Victoria Memorial History – A Monument for the Empress

The Victoria Memorial Hall was commissioned by Lord Curzon after the death of Queen Victoria in 1901. Constructed between 1906 and 1921, it was designed in the Indo-Saracenic revival style by architect William Emerson, blending Mughal, Venetian, and Egyptian elements.

The monument was built with public donations and contributions from Indian royalty and was inaugurated by the then Prince of Wales. Today, it stands not just as a monument but as a living museum chronicling the story of British India.

Victoria Memorial Timing

• Museum & Galleries:
  🕙 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays & National Holidays)

• Gardens:
  🌳 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Open Daily)

For a peaceful experience, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the lighting is perfect for photography.

Victoria Memorial Tickets

• Museum Entry Fees:

  • Indians: ₹50

  • SAARC Countries: ₹100

  • Foreign Nationals: ₹500

  • Children up to Class XII, Armed Forces & Disabled: Free

• Garden Entry Fee: ₹30

  • Annual Garden Pass: ₹1,000 (Seniors), ₹2,000 (General)

• Light & Sound Show Tickets:

  • Adults: ₹20 | Children: ₹10
    (Shows are held in the evening and narrate the tale of Kolkata and the Victoria Memorial)

Tickets can be purchased on-site or pre-arranged by KolkataCityTour.com when booking a private tour.

Victoria Memorial Nearest Metro Station

Getting there is easy:

• Maidan Metro Station is the closest (2-3 mins walk)

• Rabindra Sadan Metro Station is also nearby

From both stations, the memorial is a short walk away. It’s also accessible via tram, taxi, or public buses from Esplanade or Park Street.

What’s Inside the Victoria Memorial Hall?

Once inside, the palace-like structure will take your breath away. Some must-see highlights include:

1. Central Hall & Dome – Features the iconic statue of Queen Victoria and a spectacular interior

2. Royal Gallery – Portraits, personal items, and paintings of Queen Victoria and her court

3. Kolkata Gallery – Displays the evolution of Kolkata from a village to the British capital of India

4. Arms & Armor Gallery – Historic weapons and royal artifacts

5. Sculpture Gallery – Marble and bronze busts of notable figures

6. Gardens – Spread over 64 acres, perfect for a walk or a peaceful sit-down

The Light & Sound Show – A Magical Evening

Stay back in the evening for the Light & Sound Show (available in English and Bengali). It’s an audiovisual treat that beautifully tells the story of Kolkata, British India, and the role of Queen Victoria.

Tip: Arrive 30 minutes early to grab good seats!

Visitor Tips

• Reach by 10:00 AM to beat the rush

• Dress comfortably and wear walking shoes

• Photography allowed only in the gardens (not inside galleries)

• Carry water and a hat if visiting in summer

• Don’t miss the Light & Sound show after dusk!

Include Victoria Memorial in Your Kolkata City Tour

Whether you’re visiting for a day or exploring deeper with KolkataCityTour.com, the Victoria Memorial is a must-see. We recommend combining it with:

• St. Paul’s Cathedral

• Indian Museum

• Birla Planetarium

• Princep Ghat

Let our expert team arrange entry tickets, guided tours, and transport for a smooth experience.

Final Thoughts

The Victoria Memorial Kolkata is more than just a monument. It’s a majestic blend of architecture, history, and emotion, offering a glimpse into colonial India and its regal past. Whether you’re a local rediscovering the city or a tourist seeing it for the first time, this marble marvel will leave you spellbound.

Book your personalized heritage tour now at KolkataCityTour.com and step into a piece of timeless history.