Nita Ambani launches The Library at NMACC Mumbai with 4,500+ books and cultural events

A new cultural space in Mumbai

Nita Ambani, Founder-Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, has launched The Library at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai. The space aims to promote reading and cultural engagement, housing over 4,500 books spanning fiction, children’s literature, art, design, history, culture, food, and travel.

The collection includes contributions from publishers worldwide, as well as the complete Amar Chitra Katha series, a staple of Indian children’s literature. The Library is designed to be more than a reading space—it will host live events and cultural experiences over weekends, blending literature with performative arts.

Design and experience

The Library’s interiors were designed by architect Ashiesh Shah, drawing inspiration from traditional university libraries and Milan’s contemporary interior design scene. The space features sculptural books, tabletops shaped like open books, secluded reading alcoves, and a circular coffee bar, creating an immersive environment for visitors.

A dining area is also part of the experience, reinforcing the Library’s role as a multi-functional cultural hub. The design balances aesthetic appeal with functionality, catering to both casual readers and those seeking a curated cultural experience.

A symbolic launch

At the launch event, Nita Ambani wore the Soaring Spirit brooch, a creation by jewellery artist Wallace Chan. The brooch, inspired by the dragonfly, symbolises dreams, freedom, and boundless possibilities—an apt metaphor for the Library’s aspirations to foster creativity and intellectual exploration.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

The launch of The Library at NMACC signals Reliance Foundation’s expanding role in India’s cultural sector. While primarily a philanthropic endeavour, it reflects a growing trend of corporate-backed spaces that blend literature, art, and public engagement. For founders and operators in the cultural, publishing, or experiential design industries, this project highlights the potential for hybrid spaces that go beyond traditional libraries or galleries. It also underscores the importance of high-profile partnerships—such as those with designers and artists—in elevating a venue’s appeal and narrative.

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