So, here’s a complete guide for visiting with 11 amazing Victoria Memorial facts you didn’t know before. We paid a small donation to enter and a kind man guided us around the graveyard giving us a commentary as we went. Today, I think we can all agree, he did just that. For other memorials to Queen Victoria, see, Memorial-museum in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The gardens that surround the building and the Memorial Gallery museum inside building itself. Resemblance to Taj Mahal. Victoria Memorial Victoria Memorial, Kolkata Established1921; 100 years ago … The Memorial Gallery museum opens from 10am – 6 pm and this is when it gets really busy with tour groups and crowds. The Victoria Memorial's architect was William Emerson (1843–1924), president of the Royal Institute of British Architects. The Victoria Memorial is open every day except Mondays and public holidays. However, the galleries and their exhibitions, the programmatic elements of the memorial do not compete with the purely architectural spaces or voids. It was divulged a decade after in 1911. The BC Ferries terminal is 35 minutes’ drive away. Chloe Bibby averaging 19.5 points on Maryland Women's Basketball road trip! Every morning thousands of flower sellers gather by the Hooghly river to sell their blooms to temples and businesses. Today it houses a museum covering the history of the Raj and is surrounded by English-style gardens. Ask them to put on the meter or negotiate a price beforehand. [23], The gardens at the Victoria memorial cover 64 acres (260,000 m2) and are maintained by a team of 21 gardeners. So, due to natural inflation, the construction actually cost over £19 million pounds in today’s money! Unlike Delhi, the subway system here has no air-conditioning, so it’s sweaty work but worth it if you’re on a budget. We see this on postboxes and palaces everywhere in the UK. It was designed and built by Sir Thomas Brock between 1911 and 1924. Located in the heart of Kolkata, the museum is easily reached by public transport. It was a great way to see the city from a new perspective. All the locals were praying and singing. It is dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria, then Empress of India, and is now a museum under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture. Construction officially started in 1910, so it took 11 years to build and was designed by Sir William Emerson, the President of British Institute of Architects. The most important thing to know is that victoria memorial is closed on Sunday,Monday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday. Entrance costs 30 rupees per head. You have the Royal Gallery which has many portraits of Queen Victoria and Albert. Bonus Fun Fact: There are rumours that there was a Black Taj Mahal mausoleum built in Agra mentioned in poems by Sajo Ojas Hizra II from 1655! Your ticket includes a ride on the river, light snacks onboard (which were really filling) and a tour of Belur Math. It is dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria (1819–1901) and is now a museum and tourist destination under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture. The Victoria memorial wasn’t finished until 20 years after her death in 1921! During the time of the British Raj (1958-1947), Calcutta was the capital of India and Queen Victoria was the Empress that wore the British Crown that ruled over the sub-Indian continent. A tribute to Queen Victoria by the viceroy of India, the giant, white-marble building was erected over a 15-year period, starting in 1906. The most shocking thing I read in all of the amazing facts is that before the Victoria Memorial was built here, this land was where the Presidency Jail stood! Recognized as the symbol of Kolkata, this monument houses a museum displaying British memorabilia and knick knacks from the time of the Raj. What on earth is a huge colonial building doing in the middle of West Bengal’s biggest city and why was it here? There are also domed octagonal chaatris, high portals and domed towers at the corners. Please see my disclosure policy for details. In fact, the British stopped all photography of monuments, fearing that some would fall into the hands of Japanese spies. If you look on top of the tallest dome, you’ll see a 16-feet tall angel. After 1947, when India gained independence, additions were made. There are many yellow ambassador taxis that make their way around the city and will gladly take you there. Victoria Memorial Photo by Jyotirmai, CC BY 2.0. You simply pay at the booth for a token (around 10 rupees) and then you can get on the subway. The museum has an collection of British and Indian history. It stands for Victoria Regina Imperatrix which means Queen Victoria Emperor in Latin. In the paved quadrangles and elsewhere around the building, other statues commemorate Hastings, Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis, Robert Clive, Arthur Wellesley, and James Broun-Ramsay, 1st Marquess of Dalhousie. Once you are in Kolkata it is a sin not to visit the Victoria Memorial… Following an order of the Calcutta High Court in 2004, an entry fee was imposed for the gardens, a decision welcomed by the general public except for few voices of dissent. 