THE FAMOUS MUSEUMS IN KOLKATA

The City of Joy has more to offer than it meets the eye. Kolkata is known for its cultural richness and heritage. It is a melting point of diverse cultures, and the native population loves to celebrate the city’s artistic side. From lip-smacking delicacies to riveting museums, each corner of the city has a story to tell!

As you enter the city, you will be captivated by Kolkata's vibrant reflection of Bengal's culture, customs, and history. The city is not only celebrated for Rabindrasangeet and Kolkata's famous aloo biryani, but also for the museums that have managed to capture the footprints of the city's rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the best Kokata museums that you should pay a visit!

Built in the year 1814, the Indian Museum is one of the oldest in the country and the first museum in Kolkata. Reports say it holds more than one lakh of historic artefacts and objects for exhibition, which include the giant pre-historic mammoth's tooth, the sacred Buddha antiques and the mummies preserved from the Mughal era that will leave you spellbound. However, before you start to explore the other museums, do not forget to take a look at the human embryos and meteorites stored in the museum!

a white exterior
a tram driving through the rails

Kolkata is one of the only places in India, and among the few across the world where you still see tram carriages running across the city. For the locals, it is a preservation of culture and for travellers, it is an indelible experience! The Tram Museum is one such carriage that has been refurbished to retain its glorifying past. Being a famous museum in Kolkata, the carriage has been retrofitted with a beautiful wooden interior and displays several paintings and the poet, Rabindranath Tagore's poetry on the walls. The museum stores historical relics like the tram driver's cap, coins used in the past, and old tram tickets.

Established in the memory of Queen Victoria in the British era, Victoria Memorial was dedicated to her after her death in 1901, with Lord Curzon playing an important role in its establishment. The museum enchants you with stunning marble statues and a beautiful garden spread across the area. It is also the perfect getaway for history and literature buffs. There are as many as twenty-five galleries protected within Victoria Memorial, each containing paintings, manuscripts, and artefacts. The paintings and murals displayed here will also forage your creative soul. From Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam to the Arabian Nights, the place is a book lover's delight. In the evening, the garden transforms into a colourful carnival.

the white exterior of victoria memorial, a museum in Kolkata

If you are planning to visit Kolkata for these marvellous museums, do not forget to book a luxurious and restful stay at Polo Floatel, Kolkata. It is the city’s only floating hotel located on River Hoogly.

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