Metcalfe Hall — Attraction in Kolkata

Kolkata, the ‘city of palaces’, is home to some of the most gorgeous monuments, palaces and buildings that have become cultural, historical and social landmarks in their own right over the years. 12, Strand Road, BBD Bagh, Kolkata-700001 is a prime example of one of Kolkata’s and India’s most majestic and elegant examples of classical architecture, which houses an imposing mansion that is intricately intertwined with culture and mainstream literary history in Bengal – the Metcalfe Hall.

It is definitely hard to put a price tag on such monumental landmarks of the city and the Metcalfe Hall is delightfully restored heritage building with distinctive architecture that once housed the Calcutta Public Library and then, the Imperial Library, the precursors to the National Library. While its size and area figures are hard to come by, the majestic location, overlooking the Hooghly River and the gargantuan columns, pillars and acres of space, make us estimate it at anywhere close to a couple thousand crores, at least! This exclusive building can be easily identified, courtesy its long Gothic pillars and strategic location right at the crossing of Hare Street and Strand Road. It first opened in 1844 for the general public. Today, people know it as directly opposite the Millennium Park.

Metcalfe Hall is an interesting example of colonial British neoclassical architecture. Construction commenced for this river-facing landmark back in 1840 under the supervision of CK Robinson, the city magistrate and was ultimately named after Sir Charles T Metcalfe, the governor-general of India, on account of his efforts towards ensuring greater freedom of the press. The building has also been used by the Indian Museum, Asiatic Society and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), for storing their precious items. Here are some interesting aspects worth noting:

The building is inspired by ancient Greek temples and was built between 1840 and 1844, as per CK Robinson’s design.

The building is often considered to be a replica of the Temple of Winds in Greece.

It has a 10-ft basement with 30 Corinthian columns and colonnades.

The main entrance, from the western side, has a huge flight of stairs while the building is now accessed through the eastern portico on Hare Street.

There are 30 Corinthian pillars in all, with six located on the side of the Strand Road and two behind them.

There are six pillars towards the south and north alike, while there are 10 pillars at the back in a 6-4 formation.

Each of these pillars go up to 36 ft in height.

The platform of the building goes up to 10 ft from the ground.

There are two stories, with five halls internally.

There are several interesting facts about Metcalfe Hall in Kolkata including:

The Metcalfe Hall initially accommodated the collection of the Calcutta Public Library, established by Lord Metcalfe, the then governor-general, who transferred 4,675 volumes here from the library at the College of Fort William.

The library was privately established with the first proprietor of the Calcutta Public Library being Dwarkanath Tagore.

The ground floor presently has rare foreign journals and manuscripts of the Asiatic Society along with an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) sales counter, as well.

CK (Charles Knowles) Robinson, who was the city magistrate behind the building’s design and oversaw its construction, was the vice-president of the Royal Agri-Horticultural Society. Hence, it can be understood why the ground floor in the building was allotted for the Royal Agri-Horticultural Society, back then.

The building was built upon a plot of land that was once known as Sailor’s Home, although this was not the originally proposed spot.

A plot was proposed on the south-eastern corner of Tank Square although it was eventually rejected on the grounds that more open space was needed.

The foundation stone was laid on December 19, 1840 by the Grand Master of Bengal, Dr James Grant and the Grand Master of Western India, Dr James Burnes.

1867 saw the Bengal Social Science Association founded at...

I am Calcutta or Ami Kolkata (আমি কলকাতা) Museum in the Metcalfe Hall is an entire city based museum, a museum entirely dedicated to the history and evolution of the city, and comes in with all modern features, complete with audio visual effects. Although the museum is new but Metcalfe Hall housing the museum dates back to 1844. It was named after Charles Metcalfe, who was the Governor General of India from 1835 to 1836. The architect of the building was C K Robison and is an exact replica of Tower of Winds in Athens, Greece. Metcalfe Hall stands at the crossing of Hare Street and Strand Road. The building stands on a 10 feet high elevated platform.A total of 30 Corinthian Pillars support the extended roof on all sides. The entrance is from both both the east and west side via a flight of stairs. Each of the entrance is through six pillars.

