Archive · 16 Dec 2025
Rumale Art House: Bengaluru's Hidden Watercolour Treasure
In a quiet part of Bengaluru, there's a special house full of beautiful watercolour paintings.
This is the Rumale Art House, which has been there since 1973.
The paintings are by an artist named Rumale Chennabasaviah, who was also a freedom fighter.
He painted many scenes of Bengaluru and places he visited, using a unique style inspired by famous artists like Van Gogh.
The art house is managed by Sanjay Kabe, who knew Rumale when he was a child.
The paintings are very special and are taken care of to make sure they last a long time.
You can visit the art house for free, but it's a good idea to call ahead.
The house is open every day except Tuesday.
The Rumale Art House in Bengaluru showcases the largest collection of watercolour paintings by artist and freedom fighter Rumale Chennabasaviah.
Rumale's unique style was influenced by Impressionism and British watercolour artists, with a distinctive technique of mixing colours directly on the painting.
Many of the paintings depict scenes from Bengaluru and the countryside, including areas affected by dam construction and spiritual themes.
The art house is managed by Sanjay Kabe, who knew Rumale from childhood and has preserved the collection since Rumale's demise in 1988.
The art house is open to visitors from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Tuesdays, and admission is free of charge.
- Who
- Rumale Chennabasaviah, a freedom fighter and artist, and Sanjay Kabe, the current manager of the Rumale Art House.
- What
- The Rumale Art House is a collection of Rumale Chennabasaviah's watercolour paintings, showcasing his unique style and spiritual themes.
- When
- The art house has been open since 1973, and Rumale was active in the freedom struggle around 1962.
- Where
- The art house is located on 45th Cross Road in Rajajinagar’s 3rd Block, Bengaluru.
- Why
- The art house preserves and displays Rumale's distinctive watercolour paintings, offering a glimpse into his life, art, and spiritual journey.
- Location
- 45th Cross Road, 3rd Block, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru
- Opening Hours
- 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
- Admission
- Free of charge
- Contact
- Sanjay Kabe at 95356 78111
- Artist
- Rumale Chennabasaviah
- Art Style
- Watercolour, Impressionism, British watercolour school
- Notable Influences
- Turner, Constable, Van Gogh
- Spiritual Mentors
- Tapaswi Maharaj, Shivabalayogi