Indian Museum
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The Indian Museum in Kolkata is a treasure trove of cultural and historical artifacts, offering a fascinating glimpse into India's rich heritage. Here are some of its highlights: Archaeology: * Bharhut Gateway: This intricately carved gateway from the 2nd century BC is a masterpiece of Indian sculpture, depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology. * Gandhara Gallery: This gallery showcases sculptures from the Gandhara school of art, blending Greek and Indian influences. * Bronze Gallery: Admire a collection of exquisite bronze sculptures from various periods of Indian history. * Coin Gallery: Explore a vast collection of coins from ancient India, providing a glimpse into the country's economic and political history. Anthropology: * Human Evolution Gallery: Discover the fascinating story of human evolution through fossils and artifacts. * Mask Gallery: View a diverse collection of masks from different regions of India, representing various cultures and traditions. Art: * Painting Gallery: Explore the rich tradition of Indian painting, with works ranging from ancient miniatures to modern art. * Textile Gallery: Discover the vibrant world of Indian textiles, including intricate embroideries, silk sarees, and other fabrics. Other Highlights: * Egyptian Mummy: See a well-preserved Egyptian mummy and other artifacts from ancient Egypt. * Whale Skeleton: Marvel at the skeleton of a whale suspended from the ceiling. * Dinosaur Fossil: Examine a fossilized dinosaur egg, one of the rare specimens found in India. *Animal collections: Museum has large collections of preserved animals, including taxidermied mammals, reptiles, and amphibians Additional Tips: * Plan your visit: The museum is vast and can be overwhelming, so plan your visit in advance to focus on the exhibits that interest you most. * Allow ample time: Allocate at least 2-3 hours to explore the museum thoroughly. * Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. With its vast collection and diverse exhibits, the Indian Museum in Kolkata offers a truly unforgettable experience for history and culture enthusiasts.
U.A. Elaya Perumal AARIU.A. Elaya Perumal AARI
10
I recently visited the Indian Museum in Kolkata, and it was an enriching experience. The ticket prices are very reasonable, and for those interested in photography, you can purchase an additional ticket to take photos inside. One important thing to note is that you should not carry a lunch box in your bag, as you won’t be allowed to enter with it. There is a secure cloakroom where you can leave your bag if necessary. The museum itself is huge, with so much to explore. The exhibits are spread across multiple floors and cover a wide range of topics, including archaeology, art, anthropology, geology, and natural history. The collection is vast and well-organized, with clear signage guiding you through the different sections. Highlights include the ancient artifacts and sculptures, the Egyptian mummy, the impressive geological specimens, and the beautiful textile displays. Each section is thoughtfully curated, providing a deep dive into India’s rich history and cultural heritage. The staff are friendly and helpful, and there are knowledgeable guides available if you want a more detailed tour. Facilities like clean restrooms and drinking water are conveniently located throughout the museum. Overall, the Indian Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and culture. Just remember to avoid bringing food in your bag, and you’ll have a wonderful time exploring the treasures inside. The ticket prices are very reasonable. For Indian adults, the entry fee is ₹75, and for children above 5 years, it’s ₹20. Foreign nationals have an entry fee of ₹500. If you wish to take photographs inside, you can purchase a photography ticket for ₹50 for a smartphone camera and ₹100 for a DSLR camera . Important Bag Policy: One important thing to note is the bag policy: you cannot carry a lunch box inside the museum. If you have one, you will be asked to leave your bag in the cloakroom, which is secure and efficiently managed. This helps maintain the cleanliness of the museum.
Shawn MiltonShawn Milton
00
Indian museum was on my bucket list since childhood. I have read in the local newspaper about this and wonder ever since. My father was fan of ancient things and history and he mentioned multiple time about this museum but unfortunately he never got the chance to visit this. We went Kolkata to attend a workshop on statistical methods used in research and got some time to roam around the city. We first decided to visit the museum. This is the ninth oldest museum in the world and the oldest in India. This is not just a museum for showcasing artefacts but an institution of itself, which supports not only the conservation but also research. Many of Indian independent organisations such as Anthropological survey of India, Geological survey of India, Botanical Survey of India, Archeological Survey of India and Zoological survey of India are part of this museum. The museum has different sections pertaining to the theme like Indian Art, Archeology, Anthropology, Geology, Zoology and Botany. Museum has housed some of the rare specimens of art, archaeology and Geology which has international and scientific importance. Many of my friends who are active in fossil research usually visit this museum for research. The experience of being there was out of this world. As being an anthropologist, visiting this museum was not less than a pilgrimage. The section where they housed fossil specimen was of my personal interest. For the first time I saw the fossil teeth of Ramapithecus, which was an Indian subcontinental app and has implication in human evolution according to Dr. SRK Chopra the founder head of Department of Anthropology Panjab University Chandigarh. Who is one of the greatest Paleo anthropologists from India. One day is not enough to watch all the galleries. So I have to visit again to have a fresh look.
