The Venkatappa Art Gallery in Cubbon Park is dedicated to K. Venkatappa, who served as court artist to the Mysore maharajas in the early 20th century. The collection includes his paintings — detailed portraits, landscape studies, and mythological subjects — as well as his remarkable carved plaster works and wood sculptures. Venkatappa was technically accomplished and prolific, and the gallery gives a good sense of the artistic culture maintained by the Mysore court in the colonial period.
The gallery is attached to the Government Museum complex and is quiet even when the park outside is busy. It is a good place to spend an hour if you have any interest in Indian classical painting; if you don't, the building itself is handsome and the surrounding garden is pleasant. Combined with the Government Museum next door, it makes for a satisfying couple of hours.