Sir Christopher Ondaatje
South Asian Gallery

People walk around a gallery featuring statues of South Asian religious figures.

Status

Temporarily Closed

Location

Level 3,
South Asia

Admission

Included with admission
 Free for Members—Learn More

Where tradition and modernity meet.

The Sir Christopher Ondaatje South Asian Gallery is temporarily closed while we refresh our galleries. Stay tuned for more information soon! 

The history of South Asia spans more than 5,000 years, from an ancient civilization with a sophisticated visual culture and technology, to modern cities that are among the world's leading cosmopolitan centres. Though distinguished by diverse languages, religions and geographies, it's also unified by shared cultures, rituals and visual forms.

ROM's gallery is the only one of its kind in the western world to showcase both historical artifacts and contemporary art in a shared space in a celebration of the dynamic and diverse cultures of South Asia. It also represents the growing Diaspora, including the many South Asian communities living in Canada today.

About the Gallery

What?

350 of the best or most intriguing objects, out of an evolving collection of over 7,000 artifacts, in nine thematically organized areas including Imagining the Buddha, The Goddess, Passage to Enlightenment, Cultural Exchange, Home and the World (presenting modern and contemporary art of South Asia and its Diaspora as it pertains to contemporary issues), and more.

Where?

This gallery reflects the visual cultures of South Asia, a region that includes the countries of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the plateau region of Tibet in the Northeastern Himalayas.

When?

Spans the last 5,000 years: c. 2700 BCE to the present day.

Explore More
Search the ROM's online collections

Gallery Highlights

Sir Christopher Ondaatje South Asian Gallery. The ROM’s gallery is the only one of its kind in the western world to showcase both historical artifacts and contemporary art in a shared space, to celebrate the dynamic and diverse cultures of South Asia.
01
Sir Christopher Ondaatje South Asian Gallery. The largest permanent display case in the ROM showcases fragile South Asian textiles including the Chintz and Palampores collections...
02
Examine concepts of the divine in many artistic forms in the gallery. Virtually every element of South Asian religious imagery carries symbolic meaning. Head of Bodhisattva carved in plaster.
03
This exquisite bronze figure depicts a Yakshi, or nature divinity, who symbolizes fertility. Here, the artistry of the work is almost as important as the subject. Bronzes such as this demonstrate the skill of South Asian metal workers from an early period onwards.
04
Sir Christopher Ondaatje South Asian Gallery, varied styles of South Asia's architecture influenced the history of global design. Photographs and decorative objects reflect the varied styles of South Asia's architecture and show how these forms captured the world's imagination in the 19th century.
05
A contemporary twist on conventional South Asian art. Inspired by village witch-trials, fertility goddesses, and the indigo trade, the brilliant sculpture "Kunti" reflects the contrasting ideas that have shaped South Asian culture.
06