A mind-boggling antiquity built in the heart of Kolkata, Victoria Memorial Kolkata epitomizes the then Colonial era in India that no other material heritage in the nation can do. In particular, it was made in the memory of Queen Victoria and her twenty-five years of reign during British rule.
Take a close look at this architecture and you will realize that it identically looks like the Victoria Memorial in London. So, if you are visiting the city of joy for the first time, then a stopover by this opulent museum cum monument must be on your wish list.
Read on to learn more.
History
After Queen Victoria died in January 1901, it was Lord Curzon, a former Viceroy of India who took the initiative to build this spellbinding historical building in the empress’s honor. In addition, Curzon also suggested a museum be built inside this grandiose edifice so that visitors get a clear notion of the bygone times properly.
Subsequently, it was in January, 1906 when Prince of Wales laid the foundation of Victoria Memorial, who later on went to become King George V. From that time, it almost took fifteen years for the entire building to be made and it finally got ready for public visits in 1921.
In due course, as India achieved independence, the heritage has been revamped quite a few times, hence displaying the avatar that we see now. Interestingly, it is also believed that a fund of Rs.5,00,000 was set up to accomplish the construction of this jaw-dropping monument, a contribution made by a hell lot of dignitaries and bigwigs of India, who whole-heartedly partook in this grand venture.
Opening Time
Every day, the Victoria Memorial opens at 10:00 am in the morning and closes at 5:00 pm in the evening. Coming to the garden timing, visitors will get to see the lush green lawn across which this iconic edifice nestles from 5:30 am in the morning till 6:15 pm in the evening.
Apart from that, there is again a light and sound show named ”Pride and Glory-The Story of Calcutta”, that commences from 6.15 pm in the evening and continues for the next 45 minutes i.e. up to 7 pm between October to February.
However, when it comes to the English version of this show, it generally takes place within a time-frame of 7.15 pm-8 pm, so you need to book your slot accordingly.
Subsequently, the timings for both the Bengali and English shows alter a bit during the March to June phase, occurring between 6.45 pm to 7.30 pm and 7.45 pm to 8.30 pm respectively.
So, whether you are coming solo with your friends or family members, taking a note of these times will let you enjoy the glory of this magnificent monument every step of the way.
How much do the tickets cost for Victoria Memorial?
If you are an Indian, then you need not pay more than Rs.30 to visit the Museum. But if you are a foreigner, you need to shell out Rs. 100 to get an entry inside. Morning walkers can pay an annual fee of Rs. 2000 for a refreshing encounter within the lawn area every day while it gets half of it i.e. Rs. 1,000 in case of senior citizens.
In terms of conventional garden entry, a monthly fee of Rs. 100 per person applies while the daily tariff is not more than Rs.10. So, in a way, visiting the exquisite Victoria Memorial is also very pocket-friendly as you have a whale of a time with your near and dear ones.
Fun things to do at Victoria Memorial
If you have a penchant for photography while you are trying to explore every nook and cranny of Kolkata, then Victoria Memorial would be the finest place to visit. Aside from that, here are some of the fun activities that you can surely indulge in!
Unravel the Victorian Mysteries
Did you know that Victoria Memorial was constructed in a spot where the Presidency Jail once existed? Yes, it’s one of the most overawing Victorian secrets one can ever unravel. Also, you will see the acronym VRI just near the gate that literally denotes Victoria Regina Imperatrix, meaning Queen Victoria, the Empress herself.
Jaw-dropping Statues
Fall for the mesmerizing statues both inside and outside the Victoria Memorial, that not only represent engineering expertise at its best but also the craftsmanship and meticulous effort that artisans at that time adhered to. Statues of Lord Hastings, Dalhousie, Lord Curzon, Edward VII and Angel of Victory being the most notable of them.
Feel the Glory of the Victorian Era
There are several beautiful paintings of Queen Victoria, dangling inside the monument that will give you a glimpse of her reigning period and the unforgettable moments related to it. In fact, there is a dossier of around 28,394 weapons, textiles, stamps, coins, scrapbooks and artifacts along with some rare compilations of Shakespearean storybooks that will totally leave you lost for words. So, grab your ticket today!
Get a sense of Patriotic Fervor
Once you visit the National Leaders’ gallery inside the Victoria Memorial, you will see a lot of paintings hung on the wall that commemorate the unapologetic contribution made by our Indian freedom fighters to attain Independence. In addition, reading the historical anecdotes written underneath each of these paintings is a great way to learn about the nation’s past.
Indulge in a Garden Roaming Spree
Victoria Memorial inhabits a lush green lawn that surrounds the entire area of the Museum. Also, there are quite a few ponds that enhance the overall beauty of this heritage to a fairly good extent.
Take a peek into the Art Galleries
A home to almost twenty-five galleries comprising at least three thousand nine-hundred paintings, each piece out here impeccably represents the ancient art and its various facets. So, don’t forget to check them out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to indulge in a wow trip all the way to Victoria Memorial in Kolkata? Before taking a look at these Frequently Asked Questions people ask.
Which is the nearest Metro Station to Victoria Memorial?
Maidan is the nearest metro station to visit Victoria memorial. However, the Rabinddra Sadan metro station is also close to Victoria Memorial in Kolkata.
How to reach Victoria Memorial?
Reaching Victoria Memorial is easy and simple. Consider these means of transport.
By Bus
Many buses will drop you to Victoria Memorial. However, you may have to take a small walk to get to the main Museum area.
By Metro
If you are on Metro, then get down to the Maidan station to reach Victoria Memorial.
By Car
Have your own car or a rented vehicle? Drive all the way to Victoria Memorial as you please. However, try and reach early in the morning or else parking might become an issue.
By Taxi
Regardless of where you are in Kolkata, you can easily take a Taxi or Uber to arrive at your favorite Victoria Memorial.
Is food allowed inside the Victoria Memorial?
Food is allowed but only inside the garden area and not inside the Museum.
Can I do photography?
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the Museum. However, if you want you can do photography in the garden area of Victoria Memorial.
What is the entry fee of Victoria Memorial?
If you are outside India, then you will have to pay Rs. 100 as the entry fee. However, if you are an Indian, the ticket price will not be more than Rs. 30