Kolkata, West Bengal
Victoria Memorial is a grand white marble monument in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, dedicated to Queen Victoria, the former Empress of India. Located at 1, Queen's Way, the memorial stands as a prominent symbol of the city's colonial heritage. Proposed by Lord Curzon after Queen Victoria's death in 1901, the foundation stone was laid in 1906, and the monument was inaugurated in 1921. Designed by Sir William Emerson, the structure blends Italian Renaissance and Mughal architectural styles, earning it the nickname "Taj of the Raj." The building measures 103 meters by 70 meters and rises to a height of 56 meters, topped by a 5-meter-tall bronze 'Angel of Victory.' Constructed using Makrana marble from Rajasthan, it is surrounded by 64 acres of landscaped gardens designed by Sir David Prain and Lord Redesdale, making it one of Kolkata's most iconic landmarks and a must-visit destination for history, architecture, and culture enthusiasts.
The Victoria Memorial was proposed by Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India, after Queen Victoria's death in 1901, as a tribute to the former Empress of India. The foundation stone was laid in 1906, and the monument was inaugurated in 1921, taking 15 years to complete. The memorial was designed by Sir William Emerson, who blended Italian Renaissance and Mughal architectural styles, creating a unique structure that earned it the nickname "Taj of the Raj." The building was constructed using Makrana marble from Rajasthan, the same marble used in the construction of the Taj Mahal, adding to its grandeur and significance. The memorial stands as a symbol of the British colonial era in India and serves as a testament to Kolkata's historical importance as the capital of British India. The 64 acres of landscaped gardens surrounding the memorial were designed by Sir David Prain and Lord Redesdale, providing a serene and beautiful setting for the monument. Over the decades, the Victoria Memorial has become one of Kolkata's most iconic landmarks, attracting millions of visitors from around the world who come to admire its architectural beauty and learn about the city's colonial history.
Makrana Marble Construction: Constructed using Makrana marble from Rajasthan, the same marble used in the Taj Mahal
Blended Architecture: Blends Italian Renaissance and Mughal architectural styles, earning it the nickname "Taj of the Raj"
Dimensions: The building measures 103 meters by 70 meters and rises to a height of 56 meters
Angel of Victory: Topped by a 5-meter-tall bronze statue of the 'Angel of Victory'
64-Acre Gardens: Surrounded by 64 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens designed by Sir David Prain and Lord Redesdale
Museum Galleries: Houses a museum with 25 galleries including the Royal Gallery, National Leaders' Gallery, Portrait Gallery, and the Kolkata Gallery
Extensive Collections: Boasts an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, and artifacts related to Queen Victoria, the British Raj, and India's freedom fighters
Thomas Daniell Collection: Holds the largest single collection of works by Thomas Daniell and his nephew, William Daniell
Admiring the grand white marble architecture and design
Exploring the 25 museum galleries with extensive collections
Viewing the Royal Gallery with portraits of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
Visiting the Kolkata Gallery with life-sized diorama of 19th-century Chitpur Road
Strolling through the 64 acres of landscaped gardens
Photography of the monument, gardens, and architectural details
Learning about Kolkata's colonial history and British Raj
Viewing the extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts
Appreciating the Thomas Daniell and William Daniell art collection
Museum Galleries Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Closed on Mondays and designated national holidays
Garden Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Open all days
Museum Entry Fees: Indian Nationals: ₹50; SAARC Countries: ₹100; Other Foreign Nationals: ₹500; Free for school students (up to Class XII in uniform with school ID), differently-abled visitors (with U.D.I.D Card), and army personnel (with ID)
Garden Entry Fees: Daily Ticket: ₹30 per person; Yearly Ticket: ₹1,000 (for senior citizens)
Best Time to Visit: During visiting hours, with morning visits recommended for the gardens and afternoon for the museum
Photography: Check photography policies before taking pictures; some areas may have restrictions
Location: 1, Queen's Way, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071, India
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata – approx. 19 km
Major Railway Stations:
Howrah Junction Railway Station – approx. 6 km
Sealdah Railway Station – approx. 4 km
Kolkata Railway Station – approx. 5 km
Metro Station: Maidan Metro Station – directly accessible, making it easily accessible via the Kolkata Metro network
Nearby Attractions: Located near Birla Planetarium, St. Paul's Cathedral, Fort William, Princep Ghat, and BBD Bagh Gardens
The memorial is strategically located in the heart of Kolkata, making it easily accessible from various parts of the city and well-connected to major transportation hubs.
Victoria Memorial is well connected by road, metro, and rail. The memorial is located at Queen's Way in the heart of Kolkata, which provides excellent connectivity to the city center and surrounding areas. The Maidan Metro Station is directly accessible, making it easily accessible via the Kolkata Metro network. Taxis and cabs are readily available from the airport and railway stations to the memorial. 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. The memorial is easily accessible from major railway stations including Howrah Junction, Sealdah, and Kolkata stations, and the international airport, making it convenient for both local visitors and tourists. The memorial's central location and excellent connectivity make it easily accessible and a popular destination for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, students, researchers, and tourists exploring Kolkata's rich cultural heritage. The memorial's proximity to other attractions like Birla Planetarium, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Fort William makes it part of a popular tourist circuit in the city.