Every nook and corner in Kolkata screams its rich past. From colonial-era buildings, monuments and streets to eateries and religious and educational institutions, the essence of culture and traditions is reflected through all of these locations. Similarly, the museums in Kolkata are also the most celebrated keepsakes for relics and artefacts. Being home to the country’s first museum as a dedicated institution to preserving and exhibiting relics, Kolkata must be on every history buff’s list.
So, if you wish to witness the history well-preserved, here is a list of museums in Kolkata that you must visit. Also, for a comfortable stay on your trip, you can check out Treebo Club’s hotels in Kolkata.
6 Must-Visit Museums in Kolkata to Explore the Rich Heritage of the City
Indian Museum
The first organised museum in India and one of the largest museums in Asia, Indian Museum was established in 1814 by the Asiatic Society of Bengal. The museum has over 35 galleries dedicated to art, geology and archaeological specimens. The walls of the corridors are filled with statues and sculptures from the past. The museum also has a dedicated archaeological section for preserving ancient animal and human specimens.
While exploring the museum, you can book a budget-friendly stay at hotels near Indian Museum Kolkata.
Entry Fee: INR 75 for an adult.
Timing: 10 AM – 5 PM Tuesday to Sunday; closed on Mondays.
Location: 27, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Fire Brigade Head Quarter, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016.
The Asiatic Society Museum
Although most of the artefacts preserved by the Asiatic Society were given to the Indian Museum, the Asiatic Society kept an enriched collection of rare manuscripts, lithographs, maps, books and more artefacts in the museum. For those interested in enquiring about the history, science, art and literature of Asia, it is a must-visit in Kolkata.
The key highlights of the museum include the Edict of Asoka in granite from 250 BCE, a Brahma statue in black basalt stone from 12th CE and a Maitryavyakarana manuscript from 940 CE. Furthermore, hotels near Park Street Kolkata Kolkata are ideal for booking your accommodation if you are looking to stay near the museum.
Entry Fee: INR 20 per person.
Location: 1, Park St, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016.
Timings: 10 AM-6 PM (Monday to Friday); closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Alipore Jail Museum
A testament to the sacrifices of our freedom fighters during the freedom struggle, the Alipore Jail is one of the popular museums in Kolkata. After the shutdown of the jail in February 2019, it was converted into a heritage site and a museum dedicated to the freedom movement in India, focusing majorly on Bengal.
Moreover, to enjoy a sound and light show in the evenings at the museum, you can book your stay at hotels near Zoological Garden Alipore Kolkata for convenient commuting.
Entry Fee: INR 30 per person.
Timings: 12 PM-6 PM (Tuesday to Sunday); closed on Mondays.
Location: 17, Judges Court Rd, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027.
Netaji Bhawan
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was a key figure in the Indian Freedom struggle. His ancestral three-storeyed house converted into a museum is a must-visit place for every traveller to the city. The house was repurposed into a biographical museum in 1961. The relics and photographic or videographic documents at Netaji Bhawan offer an insight into his lifelong political struggle. Every corner of the house has a significance to the major events that occurred in his life starting from his childhood to his elopement to Germany to gather support for the movement. You can also witness his historic Wanderer Car in which he was driven by his nephew during his escape.
If you wish to visit Netaji Bhawan on the occasion of Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti, you can book your stay at hotels in Kolkata near the museum.
Entry Fee: INR 40 per adult and INR 20 for Children.
Timings: 11 AM-6 PM (Tuesday to Sunday); closed on Mondays.
Location: 10, 38/2, lalalajpath rai sarani, 4A, Elgin Rd, Sreepally, Bhowanipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700020.
Marble Palace
To witness the architectural marvel, Marble Palace is one of the must-visit museums in Kolkata. Built by Raja Rajendra Mullick in 1835, this 19th-century neoclassical mansion is believed to have preserved its iconic beauty even after so many years. A part of the mansion is still home to the descendants of the Mullick family and the other half is open to the public to witness his passion for collecting art. The Victorian-era sculptures of Greek gods and goddesses, statues of Napoleon and Wellington and original paintings of Bartolome Esteban Murillo, Peter Paul Rubens and Raja Ravi Varma are major attractions for any art lover here.
To soak in the beauty of the Marble Palace and stay in nearby accommodation, you can easily find Treebo hotels in Kolkata near the Marble Palace offering a comfortable and affordable stay.
Entry Fee: No Fee.
Timings: 10 AM-4 PM; closed on Mondays and Thursdays.
Location: Raja Katra, Machuabazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700007.
Victoria Memorial Hall
Part of the iconic Victoria Memorial built by the British in memory of Queen Victoria, the hall is a key attraction for history enthusiasts. It is one of the most-visited museums in Kolkata which houses a well-curated collection from the British era and Bengal’s glorious art history. The museum also houses paintings of famous artists from the Bengal School of Art including the works of Jamini Roy, Abanindranath Tagore and Gaganendranath Tagore. Also, don’t forget to witness the world’s largest collection of fine watercolours and engravings by Thomas and William Daniell in Durbar Hall.
In case you are participating in one of the exhibitions, talks or cultural programs hosted in the museum, you can book budget-friendly hotels near Victoria Memorial Hall Kolkata which are equipped with modern amenities like parking space, guest laundry, workstations and more.
Entry Fee: INR 20 per person.
Timings: 10 AM-5 PM; closed on Mondays.
Location: 1, Queen’s Way, Kolkata 700 071.
So, next time you visit the city, do not forget to include these museums in Kolkata in your itinerary to take a walk into the rich history of Bengal and India. For your comfortable stay during the trip, book your stay in one of the Treebo hotels in Kolkata located near key landmarks, restaurants, shopping centres and transit stations online through the Treebo Club’s website or app.