Victoria Memorial, Kolkata

Victoria Memorial, Kolkata A museum in a magnificent heritage building surrounded by picturesque gardens.

Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of British India (1899-1905) conceived the idea of establishing the Victoria Memorial Hall(VMH), Kolkata on death of Queen Victoria in 1901. It was intended to be a period museum in memory of the queen with particular emphasis on Indo-British History. Built on a 57-acre land and designed by Sir William Emerson (the then President of the Royal Institute of British Arch

itecture), the splendour of the Memorial is evident in its architecture, which is predominantly Italian Renaissance in character, blended with nuances of Orientalism. The Prince of Wales laid the foundation stone of the Victoria Memorial Hall on 4 January 1906 and it was formally opened to public in 1921. It was declared an institution of National importance by the Government of India Act of 1935. Today Victoria Memorial is considered to be one of the best example of the unique paradigm of the visual arts where four diverse fields of arts – architecture, sculpture, painting and gardening come together.

Victoria Memorial Hall pays homage to Jamini Roy on his 54th punyatithi (24 April 2026) by presenting Self-Portrait from...
24/04/2026

Victoria Memorial Hall pays homage to Jamini Roy on his 54th punyatithi (24 April 2026) by presenting Self-Portrait from its reserve collection, rendered in gouache.

His works stands as a lasting affirmation of indigenous aesthetics within Indian art. Drawing from Kalighat patachitra, rural Bengal, and everyday lived experiences, he developed a distinctive practice that found expression in themes such as Santhal life, Mother and Child, and episodes from the Ramayana - leaving behind a legacy rooted in clarity, accessibility, and cultural continuity.

23/04/2026

Students from Calcutta Boys’ School shared their joy and excitement at spending World Earth Day 2026 at Victoria Memorial Hall.

Their day began with a tree plantation drive, followed by an engaging participatory activity focused on community consciousness and environmental responsibility. Students contributed thoughtful artworks depicting both environmental challenges and solutions, which were then assembled onto a hollow globe—gradually transforming it into a vibrant symbol of shared responsibility and hope.

Through their reflections, the students highlight the importance of collective action, sustainability, and taking meaningful steps towards a greener future.

CollectiveAction Kolkata

On 23 April 2026, Victoria Memorial Hall, under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, conducted a c...
23/04/2026

On 23 April 2026, Victoria Memorial Hall, under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, conducted a cleanliness drive focused on the cleaning of the South Lawn water body within the campus as part of the ongoing Swachhata Pakhwada observance.

The initiative underscores the importance of maintaining clean and sustainable water ecosystems, while reinforcing collective responsibility towards environmental conservation and public hygiene. Through such efforts, the institution continues to align with the national mission of building a cleaner and more sustainable India.

23/04/2026

Victoria Memorial Hall marked World Earth Day on 22 April 2026 with the theme 'Our Power, Our Planet', a participatory initiative focused on environmental awareness and shared responsibility.

Students from Calcutta Boys’ School created artworks reflecting ecological challenges and solutions, which were assembled onto a hollow globe—symbolising the need for collective action—transforming it into a powerful emblem of hope and stewardship.

Aligned with Swachhata Pakhwada, the initiative reinforced the importance of sustainability, civic consciousness, and community engagement.

Victoria Memorial Hall continues to enhance visitor experience with improved accessibility and service.On 22 April 2026,...
22/04/2026

Victoria Memorial Hall continues to enhance visitor experience with improved accessibility and service.

On 22 April 2026, Victoria Memorial Hall introduced two-way window microphones at its ticket counters, significantly improving clarity and ease of communication at the first point of contact. This initiative ensures smoother interactions, reduces ambiguity, and creates a more efficient and welcoming experience for all visitors.

By strengthening this essential interface, Victoria Memorial Hall reaffirms its commitment to visitor-centric practices and continuous infrastructural improvement.

Victoria Memorial Hall observed World Earth Day on 22 April 2026 with an engaging, participatory initiative titled Green...
22/04/2026

Victoria Memorial Hall observed World Earth Day on 22 April 2026 with an engaging, participatory initiative titled Green Impressions: Earth Through Young Eyes, centred on community consciousness and environmental responsibility.

At the heart of the activity was a hollow globe—intentionally left incomplete to reflect the void that exists without collective action and public engagement. Students from Calcutta Boys’ School contributed thoughtful artworks depicting both environmental challenges and solutions. These individual expressions were then assembled onto the globe, gradually transforming it into a vibrant symbol of shared responsibility and hope.

This age-inclusive initiative fostered dialogue, creativity, and awareness, reinforcing the importance of collective stewardship of our planet.

The programme also aligned with the nationwide Swachhata Pakhwada, further underscoring the commitment to cleanliness, sustainability, and civic responsibility.

Rooted in heritage, committed to a greener tomorrow.Victoria Memorial Hall marked World Earth Day on 22 April 2026 with ...
22/04/2026

Rooted in heritage, committed to a greener tomorrow.

