Zainul Abedin Art Gallery
Mymensingh
The Zainul Abedin Art Gallery, located in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, is a dedicated museum honoring the works of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin, a pioneer of modern Bangladeshi art. Established in 1975 in the artist's hometown, the gallery houses a significant collection of Abedin's paintings, including 53 oil paintings, replicas, and numerous photographs documenting his life and career. The collection primarily features scenes of rural Bengal, reflecting the artist's deep connection to his roots and the socio-political issues of his time, such as the Bengal famine of 1943. The museum also displays 69 personal mementos, including brushes, palettes, and his spectacles, providing visitors with an intimate glimpse into his creative process. Situated on the bank of the Old Brahmaputra River in Shaheeb Quarter Park, the gallery includes an art school and an artists' cottage on its grounds, fostering ongoing artistic development. The site hosts annual anniversary events featuring discussions and painting competitions that celebrate Abedin's legacy. Renovations and expansions have modernized the facility, including the addition of a main gate, ticket counters, and an open-air stage for performances and student activities.
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Tip: Visitors are encouraged to visit during December to experience the anniversary program featuring discussions on Zainul Abedin's life and painting competitions. It is advisable to check opening hours in advance and consider early ticket purchase if available. The gallery offers an inspiring experience for those interested in Bangladeshi art history and culture. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended to explore the gallery and its grounds fully.
Interesting facts
- •The gallery holds 53 original oil paintings by Zainul Abedin, alongside 16 replicas and 75 photographs of his life and work.
- •In 1982, seventeen paintings were stolen from the museum; only ten were recovered by 1994.
- •The museum grounds include an art school and an artists' cottage, fulfilling Abedin's wish to support art education and residencies.
- •Annual anniversary programs in December feature painting competitions and discussions about Abedin's contributions to art.
History
Zainul Abedin was born in Mymensingh and showed artistic talent early, winning an art competition during his school years.
After studying at Calcutta Government Art School from 1933, he became a leading figure in modern Bangladeshi art.
In the 1950s, he led efforts to collect neglected artworks across Bangladesh.
The museum was established in 1975 in a historic building in Mymensingh to honor his legacy.
Despite a theft in 1982 that resulted in the loss of several paintings, the gallery was renovated and taken over by the Bangladesh National Museum in 1999, which completed modernization works by 2004, including new facilities and preservation equipment.
Place Guide
Main Gallery
Houses the core collection of 53 oil paintings by Zainul Abedin, showcasing themes of rural Bengal and socio-political events such as the Bengal famine.
Mementos Display
Features 69 personal items used by Abedin, including brushes, palettes, spectacles, and other artistic tools, displayed in glass cases to provide insight into his creative process.
Artists' Cottage
A separate three-room building on the museum grounds where artists can stay, fostering artistic development in line with Abedin's vision.
Open-air Stage
Used by students and visitors for performances and events, this facility encourages active engagement with the arts within the museum grounds.
Contact
Phone: 01987-879025