7. So, if you didn’t want to go inside and see the gallery, it costs next to nothing to enjoy the monument. [citation needed], The Victoria Memorial has 25 galleries. A long term UK expat in India turned travel blogger. You’ll find rare editions of William Shakespeare and the Rubaiyat by Omar Khayyam. As night falls, lighting of the Victoria Memorial makes it look even more mesmerizing. Memorial is spread over 64 acres of land. The inspiration for the Indo-Saracenic Rivalist or Indo-Gothic design was taken from Mughal architecture and blended with British elements. There are kilos upon kilos of freshly cut flowers for sale. But, it was really lovely as we arrived for the evening aarti. Victoria's childhood rosewood pianoforte and her correspondence desk from Windsor Castle stand in the centre of the room. It was designed in 1901, unveiled in 1911, and completed in 1924. Another thing that you can do in Kolkata is take a cruise along the Hooghly River at sunset. Each contributor can upload a maximum of 5 photos for a cemetery. Victoria Memorial Gardens; Added: 2 Dec 2004; Find a Grave Cemetery: #2129415; Add Photos. Visit Us . The Victoria Memorial is a large marble building in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, which was built between 1906 and 1921. It stands in front of Buckingham Palace at the west end of the Mall. A British memorial, Victoria memorial is dedicated to Queen Victoria, the erstwhile queen of England and British India. It remains closed on Republic Day, Holi, Independence Day, Id-ul-Fitr, Gandhi Jayanti, Dusserah and Christmas. The funding came from voluntary contributions from Indian royalty. Your email address will not be published. Another fun fact: Queen Victoria, has the record of being the second longest reigning monarch in the history of Britain. While we were here, they had just celebrated Durga Puja. What time does the Victoria Memorial open in Kolkata? One can visit the museum of Victoria Memorial Hall from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm on week days excluding Monday. Thousands of tourists flock to see this gorgeous colonial building each year. 8. Join 80,000 readers! Click here to book your stay for the night. The oil paintings are copies of those in London. This temple complex over the river has many temples and some dedicated to the famous philosopher Swami Vivekananda. Its's an excellent masterpiece and a great place to hangout with friends and families. The Victoria Memorial was painted entirely black in World War II, 11. 1. Media in category "War memorials in Victoria, Australia" The following 200 files are in this category, out of 368 total. But, you’re not allowed to take photos inside the Gallery or the exhibits inside. She was the Empress of Great Britain during that time and ruled over India. So, he campaigned for more Indian nationals to be involved in politics and the governing of the country. Designed by Thomas Brock to commemorate Queen Victoria. As you have to pay to enter, the park was very well maintained, clean and safe too. The construction of the Victoria Memorial was delayed by Curzon's departure from India in 1905 with a subsequent loss of local enthusiasm for the project, and by the need for testing of the foundations. (previous page) () Always having a restless soul seeking adventure, she has now travelled to over 30+ countries, many of them solo. [8] Thus, the Victoria Memorial was built in what would be a provincial city rather than a capital. He wanted it to be so grand, that all tourists visiting Kolkata for years to come will see the past revived before their very eyes and remember her. The dome and other structural elements of the structure also echo the design of Taj Mahal. Even if it's on their own! Victoria is seated on her throne, wearing the robes of the Star of India. Galleries at Victoria Memorial. Queen Victoria ruled the UK for about 64 years and this memorial was designed right after her death in 1901. It is constructed of white Makrana marble. The Victoria Memorial is located on Chowringhee Road in Kolkata on Queen’s Way. The grand white palace amidst the lush green gardens not only overwhelms the visitors, it also offers a time-machine ride back to the British age. South Park Street Cemetery was established in 1767 and was a place where a lot of the British colonial residents were buried. Or, £162,377.25 in pound sterling. ", "Art books: a basic bibliography of monographs on artists. Sign Up to Get the Latest Adventures Straight to Your Mailbox! Beyond the memorial, this was one of the favourite parts of my visit and you could spend hours wandering around. 7. I want to inspire you & turn your wildest travel dreams into a reality through my useful travel guides and tips! The Victoria Memorial's foundation stone was set in 1906 and the building opened in 1921. It was then shipped all the way from Cheltenham in England across the sea to India in 1920. It is dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria, then Empress of India, and is now a museum under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture. 9. The commissioning committee decided the memorial should be 'monumental'. They were designed by Redesdale and David Prain. Like Taj Mahal, Victoria Memorial is also built using Makrana marble. Leaving her heart in India, which gifted her a "Third Eye", she felt inspired to share her travel stories in the hope of encouraging others to explore this big beautiful world of ours. The garden also contains statues of Lord William Bentinck, governor-general of India (1833–1835), George Robinson, 1st Marquess of Ripon, governor-general of India (1880–84), and Rajendra Nath Mookerjee, a pioneer industrialist of Bengal. You can stay in one of their beautiful deco-like rooms with four-poster beds and it has a gorgeous washroom with a bathtub. The Victoria Memorial is one of such places, which was built in the honour of Queen Victoria. [5] This enormous, gleaming white building is located