Behind each and every private museums, there is a unique blend of artistic passion and financial power. This helps their owners to curate exceptional exhibits and maintain world-class facilities. Behind these institutions are individuals who not only appreciate art but also understand its long-term value—both cultural and financial. While some see their museums as a legacy to preserve and share with the public, others view them as valuable assets that grow over time.
Billionaires Who Own Museums
When Ajay Piramal, Chairman of the Piramal Group, launched the Piramal Museum of Art in 2015, it was seen as a strategic move to enhance his asset base. In contrast, Kiran Nadar, wife of India’s fourth-richest individual, Shiv Nadar, has remained steadfast in her mission to democratize Indian art, making it more accessible to the public.
Abhishek Poddar, the founder of the Museum of Art and Photography (MAP), took a deeply personal approach—donating over 7,000 pieces from his private collection to the cultural center. His contributions span everything from poster art and textiles to tribal, folk, contemporary, and photographic masterpieces.
As India’s art landscape continues to evolve, these visionaries are shaping its future. Here’s a look at the wealthiest patrons driving this transformation.
Kiran Nadar
Museum: Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, Delhi
Kiran Nadar has been a pivotal figure in shaping India’s contemporary art scene. Married to Shiv Nadar, the founder of HCL Technologies, she is not just a passionate art collector but also a philanthropist with a deep commitment to promoting the arts. Her journey into the world of art began after a successful career in advertising and business.
In 2010, Kiran founded the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) in Delhi, which has since become a significant cultural hub. Her vision for art in India continues to grow, with plans for another private museum set to open by 2027. While Kiran’s personal wealth remains private, her family’s fortune is substantial—her husband, Shiv Nadar, is worth $37.2 billion, and their daughter, Roshni Nadar Malhotra, chairs HCL Technologies with a net worth of Rs 84,330 crore.
Mewar Royal Family
Museum: City Palace Museum, Udaipur
This stunning museum is run by Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF), which was established by the late Maharana Bhagwat Singh, the titular ruler of the former Indian princely state of Mewar from 1955 to 1971. His son, Arvind Singh Mewar, is the current chairman and managing trustee of the trust. For decades, the Mewar Royal Family has played a key role in preserving and showcasing Rajasthan’s rich history and culture.
The family’s most prized possession is their private museum, nestled within the majestic City Palace. This stunning collection showcases a rich array of royal artifacts and memorabilia, including exquisite paintings, armor, textiles, gems, and much more. Each piece offers a fascinating glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Mewar dynasty, preserving centuries of history and tradition in one magnificent space.
Ajay Piramal
Museum: Piramal Museum of Art, Mumbai
Ajay Piramal, the Chairman of Piramal Group and father-in-law of Isha Ambani, has an impressive net worth of $3.3 billion (Rs 28,562 crore). The Piramal Museum of Art was launched by billionaire Ajay Piramal in 2015, following a suggestion from his business advisor, Nitin Nohria, who was the dean of Harvard Business School at the time. Nohria believed that the museum could not only enhance Piramal’s asset base but also allow him to share his passion for art with the wider community, according to reports by Fortune India. Situated in the Piramal Tower in Mumbai’s Lower Parel, the museum features a diverse collection of Indian art spanning from the 18th century to the present. Its impressive collection includes iconic works by award-winning photographer Raghu Rai, as well as timeless masterpieces by renowned artists such as FN Souza and MF Husain.
The Birla Family
Museum: Birla Academy of Art and Culture, Kolkata
The Birla Academy of Art and Culture stands as one of the most prominent cultural hubs in India. Established in 1967 by the late industrialist Basant Kumar Birla and his wife, Sarala Birla, the academy was founded with the mission to promote Indian art, culture, and heritage, while deepening the appreciation for the country’s rich artistic traditions.
The academy houses an extensive array of art forms, including traditional Indian paintings, sculptures, and crafts. It also serves as a key platform for renowned global artists to exhibit their works through various cultural programs and exhibitions. The Birla Academy is home to some of the most significant collections of modern and contemporary Indian art. Currently, it is led by Basant Kumar Birla’s daughter, Jayashree Mohta, who serves as the chairperson. Mohta also holds leadership roles as the Chairman and Managing Director of Jay Shree Tea & Industries Ltd and as a Director at the BK Birla Foundation.
Abhishek Poddar
Museum: Museum of Map and Photography (MAP), Bangalore
Abhishek Poddar, the visionary behind the Museum of Art and Photography (MAP), has transformed the art landscape with a digital-first approach. His focus is on engaging younger audiences, particularly given that a significant portion of India’s population is under 25 years old.
Born in Kolkata, Poddar initially carved out a career in business before fully immersing himself in the world of art. Over the years, he built an exceptional collection of South Asian art, crafts, and antiques. In 2018, he donated many of these pieces to MAP, furthering his commitment to making art more accessible. His philanthropic efforts were recognized by Forbes, which named him one of Asia’s Heroes of Philanthropy that same year. Today, MAP continues to reshape the way art is experienced and appreciated in India.