Victoria Memorial Hall marked World Earth Day on 22 April 2026 with a tree plantation drive at the Eastern Lawn, reaffirming its commitment to environmental stewardship alongside cultural preservation.

As part of the nationwide Swachhata Pakhwada initiative, the programme was led by the VMH team, with participation from students of Calcutta Boys’ School, reflecting a collective commitment to sustainability. The VMH team actively anchored the initiative, demonstrating leadership in integrating environmental awareness into institutional practice.

Through such initiatives, Victoria Memorial Hall extends its role beyond a museum—emerging as a space where heritage and sustainability converge, encouraging meaningful public engagement with both history and the environment.

22/04/2026

On 21 April 2026, the CPR Training and Heart Health Awareness Programme at Victoria Memorial Hall, organised in collaboration with Manipal Hospitals, featured a technical session led by senior medical experts from Manipal Hospitals. Dr Sumanta Chatterjee and Dr Kishen Goel conducted detailed, hands-on demonstrations on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), emergency response protocols, and essential practices for maintaining heart health.

Medical professionals and healthcare staff from Manipal Hospitals facilitated the session, providing comprehensive training to employees of Victoria Memorial Hall, CISF personnel, staff members from various units, as well as school students present at the programme. The session emphasised the significance and practical application of CPR in real-life emergency situations.

In this video, grandmaster Dibyendu Barua shares his perspective, underscoring that CPR training is not limited to medical professionals but is equally vital for the general public. He highlights that emergencies occur without warning, making it imperative for individuals to be equipped with life-saving skills such as CPR as part of everyday preparedness.

22/04/2026

On the day of the CPR Training and Heart Health Awareness Programme held at Victoria Memorial Hall on 21 April 2026, Ms. Soma Chakraborty, Marketing Head, Manipal Hospitals, expressed sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and Victoria Memorial Hall for enabling a large-scale, life-saving training at such an iconic landmark. She highlighted the increasing incidence of cardiac conditions among younger individuals and emphasised the critical importance of public awareness and timely intervention through CPR, especially in situations where immediate medical assistance may not be readily available.

21/04/2026

On 16 April 2026, Victoria Memorial Hall, in collaboration with the Tibet Museum, successfully hosted a special lecture commemorating 25 Years of the Tibet Museum at the Conference Hall of VMH.
The session was delivered by Tenzin Topdhen, Director of the Tibet Museum, who reflected on the institution’s journey, its role in preserving Tibetan history and culture, and the evolving narratives of heritage, identity, and memory. The lecture drew an engaged audience and fostered meaningful dialogue on museum practice and cultural preservation.
The programme marked a significant moment of institutional collaboration, highlighting shared commitments to heritage education and cross-cultural understanding.

The technical session of the CPR Training and Heart Health Awareness Programme at Victoria Memorial Hall in collaboratio...
21/04/2026

The technical session of the CPR Training and Heart Health Awareness Programme at Victoria Memorial Hall in collaboration with Manipal Hospitals, on 21 April 2026 was led by senior medical experts from Manipal Hospitals. Dr Sumanta Chatterjee and Dr Kishen Goel conducted detailed, hands-on demonstrations on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), emergency response protocols, and essential practices for maintaining heart health.

Designed as an interactive and skill-oriented session, the training enabled Safai Mitras, students, citizens, and CISF staff to actively participate and gain practical exposure to life-saving techniques. Emphasising preparedness in high-footfall public spaces, the session reinforced the critical importance of timely intervention during medical emergencies.

Aligned with the ongoing Swachhata Pakhwada, the initiative extended the idea of cleanliness to holistic well-being—integrating health awareness, safety, and institutional responsibility in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Victoria Memorial Hall hosted a CPR Training and Heart Health Awareness Programme on 21 April 2026 at the Durbar Hall, i...
21/04/2026

Victoria Memorial Hall hosted a CPR Training and Heart Health Awareness Programme on 21 April 2026 at the Durbar Hall, in collaboration with Manipal Hospitals. The programme was graced by Mr. Thierry Morel, Consul General of France in Kolkata, as Chief Guest, and Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua as Guest of Honour.

The event commenced with a ceremonial floral tribute and felicitation of the dignitaries. Dr Sayan Bhattacharya, Secretary & Curator, VMH, delivered the welcome address, followed by remarks from Mr. Anil Kumar Malawat, Associate Director, Manipal Hospitals. The Guest of Honour, Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua, and Chief Guest, Mr. Thierry Morel, also addressed the gathering followed by a thank you note by Ms. Soma Chakraborty, Marketing Head, Manipal Hospitals, prior to the technical segment of the programme.

Aligned with the ongoing Swachhata Pakhwada, the initiative focused on equipping Safai Mitras and frontline staff with essential life-saving skills, reinforcing the link between cleanliness, health, and preparedness. Reflecting the evolving role of museums as active public spaces, the programme reaffirmed VMH’s commitment to community well-being, safety, and institutional responsibility in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Address

Victoria Memorial Hall, 1, Queens Way, Maidan
Kolkata
700071

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm
Sunday 10am - 6pm

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