Victoria Memorial : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Built in the memory of Queen Victoria, the Victoria Memorial is a massive marble building located in the city of Kolkata, India. It was dedicated in 1921 and today is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country. This impressive and grand structure is the perfect representation of Indian history and culture and is a must-see for visitors when travelling to Kolkata. In this blog, we will explore some of the interesting facts, information and travel guide about the Victoria Memorial. We will delve into its history, architecture, main attractions, opening hours and more. So, if you’re interested to learn more about this stunning monument, read on!

Interesting Facts About Victoria Memorial

1. The Victoria Memorial Museum in Kolkata was built in 1921 in memory of Queen Victoria.

2. It was designed by Sir William Emerson and was constructed using white Makrana marble.

3. It houses a collection of sculpture, paintings, photographs and other historical artifacts from the British colonial period.

4. The museum has 21 galleries in total exhibiting artefacts related to the culture, history and lifestyle of the region.

5. Inside the museum, the biggest attraction is the Robert J. Holme’s Victoria Room, which is a collection of statues and busts of eminent figures from British India.

6. The Victoria Memorial is revered and visited by many people across India and the world.

7. The grounds of the Memorial is spread over 64 acres and are beautifully landscaped and feature a large lake, fountains and a sunken garden.

8. The Victoria Memorial has been declared a Grade I heritage building by the Government of India.

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History & Information About Victoria Memorial

The Victoria Memorial is a large white marble building dedicated as a memorial to Queen Victoria located in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It houses a museum of Indian History. Opened in 1921, it includes a sculpture garden, galleries, and an expansive collection of artifacts from British colonial-era rule in India.

The history of the Victoria Memorial began in 1901, when Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, proposed the idea of ​​building a memorial dedicated to Queen Victoria, to commemorate her reign in India. A fund was established to finance the construction, the site of the memorial was donated by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, and the project was met with enthusiasm by the Indian public. Construction of the memorial began in 1906 and was completed in 1921.

The Victoria Memorial houses various artifacts from the colonial period, as well as paintings, sculptures, and photographs, including images of Queen Victoria. Galleries are devoted to ancient and modern Indian art, weapons, coins, and Hindu and Mughal artifacts. The memorial has a sculpture garden featuring bronze and marble sculptures of prominent figures in Indian history, including Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, and Subhash Chandra Bose.

The Victoria Memorial is open to the public and also serves as an educational institution, organizing educational and cultural initiatives, including an annual lecture series, art exhibits, and lectures to promote understanding of India’s history.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Victoria Memorial

Victoria Memorial is an iconic building situated in the heart of Kolkata, West Bengal. It is a grand white marble building built in 1921 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee of 1887. The structure stands proudly on the Maidan, the largest open space in Kolkata. It is surrounded by lush gardens, sprawling lawns, and a lake. Inside the memorial, you will find numerous galleries displaying several artifacts, paintings, memorabilia, and photographs from the colonial era. This memorial is a great place to visit and it serves as a reminder of the colonial past of India.

Getting There:
Shahid Khudiram Metro Station is the closest metro station to the Victoria Memorial, located just 2 kms away. You can get off at this station and hire an auto-rickshaw or cab to reach the memorial.

Things To Do:
1. Explore the different galleries: Victoria Memorial has 25 galleries displaying memorabilia, paintings, artifacts, and photographs from the colonial period.
2. Take a guided tour: An audio guide to the Victoria Memorial is available. The guide will narrate the history and facts about the museum.
3. Admire the architecture: The memorial has a grand architecture built with white marble. Admire the intricate designs of the building.
4. Take a stroll in the garden: You can relax among the lush green gardens and mangrove trees that surround the memorial.
5. Shop for souvenirs: Inside the museum, you will find hundreds of shops selling souvenirs such as books, paintings, and keychains. You can purchase these as memories of your visit.

Tips:
1. You can purchase tickets online beforehand to avoid long queues.
2. There are guide books that you can buy from the gift shop or online to know more about the history of the memorial.
3. Make sure to carry an umbrella to shield yourself from the sun during the hot summers.
4. The museum is open to visitors from 10 am to 5 pm.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Victoria Memorial

Q1. What is the history of Victoria Memorial?
A1. The Victoria Memorial is a large marble building in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, which was built between 1906 and 1921. It is dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria and serves as a memorial to British imperialism in India.

Q2. What are the important features of Victoria Memorial?
A2. The Victoria Memorial features a large hall surrounded by a garden, which houses various sculptures, paintings and other objects of art. It also has a museum, which displays various artifacts related to the British Raj in India. The memorial is a popular tourist attraction and a popular venue for events such as concerts, film screenings and receptions.

Q3. What are the opening timings of Victoria Memorial?
A3. The Victoria Memorial opens daily from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. On Tuesdays and Sundays it opens from 4:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 4:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The memorial is closed on Goverment holidays.

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