The weather is N.A.
Timings: Garden hours: 5:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Every day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except Mondays and national holidays.
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Fee for entry:
INR 10 for the garden, INR 20 for the museum, and INR 200 for foreigners.
Schoolchildren under the age of 12 and army personnel in uniform: free
Overview of Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
The Victoria Memorial is a remnant of the British Raj in India and is situated in the centre of Kolkata, West Bengal. This lavish, white-marbled building, which is almost a replica of the Victoria Memorial in London, was erected in Queen Victoria’s honour to commemorate her 25 years of rule over India. The Victoria Memorial is a famous building that is connected to the joyous city!
A 64-acre, lush, and well-kept garden with numerous statues and sculptures surrounds the memorial. The garden is lush and well-kept. At the top of the memorial, a sixteen-foot-tall bronze statue of victory mounted on ball bearings adds to the complex’s overall beauty and grandeur. The Victoria Memorial is magnificent and breathtaking, especially at night when it is lit up. The evening Sound and Light shows are a special treat and something you should not miss. All things considered, the location is a must-see for anyone looking to experience a modern-day recreation of the Victorian era.
History of Victoria Memorial
The rationale for erecting a monument of this magnitude is, in fact, an intriguing one. Lord Curzon is the creator of this magnificent work, which was made to honour the Queen’s 25-year rule over India. Following the Revolt of 1857, the Queen assumed the role of India’s symbolic leader and successfully ruled the nation until her passing in 1901. The monument that would be erected in her honour was to have a lovely garden and should be stately, roomy, and large. In actuality, Indian citizens raised the money needed to build the Victoria Memorial. This magnificent monument, which is a literal feast for the eyes, was created thanks to the fundraising effort of 5 lakh rupees. The memorial’s foundation stone was laid by King George V and the Prince of Whales in 1906, and it was finally made public in 1921.
Design and Architecture of the Victoria Memorial
William Emerson, the president of the Royal Institute of British Architects, served as the Victoria Memorial’s principal architect. He subtly incorporated an Indo-Saracenic architectural style into the monument while also being influenced by Egyptian, Venetian, Mughal, and other Islamic architectural styles. Makrana Marble, which was transported all the way from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, was used to build the 184-foot-tall structure. Botanist Sir David Prain and Lord Redesdale created the expansive gardens that encircle the monument and cover a vast 64 acres.
Timings and Entry Ticket for the Victoria Memorial
- Victoria Memorial Gallery: The gallery is open every day from Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
For Indians, the entry fee is INR 20, while it is INR 200 for foreigners. Army personnel and students in uniform up to class XII are exempt from entry fees. - The Gardens: Every day from 5:30 AM to 6:15 PM, the gardens are accessible.
The entrance fee per person is just INR 10, while an annual pass costs INR 1,000 for seniors over 60 and INR 2,000 for everyone else.
Keep in mind that a garden ticket does not grant admission to the museum.
The Victoria Memorial Park
A wide variety of sculptures can be found in the gardens of the Victoria Memorial. At the memorial’s entrance, a bronze statue of Queen Victoria sits atop a bronze throne to greet guests. As visitors stroll through the garden, they can see additional statues of Edward VII, Curzon, Hastings, and Dalhousie. You can also find here sculptures with allegories like Motherhood, Architecture, Learning, and Justice. The gardens, which cover 64 acres and are currently looked after by 21 gardeners, are a popular place for early morning strolls.
Light and Sound Show at the Victoria Memorial
From October to June, the Victoria Memorial hosts a light and sound show called Son-et-Lumiere. This fascinating show is not available on Mondays, Holi, or national holidays, and it is also closed from July to September.
INR 10 (Bengali), INR 20 (English)
October – February: 6:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Bengali), 7:15 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (English)
March to June: 6:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Bengali), 7:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (English)
Victoria Memorial Galleries and Exhibitions
The Victoria Memorial has a commendable and worthy collection of rare and antique books, with over 25 galleries including the Royal Gallery, the National Leaders Gallery, the Sculpture Gallery, the Portrait Gallery, the Central Hall, and the Calcutta Gallery. Shakespeare’s illustrated works, the Arabian Nights, and other music and dance books are among them. The monument is a treasure trove of notable collections of paintings, weapons, textiles, artefacts, stamps, and so on.
From time to time, a variety of enriching and informative exhibitions are held here, as well as many other events such as illustrated talks and celebrations of important days. Son-et-Lumiere, a permanent show, is held here on a regular basis. Another show, Pride & Glory- the Story of Calcutta, which was created in collaboration with the Bengal Chamber of Commerce, is currently being held here in both Bengali and English. The following are the show times:
- From October to February
6:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
7:15 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in English - From March to June
6:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
7:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in English
Advice for Visiting the Victoria Memorial
- Photography is not permitted within the main building.
- There is a “garden-only” ticket option available for those who do not wish to visit the galleries. Details can be obtained at the ticket counter.
- Visitors can enjoy a ride near the roundabout in carriages available at the entrance to the Victoria Memorial.
How to reach the Victoria Memorial
All modes of transportation are easily accessible to the Victoria Memorial. You can get there by taxi, bus, or auto rickshaw. If you’re taking the metro, the closest stations are Maidan Metro and Rabindra Sadan Metro. Ferries are another inexpensive and quick option, with regular service from Princep Ghat and Bindan Ghat.
