group of Japanese and Indian adults standing outside in front of red sandstone building in Delhi
disclaimer

If you’re feeling a little homesick and longing to connect with fellow citizens, the cultural centres in Delhi are a great place to start. They’re often affiliated with embassies, but you don’t need to be part of the diplomatic community to attend an event.

Many of the cultural centres teach language classes in their mother tongue, and some offer Hindi and English too. A few offer lessons in various arts, cultural activities and sports (like taekwondo at the Korean Cultural Centre). Lots of the centres put on festivals and cultural shows, just check the websites to see what is currently going on.

Cultural Centres in Delhi

New Delhi has over 170 diplomatic missions, and many of these have or are affiliated with centres to promote their language and culture abroad. Some are only open to their own nationals, while others are open to everyone. Here are the main cultural centres in Delhi:

1. Italian Cultural Institute

exterior of the Italian Cultural Centre in Delhi with lots of trees
The Italian Cultural Institute is located on the Italian Embassy compound (image credit the Italian Cultural Institute)

This cultural centre is directly affiliated with the Italian Embassy in Delhi and offers Italian language classes to the public. They also host various events throughout the year, such as film viewings and art exhibitions. There’s a terrific Italian restaurant on site, Diva. To dine at Diva or join events, you must become a member.

2. Alliance Française

This French cultural centre offers many French language and cultural immersion programs, as well as social events. I know several members, and it’s one of the more active international cultural centres in Delhi. Members have access to all events, the library, weekly French film screenings, and the Café Bistro Français, but the centre also occasionally host events for the public.

Another option is Delhi Accueil, a non-profit organization for French nationals and French speakers in Delhi. They have a pretty active social calendar.

3. Goethe Institut (Germany)

Besides offering a multitude of German language classes, and workshops, the Goethe Institut in Delhi has a terrific library and hosts various cultural events like film screenings throughout the year.

4. Japan Foundation

group of Japanese and Indian adults standing outside in front of red sandstone building in Delhi
The Japan Foundation in Delhi organizes cultural and social events for its members

If you are hoping to take Japanese language classes in Delhi, this is the place. The Japan Foundation has language courses for all levels. They also have their own library with a collection of the latest manga in English and Japanese. Everyone can access the library, but only members can borrow books. The foundation also hosts different events throughout India – check their website for the calendar.

5. Instituto Cervantes (Spain)

This is a very active international cultural centre right in the heart of Connaught Place. The institute offers all kinds of Spanish language lessons and exams, and has an excellent library. It regularly hosts events promoting Spanish culture in Delhi with a full calendar of lectures, workshops and film screenings. The public can access the centre without membership, and I have to admit I have used their very clean bathrooms on occasion when out and about in the area.

6. Korean Cultural Centre

3 plates of food in Dalgrak, the restaurant in the Korean Cultural Centre in Delhi
Dalgrak is the best place in Delhi for authentic Korean food (image credit Dalgrak)

This is another very active cultural centre that offers a wide range of classes, workshops and film screenings. You can even take taekwondo here! But what the Korean Cultural Centre is most known for amongst locals is its terrific cafe, Dalgrak. This is the best place to get authentic Korean food in Delhi, and it’s open to the public. I’ve eaten here a couple of times and everything is delicious, plus the location in Lajpat Nagar is convenient near the Moolchand metro station.

7. Polish Institute

The Polish Institute in New Delhi collaborates with local visual and performing arts organizations to promote arts with Polish content in Delhi. They don’t host a lot of events at their location, but the institute is very active and regularly collaborates with other cultural centres to hold events like film screenings at Stein Auditorium or exhibitions at the University of Delhi. There always seems to be something going on.

8. British Council

The British Council in Delhi is primarily an English language class facilitator, offering classes for those learning English as well as for teachers who wish to get their CERTA or IELTS certification. Every Friday they host a cultural event, such as a film screening or book discussion. Everyone is welcome as long as you pre-register online. I’ve been to the onsite cafe a couple of times, the Tin Whistle. It’s a nice break from the craziness of Connaught Place, just outside.

9. Ethiopian Cultural Centre

courtyard of the Ethiopian Cultural Centre in Delhi with red and yellow lamps hanging from trees
The restaurant at the Ethiopian Cultural Centre is one of the most popular international cultural centre restaurants in Delhi

This favourite cultural centre closed during Covid, but is set to re-open late 2024. Before Covid the centre hosted festivals and cultural performances, and operated a very popular Ethiopian restaurant. The re-opening was announced on social media, but with no specifics (like date), so just double check before you head over there. Membership is required to access the restaurant and facilities.

10. Austrian Cultural Forum

The Austrian Cultural Forum doesn’t hold events on site, but promotes events of Austrian culture at venues across Delhi, often in partnership with other international cultural centres. They offer German language courses, have a small library and are responsible for the Mozart children’s choir in India.

11. India Islamic Cultural Centre

Exterior of India Islamic Cultural Centre in Delhi with blue tile work and tile domed roof
The India Islamic Cultural Centre promotes religious learning in Delhi

The Islamic centre is a membership based religious centre for the Islamic community in Delhi. They mainly host lectures and events about Islam. As beautiful as the centre looks, it’s not really welcoming to non-members – I was asked to leave when the guard found me exploring the lovely interior. Too bad, because there’s a Karim’s restaurant on the grounds. It’s very centrally located, next door to Lodhi Garden.

The Wrap-up on Your Guide to the Cultural Centres in Delhi

Delhi is blessed with a very active international community. Attending an event hosted by one of the international cultural centres is a lot of fun and a great way to connect with others in the international community.

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Suzanne Hooker

Suzanne Hooker is the owner and author of Suzanne Wanders Delhi, a blog that helps travellers explore Delhi, India. Suzanne lives in Delhi and is passionate about changing negative misconceptions about the city. When she isn't exploring and writing about Delhi, she is slow travelling through other parts of the world with her dog.

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