Kolkata Indian Museum visit guide

Indian Museum Kolkata: A Complete Visitor's Guide to India’s Oldest Museum

1. Introduction into the History of the Indian Museum 

Figure 1: Indian Museum indoor Image

(Source: Self click on mobile)

Located at Kolkata, the Indian Museum is the oldest (established in 1814) and biggest multipurpose museum in India founded by the Asiatic Society of Bengal. It is often termed as the Jadughar and it was originally maintained by a Danish botanist, Dr Nathaniel Wallich. The vision in the establishment of this museum was preservation of rare collections of archaeology, art, anthropology and natural sciences. Throughout the long centuries it had developed into a cultural treasury that included such priceless exhibits as the Ashoka Lion Capital, Egyptian mummies, and Gandhara sculptures. It is an epitome of historical, scientific, and artistic legacies of India and with its big colonial architecture and its six huge sections, the museum is an eye catcher.

2. Place of location and route of approach.

The Indian Museum is found on the 27 Jawaharlal Nehru Road at Park Street in Kolkata. It can be easily found at:

• Metro: Park Street Metro Station (in 2 minutes walk)
• Bus & Taxi: It is regularly linked with main city destinations.
• Closest Airport: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (16 km away)

3. Time and Ticket Information

• Timings: 10 00 AM to 6 00 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
• Closed on: Mondays & Indian national holidays

4. Entry Fee

• Indians: ₹50
• Foreigners: ₹500
• Students (with ID): ₹20
• Youngsters of less than 5 years: Free

5. Can-not Miss Galleries & Exhibits

• Egypt Gallery-The place of the old mummy and sarcophagus
• Bharhut Gallery The gallery features Buddhist railings and statue
• Coin Gallery-Exhibits ancient to medieval-era currency Coin Gallery Coin Gallery
• Fossil Section- giant fossils of dinosaurs and rare plants
• Gandhara Art Gallery Indo-Greek Buddhist art 1 th century AD

6. Photography Services 

Non commercial use, no flash allowed

7. Facilities

• Wheelchair accessible
• Cafeteria inside
• Souvenir store in place
• Clean restrooms
• Guided tours are provided (English, Bengali, Hindi)

8. When to go Best time Best time to visit

• The best time is October to March, because weather is nice.
• Escape high traffic (12 PM 3 PM) and you will have quiet time.

9. Tips on Visiting Pro

• Have a valid identity (particularly when it is students or foreigners)
• Buy tickets online in the official site/counter
• When planning to visit all the sections, it is worth allotting 2-3 hours.
• Families, school groups and history lovers rated it great

What is special about the Indian Museum in Kolkata?

Indian Museum The oldest museum in India, the Indian Museum contains ancient Egyptian mummy, rare fossils, Ashokan relics and wonderful collection of Buddhist and Gandhara art.

Can I visit the Indian Museum on Mondays?

No, Indian public holidays and on Mondays Indian Museum is closed. You can visit Tuesday to Sunday; between the least hours of 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

Is photography allowed inside the Indian Museum?

Yes, photography is permitted on non-professional basis and no flash. Nonetheless, photography in the museums must be practiced at the permission of the museum authority in case of commercial or professional photographers.

How much time is needed to explore the Indian Museum?

To visit the main galleries (archaeology, Egyptology, anthropology, and coin exhibits, you should allow at least 2 3 hours of the visit).

What is the nearest metro station to the Indian Museum?

The closest one is Park Street Metro Station, which is only 2 minutes on foot away. It is the easiest and the quickest means to get the museum.

10. Nearby Attractions

• Victoria Memorial about
• There are Park Street restaurants
• The St. Pauls Cathedral
• The central park in Kolkata, Maidan.

Figure 1: Near Airport To Indian Museum 

(Source: Self Create)