Indian Museum Kolkata, West Bengal
The Indian Museum is one of the most visited tourist attractions of Kolkata. Its collection depicts the history of India from prehistoric to the Islamic times. The building comprises of sections that are devoted particularly to Geology, Zoology, Industry, Archaeology, Art and Ethnology. The museum also houses the largest collection of coins from India as well as other places from around the world. It was founded in the year 1814, at the building of the Asiatic Society. The museum started welcoming guests from 1875.
The Indian museum has around 60 galleries and covers an area of about ten thousand square feet. The painting gallery is often regarded as the most interesting part of the museum. It displays the first painting on palm leaf manuscript. The collection also comprises of Mughal paintings that include portraits, book illustrations and scenes from Court. It also exhibits various miniature paintings from all over India like the famous Kalighatpatas, the folk art of Bengal and Mughal miniatures amongst others. Other than these, unique art by Abanindranath Tagore and Jamini Ray, among other various other artists is also exhibited. Besides this gallery, there are several specimens and exhibits of Indian and Trans-Indian origin. It boasts a collection of ornaments, weapons; statues and so on from various periods of History. Other notable exhibits include Egyptian mummies and sacred relics of Buddha.
The Indian Museum also publishes books, journals and folders containing paintings. It contains a library having fifty thousand books and journals. One can also view through these in the reading room. The museum also contains shop that sells items like Children’s books, statues and so on.
The Indian Museum is one of the most wonderful places that provide an insight into the world of Indian heritage and history.
Timings
Indian Museum Kolkata open at 10:00 AM to 06:30 PM
Entry Fees
50 INR for Indian Nationals and 500 INR for Foreign Nationals (20 INR per Child)
Photography
100 INR per still Camera Charge and 50 INR per mobile Camera charge
Videography
2000 INR per video Camera charge and 5000 INR video Camera charge with stand
Days Closed
Closed on every Mondays and National Holidays