Indian Museum
12:34:11 pm
Kolkata,West Bengal
28°C / Clouds
This is not a museum, rather it is a place for ideas. Founded in 1814, by the Asiatic Society of Bengal, Indian Museum is the largest and oldest museum in India. Here one can find various historical items like collections of armors, antiques, skeletons, ornaments, fossils, mummies, and whatnot!
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It feels as if the whole place oozes the past glory of our country. For those, who love to know about our country and its various historical aspects, a visit to this museum won’t disappoint at all.
Currently, the Indian Museum in West Bengal has 35 galleries that have been further divided into six different categories - Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Geology, Zoology, and Economic Botany. There is also a library within the museum premises for those who want to have a taste of our fascinating history.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday from 10 am-6:30 pm. And on Saturdays and Sundays, it is open from 10 am-8 pm. For foreign nationals, the price of the entry ticket is Rs.500 and for the locals, it is Rs.50
History of Indian Museum
This museum was established in the 19th century by the Asiatic Society of Bengal (founded in 1784 by Sir William Jones) which is presently located at 1 Park Street, Kolkata. However, in 1875, the museum was shifted to its present geographical location. And due to the first-mover advantage, this museum became the earliest as well as the largest multi-purpose museum of not just India but in the entire Asia-Pacific region. And since its establishment, it was as if there was a whole movement that started in India with great momentum of setting up museums. And currently, according to data, there are about 400 museums in our country.
Major Attractions Near Indian Museum
Discover the soul of Indian Museum through these iconic landmarks
Marble Palace
A beautifully preserved 19th-century mansion featuring stunning marble interiors, European sculptures, chandeliers, and priceless artworks.
St. Paul's Cathedral
Built in Gothic Revival style, St. Paul's Cathedral is among India's finest churches and is admired for its elegant stained-glass windows and peaceful surroundings.
Victoria Memorial
One of Kolkata's most iconic landmarks, the Victoria Memorial is a magnificent white marble monument showcasing British-era architecture, historical galleries, and beautifully landscaped gardens.
How to Reach Indian Museum
To reach Indian Museum, you'll need to cover significant distances from major cities. Here are the most convenient ways to travel to Indian Museum.
By Air
The Indian Museum is located in the heart of Kolkata and is well connected through Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, the primary aviation hub of Eastern India. The airport receives frequent domestic flights from Delhi and major Indian cities, along with several international connections. From the airport, visitors can easily reach the museum via taxis, app-based cabs, airport buses, or the Kolkata Metro. Book your Delhi to Kolkata Flights
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport to Indian Museum: Approximately 17 km Travel Time: 40–60 minutes
Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport (Durgapur) to Indian Museum: Approximately 175 km Travel Time: 3.5–4 hours
Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport (Agartala) to Indian Museum: Approximately 520 km
By Train
Kolkata is one of India's largest railway hubs, offering excellent connectivity from every region of the country. The Indian Museum is centrally located and can be conveniently reached from multiple major railway stations using taxis, metro services, buses, or auto-rickshaws.
Sealdah Railway Station to Indian Museum: Approximately 4 km Travel Time: 15–20 minutes
Howrah Junction to Indian Museum: Approximately 6 km Travel Time: 20–30 minutes
Kolkata Railway Station (Chitpur) to Indian Museum: Approximately 8 km Travel Time: 25–30 minutes
By Road
The Indian Museum enjoys excellent road connectivity through Kolkata's extensive urban road network and national highways. Visitors can reach the museum comfortably by private vehicles, taxis, interstate buses, or rental cars.
National Highway 16 (NH-16) Route: Kharagpur → Uluberia → Howrah → Kolkata (Indian Museum) Distance: Approximately 135 km Travel Time: Around 3 hours
National Highway 19 (NH-19) Route: Durgapur → Bardhaman → Dankuni → Kolkata Distance: Approximately 170 km Travel Time: Around 3.5–4 hours
National Highway 12 (NH-12) Route: Krishnanagar → Barasat → Kolkata Distance: Approximately 100 km Travel Time: Around 2.5–3 hours
Affordable Hotels
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