Annexe Court (Annexe Building)

The Annexe Court is an open-air courtyard located within the Annexe Building of the India International Centre. It is best enjoyed during Delhi's cooler months, roughly October through February, when outdoor events are comfortable for guests. For events in warmer or monsoon months, it is advisable to confirm weather contingency arrangements directly with the IIC events team.

Exact capacity figures for the Annexe Court depend on the event format — seated dinners, standing receptions, and hybrid setups each accommodate different numbers of guests. Prospective organisers should contact the IIC events office directly for layout-specific capacity details and to discuss which configuration best fits their event.

Delhi's cooler months — broadly October through February — are widely considered the most comfortable period for outdoor events, and the Annexe Court is especially well suited to gatherings during this season. Summers in Delhi are very hot and the monsoon months bring rain, so events during those periods may require additional planning. The IIC events team can advise on seasonal considerations at the time of enquiry.

The India International Centre has its own in-house catering operation that serves its dining facilities and event spaces. Whether in-house catering is mandatory for Annexe Court bookings or whether external caterers are permitted should be confirmed with the IIC events team, as policies may vary by event type and membership status.

Lodhi Estate is one of Delhi's greenest and most storied neighbourhoods, adjacent to the historic Lodhi Garden — a Mughal-era park that lends the entire area a calm, leafy character distinct from the city's busier districts. Events at the Annexe Court benefit from this environment, giving guests a sense of arrival at a location that feels curated and unhurried. The combination of the IIC's architectural setting and the surrounding greenery creates an atmosphere that is difficult to replicate at conventional event venues.

The IIC is located in Lodhi Estate, and guests can reach it via the Violet Line of the Delhi Metro, with JLN Stadium being among the nearby stations. The Centre's address off Max Mueller Marg is well known to cab and auto-rickshaw drivers across the city. Organisers planning events at the Annexe Court should share the IIC's address clearly with guests and may wish to confirm the most convenient metro stop with the venue team.

Parking is available within the IIC complex for guests attending events. Given that Lodhi Estate is a residential and institutional neighbourhood with limited street parking, guests arriving by private vehicle are advised to use the on-site parking facilities. The IIC events team can provide details on parking capacity and any arrangements needed for larger gatherings.

The India International Centre has a membership system, and certain facilities and booking privileges are reserved for or prioritised for members. Whether non-members can independently book the Annexe Court, or whether a member must sponsor the event, should be clarified directly with the IIC administration. It is advisable to raise this question early in the enquiry process.

Given the IIC's identity as a premier cultural and intellectual institution, the Annexe Court tends to attract bookings from embassies and high commissions, arts foundations, publishing houses, think tanks, alumni associations, and academic organisations. Corporate teams seeking a venue with a non-commercial, prestigious character also choose the space for networking evenings and stakeholder receptions. The Annexe Court's setting naturally suits events where the quality of discourse and the audience profile matter to the host.

As an open-air courtyard, AV and technical setups at the Annexe Court may differ from those available in the IIC's indoor halls. The availability of sound systems, lighting rigs, projection equipment, and power connections for outdoor use should be confirmed with the IIC events team at the time of booking. The Centre's experienced event staff can advise on what can be arranged in-house and what may need to be sourced externally.

Décor options for the Annexe Court, including floral arrangements, table settings, and ambient lighting, should be discussed with the IIC events team during the planning process. The IIC has institutional preferences and aesthetic standards consistent with its character, so it is worth understanding any décor guidelines before finalising a theme or engaging external vendors. The team can confirm which elements can be brought in externally and what is provided in-house.

The India International Centre sits directly adjacent to Lodhi Garden, one of Delhi's most visited heritage parks, and this proximity is one of the location's genuine draws for event guests. Organisers are welcome to highlight the neighbourhood's character and the IIC's address when communicating with invitees. The garden itself is a public space and is not part of the IIC's bookable facilities.

Enquiries about the Annexe Court can be directed to the India International Centre's events or administration office via the contact details available on the official IIC website at iicdelhi.in. Prospective organisers should be ready to share their preferred date, estimated guest count, event type, and any specific requirements so the team can provide an accurate proposal. Early enquiry is recommended, particularly for bookings during the October-to-February peak season.

The India International Centre was established in 1962 with a mission rooted in fostering dialogue across culture, knowledge, and public life, and that ethos shapes the character of events held across its venues. While the Annexe Court can host a range of social and professional gatherings, event organisers should be aware that the IIC's institutional norms may inform what is considered appropriate for the space. It is advisable to discuss the nature of the planned event with the IIC team during the initial enquiry to ensure alignment.