Kolkata, West Bengal
Metcalfe Hall is a heritage building located at the junction of Strand Road and Hare Street in Kolkata's business district, West Bengal, India. Constructed between 1840 and 1844, it was designed by city magistrate C.K. Robinson and named after Sir Charles T. Metcalfe, the Governor-General of India, in recognition of his efforts towards a free press. The building's architecture is reminiscent of ancient Greek temples, featuring thirty massive Corinthian columns that support a substantial entablature. Originally, Metcalfe Hall housed the Calcutta Public Library collection, which included 4,675 volumes transferred from the College of Fort William by Lord Metcalfe. Today, the ground floor contains the Asiatic Society's rare foreign journals and manuscripts, while the first floor hosts offices, exhibition galleries, and a sales counter of the Archaeological Survey of India, making it a significant historical and cultural landmark in Kolkata.
Metcalfe Hall was constructed between 1840 and 1844, designed by city magistrate C.K. Robinson during the British colonial period. The building was named after Sir Charles T. Metcalfe, the Governor-General of India, in recognition of his efforts towards a free press and his contributions to the administration of British India. Originally, Metcalfe Hall housed the Calcutta Public Library collection, which included 4,675 volumes transferred from the College of Fort William by Lord Metcalfe, establishing it as an important center of learning and knowledge in colonial Calcutta. The building's Greek temple-inspired architecture, with its thirty massive Corinthian columns, reflects the neoclassical architectural style popular during the colonial era. Over the decades, Metcalfe Hall has served various purposes, evolving from a public library to its current role as a repository for the Asiatic Society's rare collections and the Archaeological Survey of India's offices and exhibition galleries. The hall stands as a testament to Kolkata's colonial heritage and its role as a center of learning, culture, and administration during the British Raj. Today, Metcalfe Hall continues to serve as a significant historical and cultural landmark, preserving rare manuscripts and serving as a center for archaeological and historical research.
Greek Temple Architecture: The building's architecture is reminiscent of ancient Greek temples, featuring classical design elements
Thirty Corinthian Columns: Features thirty massive Corinthian columns that support a substantial entablature, creating an impressive facade
Neoclassical Design: Reflects the neoclassical architectural style popular during the colonial era
Asiatic Society Collections: The ground floor contains the Asiatic Society's rare foreign journals and manuscripts
Archaeological Survey of India: The first floor hosts offices, exhibition galleries, and a sales counter of the Archaeological Survey of India
Heritage Building: Recognized as a heritage building preserving Kolkata's colonial architectural legacy
Historical Significance: Originally housed the Calcutta Public Library with 4,675 volumes from the College of Fort William
Elegant Interior: Features elegant decor and well-maintained interiors suitable for events and exhibitions
Admiring the Greek temple-inspired architecture and Corinthian columns
Exploring the Asiatic Society's rare foreign journals and manuscripts on the ground floor
Visiting the Archaeological Survey of India's exhibition galleries and sales counter on the first floor
Learning about the building's history and its role in colonial Calcutta
Understanding the connection to Sir Charles T. Metcalfe and the free press movement
Photography of the impressive architectural facade and columns
Attending exhibitions and events hosted in the hall
Appreciating the neoclassical design and heritage architecture
Visiting Hours: Open every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Closed on Mondays and public holidays
Entry Fee: ₹25 per person
Best Time to Visit: During visiting hours, preferably on weekdays for a peaceful visit
Photography: Check photography policies before taking pictures; some areas may have restrictions
Respectful Behavior: Visitors should maintain respectful behavior as it is a heritage site and houses rare collections
Nearby Attractions: Located near Millennium Park, making it convenient to visit both attractions together
Location: Junction of Strand Road and Hare Street, Kolkata's business district, West Bengal, India
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata – approx. 20 km
Major Railway Stations:
Howrah Railway Station – approx. 4 km
Sealdah Railway Station – approx. 3 km
Kolkata Railway Station – approx. 2 km
Metro Station: Mahakaran Metro Station (East-West Metro Line) – directly accessible, just 5-minute walk away; or Esplanade Metro Station (North-South Metro Line) – approximately 1.5 km away
Nearby Attractions: Located near Millennium Park, making it convenient to visit both attractions together
Metcalfe Hall is strategically located in Kolkata's business district at the junction of Strand Road and Hare Street, making it easily accessible from various parts of the city and well-connected to major transportation hubs.
Metcalfe Hall is well connected by road, metro, and rail. The hall is located at the junction of Strand Road and Hare Street in Kolkata's business district, which provides excellent connectivity to the city center and surrounding areas. The Mahakaran Metro Station on the East-West Metro Line is directly accessible, just 5 minutes walk away, providing convenient access via the Kolkata Metro network. Alternatively, the Esplanade Metro Station on the North-South Metro Line is approximately 1.5 km away, from where visitors can take a taxi or walk through BBD Bagh. Public bus services operated by the West Bengal Transport Corporation and other operators provide regular connectivity to the area. Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cab services operate regularly in the area, offering convenient access for visitors. Metcalfe Hall is easily accessible from major railway stations including Howrah, Sealdah, and Kolkata stations, with Kolkata station being just 2 km away, and the international airport, making it convenient for both local visitors and tourists. The hall's location in the business district and excellent connectivity make it easily accessible and a popular destination for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, researchers, and tourists exploring Kolkata's rich colonial heritage. The hall's proximity to Millennium Park makes it convenient to visit both attractions together.