on Queen’s Way and was built to celebrate the life of Queen Victoria. They include: Victoria receiving the sacrament at her coronation in Westminster Abbey (June 1838); Victoria's marriage to Albert in the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace (1840); the christening of the Prince of Wales in Windsor Castle (1842); the marriage of Edward VII to Princess Alexandra (1863); Victoria at the First Jubilee service at Westminster Abbey (1887) and the Second Jubilee service at St. Paul's Cathedral (June 1897). Your email address will not be published. We chose to go with the highly recommended Vivada Cruises who run services daily. He was the Viceroy of India during that time. In 1912, before the construction of the Victoria Memorial was finished, King George V announced the transfer of the capital of India from Calcutta to New Delhi. The British government did shell out a small amount to oversee the construction of the memorial, however. Visit religious sanctuaries such as Mother Teresa’s Mission and Mother House, the Jain Temple and the Magen David Synagogue, and admire architectural wonders like the Victoria Memorial and the Howrah Bridge. But the tickets for foreign nationals are 500 rupees each. So, now we’ve covered little bit about visiting the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, you’re probably after a bit of background about what the building is and why it is here! You can see the whole building light up in different colours with music against the night sky. The Mall, London SW1A 1AA. Personally, I would use Uber to get there to get a fair price. Another fact is that when the British rule in India was over in 1947, the city moved a lot of the colonial statues dotted around the city into the gardens! Before the memorial was here, it was the location of the Presidency Jail! Some of the most famous prisoners held in the Presidency Jail were Sri Aurobindo, a philosopher and Subhas Chandra Bose, an Indian Nationalist. After a day of exploring Victoria, guests can relax with a luxurious in-room spa service. Opening Hours : 11.00 AM - 5.00 PM (All days except Monday and National Holidays) The Gardens Victoria Memorial is an iconic structure that is synonymous with the city of joy! 8. [6] As one of the top attractions in Kolkata, you really can’t miss a visit. This was like an oasis to return to after a hot sweaty day out exploring in the monsoon! This market is the ultimate muse for photography and you’ll get to experience some of the real-life in the city by watching and meeting the locals. Illumination. In 1902, Emerson engaged Esch to sketch his original design for the Victoria Memorial. Also, you can find the French motto of the British Monarch ‘Dieu Et Mon Droit’ which means ‘God and my right’. Although the meeting was held in 1901, the first foundation stone of the memorial was laid by King George V in 1906. The gallery is closed off to the public on Monday’s. Kolkata is a HUGE city and you could honestly spend months here and not get everything done. Back then, he was the Prince of Wales and he didn’t become Emperor until his father Edward VII died in 1910. Book your tickets online for Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata: See 4,597 reviews, articles, and 3,670 photos of Victoria Memorial Hall, ranked No.5 on Tripadvisor among 248 attractions in Kolkata. Designed in 1901, it was unveiled on 16 May 1911, though it was not completed until 1924. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in … The building is a museum that has 26 galleries that you can visit and inside is 30,000 artefacts. Kolkata airport was named after him! They are super strict with security on that as a lot of artefacts are on loan to the museum and they need to protect entrances and exits so that intruders don’t break in! Spend a day visiting Kolkata’s most iconic landmarks on this private tour of the West Bengal capital. Other things to do in Kolkata after the Victoria Memorial, Kumortuli Kolkata – 8 Amazing Reasons to Visit the Potters Quarter (Statue Village). On the south wall hangs the Russian artist Vasily Vereshchagin's oil painting of the state entry of Edward VII in Jaipur in 1876. I don’t know how it works, but apparently the angel moves or ‘flies’ with the wind! I even extended my trip to 5 days and I feel I only scratched the surface. There are 25 galleries in Victoria Memorial. Victoria Memorial … A well-equipped fitness centre is available to guests of Inn at Laurel Point. [13] The building is 338 by 228 feet (103 by 69 m) and rises to a height of 184 feet (56 m). Finally, there is a large terrace. The Angel now sits on the top of the memorial and weighs over 3 and a half tonnes. Curzon said, "Let us, therefore, have a building, stately, spacious, monumental and grand, to which every newcomer in Calcutta will turn, to which all the resident population, European and Native, will flock, where all classes will learn the lessons of history, and see revived before their eyes the marvels of the past. For the last few years, I've been travelling (mostly) solo around the world. It only remained open for burials until 1790 and completely closed in 1830. [6] The Calcutta gallery houses a visual display of the history and development of Calcutta from Job Charnock (1630–1692) of the English East India Company to 1911, when the capital of India was transferred to New Delhi. View details, map and photos of this single family property with 5 bedrooms and 4 total baths. Inside is the Victoria Memorial Gallery museum that has over 30,000 artefacts, 10. 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