The Red Fort in Delhi has quietly added a new layer to its long and complex history. Known primarily as a symbol of Mughal power and later as the backdrop of India’s Independence Day celebrations, the historic complex has now expanded its cultural offerings with a set of new permanent exhibitions. These galleries bring together aviation history, modern Indian art and martial heritage, creating an experience that moves beyond traditional notions of what a fort museum can be.
Opened to the public recently, the new exhibitions are housed within the Red Fort complex and mark a significant addition to its growing roster of museums. Visitors now have access to two sections drawn from the Air India Maharaja Collection as well as a large and detailed Arms and Armour gallery. Together, they offer a rare combination of visual spectacle, historical narrative and immersive storytelling under one roof.
One of the highlights is the Air India exhibition, curated by the National Gallery of Modern Art. Designed as an immersive audio-visual experience, the gallery traces the story of India’s national airline through images, sound and design rather than dense text panels. As visitors walk through the space, vintage baggage tags flicker across screens, followed by route maps from the late 1950s that capture the optimism of early global travel. The iconic Maharaja mascot, with his red turban, curled moustache and playful expressions, appears repeatedly, dancing across the walls and anchoring the exhibition in a sense of nostalgia.
The display also draws attention to how Air India once presented the idea of India to the world. Advertisements that promoted Indian destinations in cities such as Cairo, Rome, Nairobi, Prague and Tokyo reveal how art, design and aviation combined to shape global perceptions of the country in the decades after Independence. These visuals set the tone for what is now known as the Air India Maharaja Collection, which has found a permanent home at the Red Fort.
Air India’s engagement with art began as early as the 1940s, when the airline started collecting works and displaying them in airports, lounges and offices. Over time, this collection grew into a unique archive that blended modern Indian art with commercial design and branding. The current exhibition reflects that legacy and places it within a broader national context. According to the curators, the aim is to show how aviation was not just about transport but also about cultural diplomacy and self-representation.
Housed in two adjoining British era barracks, the Air India gallery is divided into two thematic sections amendments. One focuses on continuity and renewal, while the other looks at the idea of modernity through flight. Together, they encourage visitors to think about how technology, art and identity evolved together in post-colonial India.
Equally striking is the Arms and Armour gallery, which represents a major expansion of the Red Fort’s Museum offerings. Curated by the National Museum, this exhibition traces the evolution of Indian weaponry across centuries. The range on display is vast, including wooden and steel bows, flintlock guns, animal mounted pistols, daggers, swords and an array of protective gear. Helmets, chainmail and leather armour highlight the craftsmanship that went into both offence and defence.
What makes the gallery particularly engaging is its focus on historical figures. Visitors can see weapons linked to names that are deeply embedded in popular memory, such as Tipu Sultan’s sword, Sangram Singh’s shield and Bahadur Shah Zafar’s bow. These objects help bridge the gap between abstract history and lived experience, reminding viewers that political power and personal bravery were often expressed through arms.
Another section of the gallery displays archaeological objects excavated from the Red Fort complex itself. These finds connect the exhibitions directly to the site, reinforcing the idea that the fort is not just a monument but also a living archive of layered histories.
For many visitors, the combination of themes has proven unexpectedly compelling. One young visitor remarked that the variety on display kept him moving from one gallery to another, while the weapons used by historical leaders left a lasting impression. Such reactions suggest that the new exhibitions have succeeded in making history accessible without oversimplifying it.
With these additions, the Red Fort continues its transformation from a ceremonial landmark into a vibrant cultural hub. By bringing aviation, modern art and martial traditions together, the new galleries offer a fresh way to engage with India’s past and its evolving identity.