The entrance is through the western side and the traditional floor painting of alpana greets visitors to the Ami Kolkata or I am Calcutta Museum. The path leads to a open space used for temporary exhibitions. Next there are two rooms on the right and one on the left. The left room houses a decorated hand pulled rickshaw. Circular disc of white and red paper are available and one can leave a comment on the city. Several of these commented papers are scattered round the rickshaw. One of the rooms on the right houses a few old black and white photos of Kolkata and the other houses photographs of the restoration of the Metcalfe Hall. Next on the graound floor is a open space with a beautiful overhead decoration and the space is used for a hand shadowgraphy video depicting the amazing city. This gallery is known as the City of Surprises. Next a flight of stairs leads to the first floor. The stairs is lined with old cinema photos bringing back sweet old memories and is called City of Memories. The first room on the first floor houses a wooden boat with a pair of ores. The boat is fitted with a digital touch screen display depicting different stories of Kolkata and is known as the City of Stories. Vintage photos of the city are displayed on the wall and the overhead paperwork depicts the waves. The next room displays a short documentary on the city and focuses on some of its well known citizens, including Rabindranath Tagore, Amartya Sen, Satyan Bose and also includes Dr Subhash Mukhopadhyay,the creator of India’s first test tube baby. This gallery is known as the City of Influence. Next is the City of Confluence focusing on the multi cultural diversity of Kolkata. This is basically a photo gallery showing photos of Kolkata Chinese, Jews, Armenians, Anglo Indianas and other comunities. The arches are also fitted with photos and a unplastered wall adds to the antiques look of the gallery. Next is the gallery of City of Culture. This is the largest of the gallery and housses a two large installation. The first one is a semi finished clay durga idol and the second is a topor, a male headgear fro the bridegroom in a Bengali Hindu weeding. The first room in the City of Culture gallery houses several paintings drawn in patachitra style depicting the life of Kolkata. They cover a wide range of topics from fish market to mishti and from coffee house to street food. The larger room focuses on topics like drama, poetry, art, theatre and movie. Finally the grand tour of Kolkata’s very own museum ends with a walk through the sound corridor. The sound corridor is a audio visual display focusing on the sounds of Kolkata. It includes the bel of tram and rickshaw the sound of boiling and pouring tea and every possible sound the city can witness.

Necessary Facts:

The Ami Kolkata or I am Calcutta Museum is open every day 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, except Monday and national holidays. There is no entry fee and photography is...

Exploring Kolkata's Historic Gem: Metcalfe Hall

Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Kolkata, Metcalfe Hall stands as a testament to the city's rich history and architectural grandeur. This iconic building, located in the heart of the Esplanade area, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, architecture aficionados, and anyone curious about Kolkata's colonial past.

A Glimpse into History

Metcalfe Hall was built in the mid-19th century and named after Charles T. Metcalfe, the Governor-General of India at the time. Its construction began in 1840 and was completed in 1844 under the supervision of the city's architect, C.K. Robinson. The building initially served as the office of the Calcutta Public Library and later housed the Imperial Library before becoming the Metcalfe Hall Museum.

Architectural Marvel

The architecture of Metcalfe Hall is a blend of neoclassical and Palladian styles, characterized by its majestic columns, arched entrances, and intricate detailing. The building's facade is adorned with sculptures and reliefs, depicting scenes from Indian mythology, history, and literature, showcasing a fusion of Western and Indian artistic influences.

Exploring the Museum

Today, Metcalfe Hall houses a museum that offers a fascinating journey through Kolkata's past. The museum's collection includes rare manuscripts, historical documents, maps, paintings, and artifacts dating back to the colonial era. Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting Kolkata's role as a significant cultural, political, and economic hub during British rule.

Highlights of the Museum

Rare Manuscripts: The museum displays ancient manuscripts in various languages, providing insights into the literary and linguistic heritage of the region.

Historical Artefacts: From colonial-era furniture and utensils to weapons and attire, the museum's collection reflects the daily life and cultural milieu of bygone eras.

Art and Paintings: Visitors can admire paintings depicting historical events, landscapes, and portraits of notable figures associated with Kolkata's history.

Architectural Drawings: Architectural enthusiasts will appreciate the collection of drawings, plans, and blueprints showcasing the evolution of Kolkata's skyline over the centuries.

Visiting Metcalfe Hall

When visiting Metcalfe Hall, it's advisable to allocate sufficient time to explore the museum thoroughly. The building's exterior alone is a sight to behold, with its imposing structure and intricate architectural details. Inside, the museum's curated exhibits offer a comprehensive overview of Kolkata's cultural and historical heritage.

Practical Information

Location: Metcalfe Hall is situated on Strand Road in the Esplanade area of Kolkata, easily accessible by public transport or taxi. Opening Hours: The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It remains closed on Mondays and public holidays. Entry Fee: There is a nominal entry fee for visitors, with discounted rates for students and senior citizens. Guided Tours: Guided tours are available for those who wish to delve deeper into the museum's collections and history.

In conclusion, a visit to Metcalfe Hall in Kolkata is a captivating journey back in time, offering a glimpse into the city's past glory and cultural richness. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about Kolkata's heritage, this historic gem is sure to leave a...