With its rich literary, artistic, and intellectual heritage, it is no wonder Kolkata is often referred to as the cultural capital of India. The city offers you plenty of things to explore, and there is something for everyone. If touristy places is what you're interested in, you can explore Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge, which are some of the most iconic landmarks in Kolkata. If you want an escape from the hustle and bustle of the urban city, visit Rabindra Sarobar, it is a man-made lake surrounded by lush greenery, offering you boating and a tranquil atmosphere. But if you're a culture, history and or aviation enthusiast, or you just want to explore the rich culture and heritage of Kolkata, a visit to museums of Kolkata is a must. They house artifacts, documents, and exhibits that provide insights into the city's diverse past.
Here are top 6 museums in Kolkata which you can't skip
1. Indian Museum Kolkata
Indian Museum Kolkata is one of the biggest in Asia, and the ninth oldest museum in the world. It is a treasure trove of history and culture. As soon as you reach the Indian Museum Kolkata, Entrance Foyer welcomes you with its majestic sculptures. Here, you can explore a number of galleries covering a variety of themes. One of the major attractions of the Indian Museum Kolkata is the Egyptian Mummy exhibited along mummified hands. You can also explore remnants of Bharhut Stupa, a huge collection of ivory objects, unique assemblage of coins. Apart from this you can also have a look at bones and fossils of invertebrates, mammals and insects. You can also check out any special exhibitions or temporary displays that may be happening during your visit to the Indian Museum Kolkata. If you're a research enthusiast, spend some time in the museum's library, which houses a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and documents giving an insight to Indian history and culture. The itinerary to City of Joy is incomplete without visiting the Indian Museum Kolkata.
Where: 27, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Fire Brigade Head Quarter, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016
Timings: 10am to 6pm ( Monday closed)
2.Birla Industrial And Technological Museum, Kolkata
Birla Industrial & Technological Museum in Kolkata, owns the tag to be the first science museum in the country under the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India. Learning becomes fun and interactive as you will be able to explore hands-on exhibits showcasing various aspects of science at the Birla Industrial And Technological Museum, Kolkata. This place offers you a great opportunity to get education as well as recreation at one place.Either you are a student or enjoying holidays with family, it's one of the must visit museums in Kolkata. Get immersed in 3D shows on various topics like technology and nature or you can participate in science workshops where you will be allowed to conduct experiments by yourself. If you love exploring the mysteries of the universe, you must not skip planetarium shows at Birla Industrial And Technological Museum, that'll take you on a journey through cosmos, giving you an unforgettable experience.
Where: 19A, Gurusaday Road Near Ballygunge Ice Skating Rink, 19a, Gurusaday Dutta Rd, Beck Bagan, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 7000
Timings: 9:30 am to 6pm
How much: Rs.60 onwards
3. Aircraft Museum Kolkata
The Aircraft Museum Kolkata is a landmark amongst Kolkata's tourist hotspots. It boasts being India's second Naval Aircraft Museum. If you get thrilled with the high-octane action sequences between fighter jets, you would definitely love this place. Here, you can witness breathingtaking naval aircraft Tupolev Tu-142M, parked on a runway-like structure built solely for showcasing the aircraft in full grandeur. It's a maritime reconnaissance aircraft which was brought in pieces from INS Rajali, Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu, on sixteen trucks. This museum offers an incredible experience of entering a fighter aircraft and watching the interiors first-hand. You will be allowed to board the aircraft and walk right into the cockpit ( flight deck). There is also a park, game arena and kids playing zone for children along with a refreshment counter. At last, you can also take a stroll through the landscaped area. The Aircraft Museum Kolkata is not less than a heaven to aviation enthusiasts.
Where: Newtown Police Station, DJ Block, Action Area I, Newtown, Kolkata, Chakpachuria, West Bengal 700156
Timings: 2:30 to 8 :30 pm (weekdays), 12 to 8:30 pm (weekends), Monday closed
How much: Rs.30 ( free for school students by showing their ID cards)
4. Mother's Wax Museum Kolkata
Step into the world of legends this summer at Mother's Wax Museum. Wax Museum Kolkata is located in Action Area – II of New Town, Kolkata, India on the 5th and 6th floors of the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation building. This museum has been named after Mother Teresa. Here, you can capture movements with life-like wax figures of celebrities, historical figures, and cultural icons. From the king of football Lionel Messi, melody queen Lata Mangeshkar, father of Indian constitution Dr. BR Ambedkar to hip hop legend Michael Jackson. Here, you would definitely find one of your favourite stars. If you are curious enough regarding these wax statutes, have a look for interactive exhibits, letting you know about the creation process of wax figures and even try your hand at sculpting. You can also browse the museum's gift shop for souvenirs or memorabilia to take home, as a reminder of your visit.
Where: HFXC+RVJ, Kadampukur Village, Newtown, New Town, Ghuni, West Bengal 700156
Timing: 12 to 7:30 pm ( Monday closed)
How much: Rs.250
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5.Nehru Museum Kolkata
Opened to the public in 1972, the Nehru Children’s Museum is one of the popular museums in Kolkata. The motive of the museum is to impart education to children through informal learning.The exhibits of the museum distributed across 4 floors pique children’s interest in epics, science, storytelling and mythology. Dolls gallery, Toys gallery, Ramayana & Mahabharata in clay models are the most fascinating archives for the children, not less then a treasure to them. Nehru Museum Kolkata is also home to a huge collection of dolls, from more than 100 countries, and sometimes also known as Doll Museum Kolkata. In addition, the Ganesh gallery displays around 300 Ganesh idols. Here, you can also explore the miniature models depicting the scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, creating an incredible opportunity for children to learn about the heritage epics. Besides this, the Nehru Museum Kolkata also holds many workshops and competitions to promote curiosity and competitiveness among students. One of its kind in the city, a visit to the Nehru Children’s Museum is a must while you are in Kolkata.
Where: Nehru children's museum, 94/1, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Maidan, Kolkata, West Bengal 700020
Timings: 11 am to 7 pm (closed on Monday and Tuesday)
6. Victoria Museum Kolkata
Victoria Museum Kolkata is a magnificent historical monument, offering a glimpse into the colonial past of India. The Victoria Memorial is a large marble monument cum museum, dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria. Here, you can admire its stunning architecture i.e. Indo-Saracenic architecture, blending British and Mughal elements, not less than a treasure to an architecture enthusiast. If you want to explore the history of Kolkata, the British Raj, and the cultural heritage of Bengal, no place would be better than Victoria Museum Kolkata, offering you a number of galleries which would provide you with plenty of information. This museum is home to a rich collection of artifacts from the British colonial period. Here, you must witness spectacular light and sound shows in the evening. If you want a deeper insight into the Victoria Museum Kolkata, you can also join guided tours, providing fascinating anecdotes and trivia about the monument and its surroundings. Must not forget to check if there is any special cultural event at the time of your visit, as they offer you a unique experience. Victoria Museum is one of the must visit places in Kolkata, which you just can't miss.
Where: Victoria Memorial Hall, 1, Queens Way, Maidan, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071
Timings: 10am to 6pm