Heritage Meets Hospitality: Air India Art Finds A Home At NGMA

Delhi’s historic Red Fort has added a new cultural dimension with the unveiling of NGMA galleries showcasing Air India’s iconic Maharaja Collection. The inauguration took place on December 5, 2025, during a UNESCO meeting on safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, and the galleries were opened to the public later that month.  

The Maharaja Collection, curated by NGMA, spans over 80 years and includes advertising posters, sculptures, paintings, and memorabilia that reflect Air India’s unique identity and contribution to India’s cultural narrative. The airline’s creative campaigns, particularly the beloved Maharaja mascot, became symbols of Indian hospitality and aviation excellence, now preserved within the Red Fort’s museum ecosystem.  

The new galleries join other permanent exhibitions at the Red Fort, including arms and armour, Mughal heritage, and modern Indian art. Together, they offer visitors a rare blend of aviation history, martial heritage, and contemporary creativity under one roof, reinforcing the fort’s role as a hub of cultural engagement.  

Key Highlights  

• Two NGMA galleries inaugurated at Red Fort for Air India’s Maharaja Collection  
• Collection spans nearly eight decades of aviation-inspired art and memorabilia  
• Inauguration coincided with UNESCO’s meeting on intangible cultural heritage  
• Exhibition includes posters, paintings, sculptures, and advertising campaigns featuring the Maharaja mascot  
• Red Fort’s museum ecosystem expands with aviation, martial, and modern art exhibitions  

Future Outlook  
The addition of Air India’s art collection to the Red Fort is expected to attract both domestic and international visitors, offering a unique blend of aviation history and cultural heritage. It underscores India’s commitment to preserving corporate art legacies and integrating them into the nation’s broader cultural narrative.  

Sources: The Hindu, India TV News, Business Standard