Godrej Foundation Partners with Ministry of Culture and AUR to Erect ‘Godrej Pavilion’ at Purana Qila for India Biennale 2026

Godrej Foundation, an independent philanthropic trust, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Culture (MoC), Government of India, and architecture firm AUR for the design, construction, and operation of the ‘Godrej Pavilion’ at Purana Qila, New Delhi. The temporary exhibition and cultural installation will serve as a core architectural feature of the upcoming India Biennale 2026. The MoU was signed at the Ministry of Culture in New Delhi in the presence of Lily Pandeya (Joint Secretary, MoC), Shah Faesal (Deputy Secretary, MoC), Omar Momin (CEO, Godrej Foundation), Subhradip Roy (Technical Director, AUR), and Rakesh Swami (Group President – Corporate Affairs, Godrej Industries Group).

India Biennale 2026 and Architectural Vision:
Scheduled to run for 108 days from December 4, 2026, to March 21, 2027, the India Biennale 2026 will transform Delhi’s heritage monuments, museums, galleries, and public spaces into a unified platform for contemporary art, design, and architecture. Curated under the central theme ‘Tat Tvam Asi   You Are That’, the event emphasizes mindfulness, attention, and the interconnectedness between self, art, and community. Designed around the theme ‘Shadows of the Arches’, the Godrej Pavilion draws inspiration from the geometric arches of Mughal architecture found within Purana Qila. Constructing a non-permanent, low-impact structure using red stone dust-painted cement board, the pavilion demonstrates how modern design can stand alongside protected monuments without causing structural or environmental disruption. The pavilion will host exhibitions, talks, and workshops, opening with an inaugural exhibition titled ‘Three Measures of the World’, curated by Sharan Apparao and Sayantan Maitra Boka.

Leadership Perspectives:
Shri Vivek Agarwal, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, highlighted that the Godrej Pavilion thoughtfully demonstrates how contemporary design can engage with India’s architectural legacy while creating a space for public dialogue. Lily Pandeya, Joint Secretary, and Shah Faesal, Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, both emphasized that the installation will serve as a vibrant venue for engagement between artists, practitioners, and the public throughout the 108-day event. Omar Momin, CEO of Godrej Foundation, noted that the pavilion’s outward-facing arches and red sandstone finish carry forward timeless Indian design traditions while embracing modern aesthetics. Additionally, Subhradip Roy, Technical Director of AUR, explained that the structural design offers a minimal yet ornamental tribute to Mughal heritage, while Rakesh Swami, Group President at Godrej Industries Group, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting initiatives of national cultural significance.