Kolkata Town Hall in Roman Doric style, was built in 1813 by the architect and engineer Major General John Henry Garstin with a fund of 700,000 Rupees raised from a lottery to provide the Europeans with a place for social gatherings.
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Kolkata Town Hall
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Kolkata Town Hall in Roman Doric style, was built in 1813 by the architect and engineer Maj.-Gen. John Garstin (1756–1820) with a fund of 700,000 Rupees raised from a lottery to provide the Europeans with a place for social gatherings.
Kolkata Town Hall
Town Hall of Kolkata
Wikimedia | © OpenStreetMap
General informationArchitectural styleRoman DoricLocationKolkata, India Address4, Esplanade Row (West), Kolkata - 700001Completed1813OwnerKolkata Municipal CorporationDesign and constructionArchitectCol. John GarstinReferencesKolkata Town Hall
History of the BuildingEdit

The Town Hall in the 1860s.
1813 to 1900Edit
The building of the Town Hall was made in Roman-Doric style in 1813. At first, the hall was placed under a committee, which allowed the public to use the hall under such terms and conditions as were fixed by the Government. The public could visit the ground floor hall to see statues and large size portrait paintings but they were not allowed indiscriminate access to the upper storey. Applications for the use of the upper storey were to be made to the committee.
In 1867 Town Hall came under the management of the municipal authority, the Justices of Peace for the improvement of the town of Kolkata(later on the Calcutta Corporation). In the 1870s, at the time of the Chief Justice Richard Couch, when the present building of the High Court was being built, the Town Hall was temporarily used for judicial purposes. In 1871, one of the Puisne Judges, Sir John Paxton Norman was assassinated by a fanatic Muslim of the Wahabi sect, while coming down the steps of the Town Hall. In the year of 1897 the Town Hall had been renovated at a cost of about Rs. 1.126 million.
1900 to 1947Edit
In 1914 almost all the marble statues except the statue of Ramanath Tagore have been shifted to Victoria Memorial. After the introduction of the Dyarchy in 1919, the Town Hall was used as the council chamber of the Bengal Legislative Council. The interior of the Hall was remodeled to suit the needs of the Council. The President of the Council had his chamber in the Town Hall. Subsequently, the Legislative Council moved to its new building in 1931.[1]
During the Second World War, the government temporarily opened a Rationing Office in the Hall.
Post IndependenceEdit
After Independence, the Town Hall Building was largely neglected, during the early days of independence, during the 'Socialist Era' of early independence and seems to have been steadily consigned to collective oblivion. It was converted into the Municipal Magistrate’s Office. Other branches of the Corporation were accommodated within its premises. The Municipal Service Commission and the West Bengal Public Service Commission also occupied parts of the building. In 1975, all marble busts along with some portrait paintings were shifted to the Victoria Memorial Hall except the busts of Greenlaw and Palmer. The rest numbers of portrait paintings had also been shifted to Central Municipal Office building leaving two portrait paintings of Ryan and Nott at Town Hall. Gradually this magnificent building with rich heritage was sunk into oblivion. In 1998 by timely intervention of the ASI and the Calcutta High Court this heritage building was saved from further damage and destruction. And was later renovated to its former glory, and is now used for public gatherings and functions.

Town Hall
Town Hall LibraryEdit
In 1999, Corporation purchased the entire collection of rare books and journals on Kolkata from the noted Kolkata expert P. T. Nair to form a reference library. In 2004, the library was formally opened by the then Minister of Library Services, Nimai Mal in a small function presided over by the then Mayor Subrata Mukherjee. In 2007, the entire reference library of the Corporation has been amalgamated with the Town Hall Library. Now the library possesses about 12,000 books...
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Exploring Kolkata's Historic Town Hall: A Journey Through Time
Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal in India, is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and architectural marvels. Among its many attractions, the Town Hall stands out as a symbol of the city's colonial heritage and administrative legacy. Stepping into Kolkata's Town Hall is not just a visit to a historic building but a journey through time, offering insights into the city's past and present. Let's delve into what makes a visit to Kolkata's Town Hall a memorable and enriching experience.
Historical Significance
Kolkata's Town Hall has a storied history that dates back to the early 19th century. Constructed between 1811 and 1814, it served as a hub for civic and administrative activities during the British colonial period. The building was designed by architect Colonel John Garstin, showcasing a blend of neoclassical and Palladian architectural styles. Over the years, Town Hall has witnessed pivotal moments in Kolkata's history, from hosting public meetings to being a venue for cultural events and political gatherings.
