Victoria memorial
The Victoria Memorial in Kolkata is much more than an epochal landmark or a historical building in the city. This wonderful monument cum museum stands as a reminder of the city’s colonial and architectural heritage. Nestled against lush green lawns, this lavish memorial made of marble is also one of the top tourist attractions in Kolkata.
Looking for more details about this prime heritage memorial in Kolkata? Here’s everything you need to know about the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata including their timings, entry fees, history, architecture, and other interesting facts.
Information:-
- Name:- Victoria Memorial
- Location:- Queen’s Way
- Nearest Metro Station:- Maiden
- Status:- Museum under the Ministry of Culture
- Made By:- Lord Curzon
- Year of Establishment:- In the year 1921
- Museum Timing:- 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; closed on Mondays and National Holidays
- Garden Timing:- 5:30 am to 6:15 pm; everyday
- Museum Entry Fee:- INR 30 for the Indians; INR for the Foreigners of SAARC countries; INR 500 for Foreigners of other countries
- Garden Entry Fee:- INR 20 per head
- Annual Fee for Morning Walkers:- INR 2000 per person; INR 1000 for senior citizens
- Dimensions:- 103 meters (Length) x 69 meters (Width) x 56 meters (Height)
- Garden Area:- 57 Acres
- Architecture Style:- Indo – Saracenic Revivalist
- Architect:- William Emerson
- Material Used:- Makrana Marble
History:-
The Victoria Memorial in Kolkata is one of the top historical places in the Kolkata. It is the brainchild of Lord Curzon who is a Viceroy of India. When Queen Victoria, who was the Empress of British India was died in the year January 1901, then Curzon suggested building a grand memorial to honour her. He proposed the memorial to be a stately edifice with a museum where visitors get a sight of the marvels of the past. The foundation for the memorial was laid on the year 4 January 1906 by the Prince of Wales, who later became the King George V. The Memorial was inaugurated and opened for the public visits in the year 1921. Later, some additions were made to the memorial after India gained the Independence.
Architecture:-
The Victoria Memorial features Indo – Saracenic revivalist architectural style which displays a combination of Mughal and British elements along with Egyptians, Islamics, Venetians, and Deccani elements. Made of white Markana marble, the memorial has dimensions of 103 meters by 69 meters and reaches up to a height of 56 meters.
In terms of design, Victoria Memorial draws inspiration from the Taj Mahal as it has a main central dome, four smaller domes, high portals, domed chaatris of octagonal shape, domed towers at the corners, and terrace. The Angel of Victory that a 16 – feet tall figure, stands on top of the central dome. You can find several allegorical statues surrounding the central dome, including Charity, Justice, Art, and Architecture. The North Porch has allegorical statues of Prudence, Motherhood, and Learning.
Interesting Facts:-
- Before the construction of the memorial, the location housed the Presidency jail and the jail was shifted to Alipore and the structure was demolished to make way for the memorial.
- Lord Curzon made an appeal to the public and donations were collected from all over the country and only a part of the construction cost was shouldered by the British Government.
- The Victoria Memorial was painted black in the year 1943 during World War II. This was done to cover-up the building and prevent it from being a target of Japanese air raid bombings.
Places near Victoria Memorial for visit:-
- Maiden about 550m
- P. Birla Planetarium about 650m
- Paul’s Cathedral about 700m
- Elliot Park about 750m
- Netaji Bhawan about 2.4km
- Indian Museum about 2.5km
- Shaheed Minar about 2.8km