Dr. Bahadur Singh FRAIDr. Bahadur Singh FRAI
00
**Review:** My recent visit to the Indian Museum in Kolkata was quite disheartening, especially considering the memories I had from visiting it as a child 25 years ago. The museum, which once showcased a rich and diverse collection, now seems to be suffering from severe neglect. The exhibits, particularly the mineral collection, appear to have been forgotten, with decades of dust accumulating in the cases, making everything look dull and identical. The number of exhibits has noticeably decreased since my last visit as a child, and the lack of educational labeling near the displays made it difficult to learn anything new. In the Egyptian section, there is a mummified hand, but it lacks any detailed information, and the bust of Nefertiti is not even labeled as a replica, which is misleading considering the original is housed in a German museum. The building itself, a majestic structure from 1814, is sadly losing its charm and now seems to be part of the broader decay affecting much of the city's heritage. The fossil section, which I remembered fondly, has been replaced with a Bengali art gallery—an odd choice that doesn’t seem to fit within the museum's context. Worse, the entire place had an unpleasant smell, reminiscent of a poorly maintained public restroom, with the overwhelming scent of naphthalene in the air. What was once a place where I could spend hours exploring and learning, I now finished in just 45 minutes. The overall experience was disappointing and a stark reminder of the gradual decline of this once great institution. I expected so much more, but unfortunately, the Indian Museum has not kept pace with the times or with basic maintenance standards.
PC 360PC 360
00
My visit to the Indian Museum in Kolkata was a mixed experience, with both positive and negative aspects. The museum's extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits covering various aspects of India's history and culture was impressive and provided valuable insights into the nation's past. The diverse array of galleries, ranging from archaeology to art and anthropology, offered a comprehensive overview of India's rich heritage. The exhibits showcased a wide variety of artifacts, from ancient sculptures to historical documents, which was a significant highlight of the visit. However, the museum's maintenance and presentation left something to be desired. Some areas appeared outdated and in need of refurbishment, while others lacked proper lighting and informative signage. As a result, it was sometimes challenging to fully appreciate the significance of certain exhibits. Additionally, the lack of interactive elements or audio guides made the experience less engaging and educational compared to modern museums. Such features could have enhanced the visitor's understanding and made the museum more appealing to a wider audience. In conclusion, the Indian Museum in Kolkata offers a valuable collection of historical treasures but falls short in terms of modern presentation and interactivity. While it remains an essential cultural institution, improvements in these areas would elevate the overall visitor experience and justify a higher rating.
Sayak DasSayak Das
00
Not really happy with the experience. The museum itself appears like a historical ruin in dire need of proper maintenance. There are betel nut juice stains on the wall in the corner of the staircase. If visitors are doing that then they should be heavily penalized. CCTV footage should be properly monitored by the concerned personnel. The plaster has come off from many places along the main stairs. The artefacts are covered with dust. The invaluable mummy box is sealed using common brown packing tape. The lawn is extremely ill maintained. It can be developed in a garden or park but it is just a grassy patch with a water hose in the middle of it which absolutely spoils the aesthetic appeal of the lawn. The displayed items need to be cleaned and dusted. The flooring is damaged. The walls and doors are damaged. It just looks like a derelict structure. Some interactive digital kiosks were installed but on clicking there are no videos and no data available. Visiting the museum feels like visiting a historical structure which is gradually transforming itself into a ruin because of lack of maintenance. A very sorry state of affairs indeed. I would not visit again.
Saptarshi MajumderSaptarshi Majumder
40
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4.5
(18.6K reviews)
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+91 33 2252 1790
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Website
indianmuseumkolkata.org
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