See photographs and paintings charting Kolkata’s history at this marble palace dedicated to England’s Queen Victoria, the former Empress of India.
The large, domed Victoria Memorial is one of Kolkata’s most recognizable landmarks. Created as a tribute to Queen Victoria, this building is a museum that charts the evolution and history of the city. Choose from 25 galleries showcasing art, photographs, sculptures, weapons, rare books and more.
This grand building was proposed to honour Queen Victoria’s memory, following her death in 1901. The magnificent structure took 15 years to complete and stands at 184 feet (56 metres) tall. Note the building’s hybrid architectural design, which features bulbous Mughal domes alongside Italian-style statues.
Head to the Royal Gallery to view paintings that illustrate events from Victoria’s life. They include depictions of her coronation and her marriage to Prince Albert. In the centre of the room, see the pianoforte she played on as a child and her writing desk from Windsor Castle.
Study photographs, paintings and documents in the Calcutta Gallery. They trace Kolkata’s history, from its late 17th-century origins up to 1911. See swords, daggers, a cannon and gunpowder flask in the Arms and Armours Gallery.
The Victoria Memorial is set in 64 acres (26 hectares) of gardens. Tour the manicured lawns and sit by the lake. Have your photograph taken near the large bronze statue of Victoria on her throne. See the garden’s sculptures of other dignitaries, including Lord Ripon, a former Governor-General of India and Sir Rajendranath Mookerjee, a pioneering industrialist.
The Victoria Memorial is open every day except Mondays and public holidays. Separate entry fees apply for the museum and the gardens.Located in the heart of Kolkata, the museum is easily reached by public transport. Car parking is banned around the memorial, but you can park for free on the streets around Maidan, the urban park close to the museum.
Coincide your visit with the museum’s light and sound show, Pride and Glory – the Story of Calcutta. Performances are held in the early evenings on every day except Monday between October and June. Fees apply.
