Victoria Memorial, Kolkata

About Victoria Memorial

Victoria Memorial is one of the most magnificent monuments not only in the city of Calcutta but in our entire country. Dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria, now a museum under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, built between 1906-1921.

Architecture of Victoria Memorial

The architect of the Victoria Memorial was William Emerson. The design of the monument is in the Indo-Saracenic Revivalist style which uses a mix of British and Mughal elements with Venetian, Egyptian, Deccan architectural influences. It is made of white Makrana marble.

Interesting facts about Victoria Memorial

1. Victoria Memorial located in Kolkata is one of the major landmarks there. This beautiful creation was built in the memory of Queen Victoria and today it is famous for being a major tourist spot and museum of Kolkata.
2. This building was composed by mixing both British and Mughal styles. It is also known as Indo-Saracenic Revival Architecture (Indo-Arabic Neo-Architecture), a style of architecture used by the British Government in the 19th century.
3. The statue of 'Angel of Victory' is installed on the central dome of the Victoria Memorial. This statue, installed on a large ball bearing, moves around with the wind.
4. Like the Taj Mahal, Victoria Memorial is also built with Makrana marble. The creative elements of the dome and other compositions here are also similar to the design of the Taj Mahal.
5. There are many algorical statues around the central dome which depict art, architecture, kindness, justice, love, education and wisdom.
6. There are 25 galleries in the Victoria Memorial. Among these galleries are the Sculpture Gallery, the Majestic Gallery, the Central Hall, the Portrait Gallery, the Arms and Armory Gallery and the Kolkata Gallery. Other exhibits in the museum include old-fashioned coins, stamps and maps.
7. Near the gate you will see "VRI" written probably meaning Victoria Regina Imperatrix which means Victoria Queen and Queen. This could mean that Victoria who is the Queen of England is also the Queen of India. There is a strange and secret writing and "Dieu Et Mon Droit" which is written at the entrance of the memorial. It means "God and my authority" which probably refers to the right of the emperor to rule.

How to reach Victoria Memorial

By road:- Victoria Memorial is easily accessible by all modes of transport. You can travel to this place by taxi, bus or auto rickshaw.

By air:- The distance of Victoria Memorial from Netaji Subhash Chand Bose International Airport here is 22 km. If you are taking a car or taxi, it will take 1 hour and 2 minutes to reach Victoria Memorial.

By Train: - If you go by train, then at a distance of 11 km from Kolkata Railway Station, there is Victoria Memorial, from here you can take taxi or auto.

Nearby famous places

• Birla Planetarium 5 minutes away
• St. Paul's Cathedral 6 minutes away
• Academy of Fine Arts 6 minutes away
• Maidan 12 minutes away
• Metro Shopping Centre 9 minutes away
• Elliot Park 9 minutes away
• Park Street 22 minutes away
• Victoria Plaza 10 minutes away
• ISKCON Kolkata, Sri Sri Radha Govind Temple 18 minutes away
• Emami Shopper's City 11 minutes away
• Mother House 1.6 km away