Quite unllke its quiet existence in the secluded Mahishila Colony ( just about 2.5 Kms off the main road entering Asansol from NH19) the Museum is a treasurehouse of Wax figurines created by the eminent sculptor Mr Susanta Roy. Besides the stunning craftsmanship of some of the eclectic contemporary public figures ( Charlie Chaplin, Neeraj Chopra, SRK, AB, Utpal Dutt, Shankatracharya to name a few) what takes yiur breath away are the second and third floors of the buiding. Aptly named the "Seesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors), the artist has recreated the absolute mastery and intricacy of Indian Thikri (inlay)mirrorwork and the jaw dropping mastery over this lost art which dates back almost to the end 16th century, Thikri art is a traditional Indian art form that involves cutting small pieces of mirror into precise shapes and arranging them to form intricate patterns. Thikri art is known for its intricate details, shimmering beauty, and timeless appeal. Both the second and third floors (my guess is about 1800sft on each floor each)are completely done up with this artwork. Entire floor, ceilings, walls, pliiars, cornices and passages are covered in brilliant combination of shades and shapes of mirror mosaic. Apart from the sheer spectacular grandeur and shimmering display, I was astonished to know that the entire layout was done manually - piece by piece - with glass mirror sheets and coloured inlay tiles created in Jaipur and brought in here to be designed and assembled at the site.
As the artist was not available when we visited the museum, I was unable to gather how many painstaking hours / days/ months he had laboured with his team to visualise and create this masterpiece. If you are visiting Asansol even for a days visit, strongly recommend you keep aside an hour for this museum visit. It is open on weekends and the entry fee is just Rs 100 for adults. You shall come back with an...
Read moreThe Susanta Ray Wax Museum and Sheesh Mahal, located in Mohishila Colony, Asansol 3, West Bengal, one can have a unique cultural experience showcased by the sculptor Susanta Ray. Wax statues of prominent personalities from various fields, including politics, entertainment, and sports are there. Prominent figures such as Amitabh Bachchan, Mahatma Gandhi, and Sushant Singh Rajput are meticulously crafted, providing visitors with an intimate encounter with these icons.
Adjacent to the wax museum is the Sheesh Mahal, or "Palace of Mirrors," inspired by the original in Rajasthan. This hall of mirrors creates mesmerizing optical illusions and reflections, highlighting Ray's exceptional craftsmanship.
The museum operates daily from 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM, with an entry fee of ₹100 per person, 2 to 3 pm is the peak time. Nearby amenities include restaurants, 🏨, 🅿️ are there. You will be amazed after visiting this museum. The museum is a testament to local artistry and offers a captivating experience for art enthusiasts and...
Read moreThe Susanta Ray Wax Museum & Seesh Mahal in Asansol is a wonderful place to visit. On the ground floor, you can explore an impressive collection of wax statues of Bollywood stars, athletes, singers, politicians, and freedom fighters. Each statue is crafted with great detail, making it an interesting experience.
The real gem is on the first and second floors—rooms made entirely of finely cut small glass pieces that resemble Akbar’s iconic Seesh Mahal. The reflection of light off these glasses creates a mesmerizing effect, and the intricate craftsmanship is truly breathtaking.
The ticket price is quite reasonable: ₹100 for adults and ₹50 for students up to 17 years old. It’s a must-visit spot if...
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