Jantar Mantar (File Photo)
The first India Art, Architecture and Design Biennale was held at Red Fort in 2023 but its scale was limited. India Biennale 2026 is being called the second edition, but has been conceptualised by the culture ministry as a first of its kind in terms of scale and the ambition to bring together the best of art, architecture and design from across India and over 20 other countries.
Sources said that the decision to use Jantar Mantar as a venue was taken after the area surrounding it was notified as a “no protest” zone in the wake of protests for the removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
For over three decades, the astronomical observatory was the designated protest site, but its proximity to Parliament and important govt offices had long been cited as a concern. India Biennale may be among the first major events to be hosted at the venue, which is in the heart of the city with metro stations close by.