Visiting Victoria Memorial Museum Kolkata India

The Victoria Memorial, Kolkata was creatively designed by architect Sir William Emerson as a tribute to Queen Victoria. He combined Mughal architectural styles to make an Indo-Saracenic structure primarily from Makara marble.

The Victoria Memorial was opened in 1921 as a tourist attraction. Besides the Royal  Gallery with portraits of the British royal family, the Victoria Memorial museum section contains a vast collection of exhibits that display maps, coins, stamps, weapons, and other artifacts related to the era during which Queen Victoria ruled as Empress of India and the later years of the British colonial rule in India.

Every step of the way is a photographer's delight! The first thing that catches the eye as you approach from the north is the dome and the sculpture on top of it. This is the statue of the Angel of Victory. Poised on ball bearings, the 4.9m fairy with a trumpet is considered to be a weather vane, shifting during a strong breeze.  Did you know that it is supposed to arrest lightning too?

Angel of Victory

As you go closer, on your left is the statue of Queen Victoria on her throne. Stand in the right spot and snap the duo of the Empress and the Angel -

Queen Victoria

Coming back to the dome, you can see some beautiful sculptures around it, both on the north and the south side. It seems these represent various values, such as justice, and other aspects like motherly love, learning, etc.

There are statues around the exterior. The most prominent is that of Lord Curzon, Viceroy of British India (1898–1905), located in front of the south facade.

Approaching from that same side, you can't miss the equestrian statue of King Edward VII on top of the Memorial Arch (you can glimpse it in the photo of the gardens).

There was an interesting sculpture in the center of a row of pillars-

And you just cannot miss the magnificent lion-

There are other interesting intricate carvings here and there, such as above a doorway -

And on a large panel on the left side of Queen Victoria's statue -

The writing below it states that this bronze panel is the work of sculptor Goscombe John and was originally at the base of a pedestal for the statue of the Earl of Minto, who was a Viceroy and Governor-General of India. This panel was presented to the Museum Trustees by the Dowager Countess of Minto.

The Gardens

The Victoria Memorial, Kolkata also has a vast landscaped garden that is open to the public. The 57-acre meticulously maintained garden is home to half a dozen water bodies, pretty seasonal flowers, squirrels, and migratory birds. There are demarcated walking pathways and benches to rest.

A view of the Gardens

Information for Visitors

The Victoria Memorial, Kolkata organises a grand Son-et-Lumiere Show (light and sound show) on the premises named Pride and Glory - the Story of Calcutta. This show is currently suspended. 

Victoria Memorial Kolkata Museum Timings: 11a.m. to 5p.m. (The ticket counter closes at 4.30p.m.).

Victoria Memorial Kolkata Garden Timings: 6a.m. to 5p.m. 

Victoria Memorial Kolkata Closed Days:

• All Mondays
• January 26th (Republic Day)
• February 16th
• Holi
• Id - ul - Fitr
• August 15th (Independence Day)
• Gandhiji's Birthday
• Dassehra (Vijaya Dashmi)
• Christmas

Ticket Prices of Victoria Memorial, Kolkata

• Museum: Rs.30/- per head for Indians, Rs.100/- per head for foreigners who are nationals of SAARC countries, and Rs.500/- for nationals of all other countries. School children up to Class 12 in uniform, differently-abled visitors with a U.D.I.D. card and Army personnel in uniform are allowed free entry. 
• Garden: Rs. 20/- per head per entry daily (entry only for garden and not for the museum)

Rules and Regulations

• Photography is not permitted inside the galleries of the Museum, but you can take photos in the Gardens.
• Do not take bags, food, liquids, and pets.
• Smoking and spitting are strictly prohibited.
• Do not carry plastic bags.
• Do not litter.
• Do not throw things in the water bodies.

Facilities and Services

• Facility for the Disabled
• Washrooms 
• An Internet-Cafe
• Audio Guide
• Museum Shop

Contact information

Address of Victoria Memorial Kolkata:

1, Queen's Way,

Kolkata - 700 071

West Bengal

India

Phone Number: +91-33-2223-1890/1891

E-mail: victomem@gmail.com 

Website: http://victoriamemorial-cal.org/home/content/en

A footnote: Early morning walkers throng the Gardens. There is a yearly pass for walking for a fee of Rs.2000/-. For senior citizens above 60 years, the fee is Rs.1000/-. The form is available on the official website. Download it, fill it up and submit it along with two passport-size colour photos at the museum. Senior citizens will have to submit documentary proof of age.