Top 5 Museums in Kolkata

Kolkata is undoubtedly one of the biggest metropolitans in India. Being the capital of British India, this city has few attractive museums. But It is really hard to choose the best one when you are not from the city. Hench, locals find it difficult to find a good one to spend their holiday. If you are looking for a good variety of museums, no other city in India is as good as this one. We have chosen the top 5 museums in Kolkata to visit.

1. Metcalfe Hall

When we suggest someone about museums in Kolkata, Metcalfe Hall is our first choice. You know why? You must be wondering about the popularity of this museum. But believe us, if you want to get the real essence of Kolkata, You have to visit this place.

Metcalfe Hall is the newest addition of Kolkata’s Museum list which was exclusively represented for the city. Yes, this museum shows you the glory of Kolkata and it’s culture, heritage and many more things. Where other museums stock specialized things, Metcalfe Hall represents this city’s very own museum. It is a must-visit place.

What To See?

• ‘Ami Kolkata’ (I’m Kolkata) exhibition which displays the heritage of Kolkata.
• The British architecture building.

Time

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Except Mondays)

Entry Fee

You don’t need any fee to visit Metcalfe Hall.

Address

12, Strand Rd, B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata, West Bengal 700001.

2. The Indian Museum

The Indian Museum definitely takes a position when it comes to the top five places to visit in Kolkata. Who wouldn’t give this place a visit when it holds the crown of being not only India’s oldest museum but it is also the oldest museum in the Asia-Pacific region.

Formally known as the Imperial Museum, this museum has been witnessing many things since the British Era. The Indian Museum has over 35 galleries and more precious items.

What To See?

• 35 galleries which have been divided to six categories – Archaeology, Anthropology, Art, Geology, Zoology, and Economic Botany.
• A 4000 years old Egyptian Mummy.
• Mughal Paintings.

Time

March – November (10 AM – 5 PM)

December – February (10 AM – 4:30 PM)

Entry Fee

INR 10 (Indians)

INR 150 (Foreigners)

Address

27, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Fire Brigade Head Quarter, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016.

3. Birla Industrial and Technological Museum

Being the first science museum in India, Birla Industrial and Technological Museum is a hidden gem. The property was owned by the Tagore family previously. Later, in the year 1919, Surendranath Tagore sold this building to GD Birla who converted this place to Birla Park. In 1956, the government started reconstructing this building to a science museum.

This museum has some amazing collections, informative for both adults and children.

What To See?

• Mock-up Coal Mine
• Fascinating Physics

Time

10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Entry Fee

General- INR 30
School Groups- INR 20

Address

19A, Gurusaday Dutta Rd, Beck Bagan, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019.

4. Smaranika Tram Museum

Imagining Kolkata without trams is such an impossible thing. For showcasing this beautiful bonding, West Bengal State Corporation decorated an old tramcar to a little museum. Besides Kolkata’s story, Smaranika is representing the history of trams too.

You will find the museum is sweetly decorated with a vintage touch. You can also spend some quality time at the little cafeteria inside the tramcar.

What To See?

• The world history of Tramcars.
• The beautifully decorated cafeteria.

Time

1:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Except Thursdays)

Entry Fee

INR 10

Address

6, Sido Kanhu Dahar, Maidan, Esplanade, Kolkata, West Bengal 700069.

Also read our article 8 Best Restaurants In Kolkata That Serve Authentic Bengali Cuisine.

5. Rabindra Bharati Museum

Jorasanko Thakur Bari (The birthplace of Rabindranath Tagore) is one of the best tourist places in Kolkata. A part of this house also called the Rabindra Bharati Museum which was founded in the early 1960s. If you want to know more about the Bengali culture, this is a must-visit place.

The collection of Rabindra Bharati Museum is also huge with over 2000 books, 700 paintings and more. You can also enjoy Light and Sound in the evening.

What To See?

• Rabindranath Tagore’s wedding invitation card of which was written by the poet himself.
• Rabindranath Tagore’s Humber car.
• Countless numbers of books, paintings and more.
• Light and Sound event.

Time

10:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Except Mondays)

Entry Fee

Indian Adults – 20 INR

Indian Students – 10 INR

SAARC Country Adults – 30 INR

SAARC Country Students – 20 INR

Address

Ganesh Talkies, 267, Rabindra Sarani, Singhi Bagan, Jorasanko, Kolkata, West Bengal 700007.

Read how we are going to travel after the pandemic.