Words by Mandi Keighran
Amidst the relentless urban pulse of Mumbai, tucked away from the clamour of the streets, lies a lush orangery – an unexpected oasis overflowing with greenery and illuminated by glittering chandeliers. Amongst palms and cascading floral arrangements, design pieces and handcrafted treasures from local artisans are bringing a new creative energy to the rich tapestry of the city’s artistic and cultural narrative.
Mumbai has long been a city where creative traditions and contemporary visions collide. Here, craft is embedded in daily life, and past, present and future exist in constant dialogue. In recent years, a new generation of designers, architects and artisans have reshaped the city’s creative identity, drawing inspiration from India’s artistic heritage while embracing global influences. Against this backdrop, Nilaya Anthology emerges as a new destination for Mumbai’s flourishing design culture – an intriguing blend of gallery, design shop, and gathering space.
Deriving its name from the Sanskrit word Nilaya – meaning ‘home’ or ‘abode’ – the enormous space embraces an ethos of storytelling and discovery, offering a collection of global design narratives curated by celebrated interior designer Pavitra Rajaram. “The best and greatest stories – in fact, almost every craft tradition in the world – are the result of migration,” says Rajaram.
At Nilaya Anthology, this concept is expressed through a thoughtful collection that celebrates Indian design alongside international pieces by some of the world’s most iconic design brands – think ceramics crafted by Tejashree Sagvekar using clay foraged from Mumbai's coastline, to Indian antiques displayed alongside masterful designs by the country’s most celebrated creatives, including Vikram Goyal – who uses traditional Indian metalworking techniques to create imposing art-design works – and fashion star Sabyasachi – who dresses India’s most luxurious brides. Italian art-design powerhouse Nilufar Gallery even hosted a pop-up space for the space’s opening.
At its core, Nilaya Anthology is a love letter to Mumbai’s rich heritage of craftsmanship. “For many individual makers, it's really difficult to have a voice, especially in Mumbai, where even a one-day exhibition is prohibitively expensive,” says Rajaram. Nilaya Anthology's platform elevates these artisans – such as Sagvekar – aligning them alongside international luxury brands and amplifying their impact. In doing so, Nilaya enriches the city’s cultural capital while actively cultivating its community of makers.
In this way, Nilaya Anthology is not only a sanctuary for Mumbai’s creative community, but a destination for visitors seeking an authentic insight into Indian design – past and present – and a stage for the country’s most intriguing artisans and designers.