Architectural Splendor
One of the key attractions of Town Hall is its remarkable architecture. The imposing facade features grand columns, arched windows, and intricate detailing, reflecting the craftsmanship of the era. The central portico, flanked by majestic stairs, adds to the building's grandeur and historical charm. Inside, visitors can admire the spacious halls, ornate ceilings, and period furniture, offering a glimpse into the opulence and elegance of colonial architecture.
Exploring the Town Hall
A visit to Kolkata's Town Hall is a fascinating journey for history enthusiasts and architecture aficionados alike. Upon entering the building, visitors are greeted by the Council Chamber, where significant meetings and deliberations took place during the British rule. The Mayor's Gallery showcases portraits and memorabilia related to Kolkata's past mayors, providing insights into the city's governance. The Banquet Hall, with its exquisite decor and historical ambiance, offers a glimpse into the social gatherings and events of yesteryears.
Cultural and Educational Hub
In addition to its historical and architectural significance, Town Hall serves as a cultural and educational hub. The premises often host art exhibitions, lectures, and cultural programs, attracting artists, scholars, and visitors from diverse backgrounds. The Town Hall library, with its collection of rare books and documents, is a treasure trove for researchers and history enthusiasts interested in Kolkata's past.
Preservation and Restoration Efforts
Efforts to preserve and restore Kolkata's Town Hall have been ongoing to ensure its historical integrity and cultural value are maintained. Conservation initiatives focus on structural repairs, heritage preservation, and enhancing visitor experiences through guided tours and educational programs. These efforts underscore the city's commitment to safeguarding its architectural heritage and promoting heritage tourism.
Practical Information
For those planning a visit to Kolkata's Town Hall, it is advisable to check the official website or contact local tourism authorities for information on guided tours, entry fees, and opening hours. The Town Hall is centrally located, making it easily accessible by public transport or private vehicles. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, and Maidan to make the most of their trip to Kolkata.
In conclusion, a visit to Kolkata's Town Hall offers a captivating blend of history, architecture, and cultural insights. Whether you are interested in colonial heritage, architectural marvels, or simply curious about Kolkata's past, Town Hall promises a memorable and enriching experience that highlights the city's historical and cultural...
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Kolkata Town Hall in Roman Doric style, was built in 1813 by the architect and engineer Maj.-Gen. John Garstin (1756-1820) with a fund of 700,000 Rupees raised from a lottery to provide the Europeans with a place for social gatherings.
1813 to 1900Edit
The building of the Town Hall was made in Roman-Doric style in 1813. At first, the hall was placed under a committee, which allowed the public to use the hall under such terms and conditions as were fixed by the Government. The public could visit the ground floor hall to see statues and large size portrait paintings but they were not allowed indiscriminate access to the upper storey. Applications for the use of the upper storey were to be made to the committee.
In 1867 Town Hall came under the management of the municipal authority, the Justices of Peace for the improvement of the town of Kolkata(later on the Calcutta Corporation). In the 1870s, at the time of the Chief Justice Richard Couch, when the present building of the High Court was being built, the Town Hall was temporarily used for judicial purposes. In 1871, one of the Puisne Judges, John Paxton Norman was assassinated by a fanatic Muslim of the Wahabi sect, while coming down the steps of the Town Hall. In the year of 1897 the Town Hall had been renovated at a cost of about Rs. 1.126 million.
1900 to 1947Edit
In 1914 almost all the marble statues except the statue of Ramanath Tagore have been shifted to Victoria Memorial. After the introduction of the Dyarchy in 1919, the Town Hall was used as the council chamber of the Bengal Legislative Council. The interior of the Hall was remodeled to suit the needs of the Council. The President of the Council had his chamber in the Town Hall. Subsequently, the Legislative Council moved to its new building in 1931.[1]
During the Second World War, the government temporarily opened a Rationing Office in the Hall.
Post IndependenceEdit
After Independence, the Town Hall Building was largely neglected, during the early days of independence, during the 'Socialist Era' of early independence and seems to have been steadily consigned to collective oblivion. It was converted into the Municipal Magistrate’s Office. Other branches of the Corporation were accommodated within its premises. The Municipal Service Commission and the West Bengal Public Service Commission also occupied parts of the building. In 1975, all marble busts along with some portrait paintings were shifted to the Victoria Memorial Hall except the busts of Greenlaw and Palmer. The rest numbers of portrait paintings had also been shifted to Central Municipal Office building leaving two portrait paintings of Ryan and Nott at Town Hall. Gradually this magnificent building with rich heritage was sunk into oblivion. In 1998 by timely intervention of the ASI and the Calcutta High Court this heritage building was saved from further damage and destruction. And was later renovated to its former glory, and is now used for public gatherings...
Read more
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