at times in Jawahar Kala Kendra thus making it a true collage of cultural richness of Rajasthan.

Documentations and Publications

Realizing its relevance in maintaining the cultural balance in the region, Jawahar Kala Kendra has given due consideration to documentation. The Kendra maintains an audio- visual library, brings out numerous publications and also has a library for all those who wish to enrich themselves with art and architecture of Rajasthan.

Audio Visual Library

Documentation through audio visual mode has been maintained at Jawahar Kala Kendra. Pandoon ka Kada or the Mewati Mahabharata and Jaangada style of singing are some of the recent audio visual documentations that have been done by Jawahar Kala Kendra.

Publications

Cultural survey reports of Rajasthan have been published by Jawahar Kala Kendra. The collection has been published district wise and includes data on monuments, artists and fairs and festivals throughout the state. The Kendra has been instrumental in offering financial and literary help to authors for publishing. Over 120 books have so far been published by Jawahar Kala Kendra.

Library

Jawahar Kala Kendra also maintains a well stocked library that has over ten thousand volumes and subscribes to various art journals. The library offers unique opportunity to those who wish to get a glimpse into traditional richness of Rajasthan, be it in form of art and architecture, literature or music.

Jawahar Kala Kendra has emerged as a unique assemblage of cultural heritage of Rajasthan and offers a glimpse into traditional richness of this desert state which has inspired poets and artists from world over.

Timings and Entry Fees

Jawahar Kala Kendra is open throughout the week from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. No entry fees is charged at Jawahar Kala Kendra and the Kendra can be ideally visited within 2 hours.