Freedom Park

Freedom Park is a public park and events space on Seshadri Road in the Seshadripuram and Gandhi Nagar area of Central Bengaluru, in Karnataka, India. It occupies the site of the former Bengaluru Central Jail, and the old watchtower, cells and prison walls have been kept and adapted as part of the landscape. The park was opened as a place for public gathering and cultural activity and is used for exhibitions, protests, concerts and craft events. Visitors walk through landscaped gardens, past the retained jail blocks, some of which now house small museum spaces, galleries and food stalls, and can see plaques and displays recalling the site's history and people held there during India's freedom movement. The open lawns and amphitheatre-style spaces host weekend art, music and cultural events, and food courts and stalls sell snacks. A typical visit lasts one to two hours, and longer if attending an event. The park is open daily from about 8:00AM to 8:00PM, and entry is free, with individual events or exhibits sometimes charging separately. Weekday mornings are quiet, while weekends and evenings are livelier with families, students and event crowds. The old watchtower and cell blocks are the most distinctive photographic subjects, and the contrast of restored stone and open lawns works well in late afternoon light. The park is a short ride from Majestic and Cubbon Park and is reachable by auto-rickshaw, cab or BMTC bus, with metro stations at Majestic and Cubbon Park within reach. Visitors should check event schedules ahead of time, since large gatherings can close parts of the park or cause traffic on Seshadri Road. Facilities are generally good, with seating areas and public toilets.