Why The Victoria Memorial Still Rules Kolkata's Cultural Map

NDTV

11-06-2025

If you step back and think about Kolkata, chances are the first image that flashes is the Victoria Memorial - sitting tall in white marble, surrounded by manicured lawns and traffic that never stops honking. It is not just a monument; it is practically Kolkata's middle name. But this stunner is not all looks. It tells a story stitched with colonial history, architectural swagger, and the long road to independence. If you are someone who likes your history layered and in high definition, this is your kind of place. So, if Kolkata is on your list, do not treat the Victoria Memorial like just another photo-op. Here is why it deserves a proper stopover.
A Quick Backstory That Sets It All Up
The idea of the Victoria Memorial was floated in 1901 after Queen Victoria died. Lord Curzon pushed the plan forward, and what followed was one of India's grandest tributes to colonial memory. Construction took place between 1906 and 1921, and architect William Emerson gave it his all. The design is a wild mix - Mughal domes, British symmetry, Egyptian overtones, and a splash of Venetian and Deccani elements. The funding came through public donations from both the British and Indian communities, which says a lot about how it was received back then. The building was formally opened in December 1921 by the Prince of Wales.
What Makes The Victoria Memorial A Must-Visit
1. That Architecture Hits Hard
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It is not just a monument. It is a marble mic drop. The central dome is grand without being loud, the chhatris (domed pavilions) are beautifully symmetrical, and the white Makrana marble (yes, the same one used in the Taj Mahal) just glows in sunlight. The 'Angel of Victory' on top - balanced like a ballerina - adds flair while pointing to a not-so-subtle narrative of British triumph. Inside, the arches and design details reflect top-tier Indian craftsmanship.
2. A Museum That Actually Holds Your Attention
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Step in and you will find 25 galleries that do not mess around. You will see everything from Queen Victoria's writing desk and piano to Company School paintings and handwritten historical documents. The curation is chronological, so you get a neat walkthrough of colonial events. It is a proper peek into what shaped modern Kolkata - and by extension, modern India.
3. The Gardens Are More Than Just Pretty Filler
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Covering about 64 acres, the gardens around Victoria Memorial are beautifully laid out - courtesy of Lord Redesdale and Sir David Prain. But they are not just for lounging or clicking selfies. Look closer, and you will see statues of historical figures like Charles Cornwallis, Lord Curzon, and Robert Clive scattered across the lawns. These sculptures double up as a mini crash course in colonial history.
4. Light-And-Sound Show That Hits Nostalgia And Nerve
Every evening (except on Mondays and national holidays), the Memorial hosts a light and sound show called 'Kolkata, the City of Joy.' It runs in Hindi, Bengali, and English, and lasts about 40 to 45 minutes. It tells Kolkata's story with just enough drama to make you care, and just enough colour to keep your eyes glued. It is a solid pick for those who like their history told with flair and foot-tapping background music.
5. From British Showpiece To Indian Archive
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This is the part that many people miss. The Memorial was originally funded by public donations—around ₹10.5 million. Post-independence, the space was repurposed. Statues once symbolising colonial might now sit quietly in the gardens, while the galleries have been reimagined to include Indian voices, leaders, and movements. It is not just about British India anymore; it is about how India reclaimed the narrative.
What You Need To Know Before You Visit The Victoria Memorial
1. When Is The Best Time To Visit?
Kolkata's winter months - November to February - are ideal. The weather is pleasant enough to stroll through the gardens and actually spend time reading those museum captions instead of just scanning them.
2. What Are The Entry Fees And Timings?
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm. It is shut on Mondays and national holidays.
• Gallery Fee: ₹20 for Indians, ₹100 for SAARC nationals, ₹500 for others.
• Gardens: Open daily from 5:30 am to 6:00 pm. Entry fee is ₹10. Yearly passes cost ₹1000.
3. What Else Can You Visit Nearby?
Once done, take a walk to St Paul's Cathedral, Fort William, the Indian Museum, or even the Birla Planetarium. They are all within shouting distance from Victoria Memorial and continue the cultural loop.
4. Are Guided Tours A Thing?
Yes. Free guided tours run every hour from 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. They last about an hour and add context to what you see.
The Victoria Memorial is not just a page out of a history book. It is the whole chapter. If you are in Kolkata and skip it, you are not doing the city right.