Ice Cream Parlour + Art Gallery

Posted on 19. May, 2010 by David in Blog, Culture, Food/Drink, Kashmir

Ice cream and art lovers have a new place to check out in Srinagar, Kashmir. Creambell Ice Cream Parlour recently opened featuring a variety of ice cream plus an art gallery in the back section of the restaurant called Mahatta Art Café. This new parlour is located on Residency Road under Mahatta Photo Studio near the General Post Office (letter A on map below).

While the ice cream is good, the thing I was most excited about is the space for the art gallery. Currently the gallery is showing photographs taken by the late Mr. Ram Chand Mehta. Mr. Mehta founded the original Mahatta Studio in Srinagar way back in 1918. The photos on display range from 1934-1965 and are a fascinating look back in time at the Valley of Kashmir.

I had seen a larger exhibition of Mr. Mehta’s photos in Delhi a few years ago when my friend Matt Brandon first made me aware of these classic photos. While not much of a photographer myself, I certainly appreciate the history captured through Mr. Mehta’s lens.

There is a flyer inside the parlour indicating that the art gallery is open to any artist who would want to display her/her works. Hopefully this new space will help local artists display and promote their various works. If you’re in Srinagar, come check it out to enjoy some ice cream and local art.