Kolkata, the City of Joy, is not just about rosogolla, trams, and adda—it’s also a paradise for museum lovers. If you’ve ever Googled how many museums are there in Kolkata or searched for unique museums in Kolkata, this guide is for you. From the iconic Indian Museum Kolkata to offbeat gems like the Kolkata GPO Postal Museum and the futuristic Solar Dome Museum Kolkata, here’s a list that blends history, art, and innovation into one unforgettable cultural trail.
Emami Art
At the crossroads of creativity and sustainability lies Emami Art, a contemporary haven for thought-provoking exhibitions. Nestled in the Kolkata Centre for Creativity’s Green Building, this space is all about dialogue—between art, environment, and society. Expect avant-garde exhibitions, workshops, and even conversations that challenge the way you see the world. And the best part? The Emami Art entry fee is absolutely free, making it a guilt-free indulgence for all art lovers.
Where: Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, Anandapur, Kolkata
When: Monday to Saturday, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Mother Wax Museum
Want a selfie with Mahatma Gandhi or Amitabh Bachchan? The Wax Museum, also known as the Mother Wax Museum, lets you meet life-sized wax figures of legends from Bollywood to politics. It’s a playful mix of culture and fun, perfect for family outings or a quirky photo-op with your besties. Every sculpture here is a tribute to icons who shaped India and the world.
Where: Eco Park, New Town, Kolkata
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Entry Fee: Rs. 250
Indian Museum Kolkata
Established in 1814, the Indian Museum Kolkata is the oldest and largest museum in India—often called the nation’s treasure chest. With galleries dedicated to art, archaeology, and anthropology, this place is a time machine to India’s glorious past. From fossils and Mughal paintings to Egyptian mummies, every exhibit whispers a story of civilisation. No trip to Kolkata is complete without stepping into this icon.
Where: 27, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Entry Fee: Rs. 75
Birla Academy of Art and Culture
For those who love contemporary flair, the Birla Academy of Art and Culture is your go-to. Located in Ballygunge, it is where modern Indian and international art finds a beautiful canvas. The academy regularly curates exhibitions that provoke thought while celebrating beauty. Its tranquil vibe makes it a quiet refuge for art admirers looking to slow down in the chaos of the city.
Where: Southern Avenue, Lake Terrace, Ballygunge, Kolkata
When: Every day, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Entry Fee: Rs. 500
Tagore Museum
The ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore, Jorasanko Thakurbari, is a cultural pilgrimage for anyone curious about Bengal’s literary heart. The Tagore Museum here preserves manuscripts, personal items, and photographs of the Nobel Laureate, offering a window into his genius. Beyond the artefacts, the aura of the place connects you to Tagore’s world of poetry, art, and reform. The Jorasanko Thakurbari entry fee is Rs. 50 for adults, with student discounts and photography charges adding a slice of nostalgia.
Where: 6/4, Dwarkanath Tagore Lane, Kolkata
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: Rs. 50 for adults; Rs. 20 to free for students with ID; Rs. 50 per phone for photography
Academy of Fine Arts
Founded in 1933, the Academy of Fine Arts is Kolkata’s beating heart of creativity. From traditional paintings to experimental art, its exhibitions are diverse and vibrant. The academy also doubles as a performance venue, making it a hub for plays, music, and dance. Whether you’re an art connoisseur or a casual visitor, this cultural centre ensures you walk away inspired.
Where: 2, Cathedral Road, Kolkata
When: Monday to Saturday, 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Entry Fee: Rs. 150
Nehru Doll Museum
If you’re travelling with kids—or are a kid at heart—the Nehru Doll Museum (also known as Doll Museum Kolkata) is pure joy. It houses charming dolls, toys, and cultural artefacts that celebrate childhood and creativity. The museum is designed to make learning playful and memorable, proving that museums don’t have to be boring to teach history and art.
Where: 46, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Entry Fee: Rs. 20
Solar Dome Museum Kolkata
Kolkata surprises you with its futuristic side at the Solar Dome Museum Kolkata. Shaped like a 27-metre-high dome and powered by over 2,000 solar panels, this is India’s first renewable energy museum. Inside, you’ll find 50 interactive exhibits blending robotics, immersive tech, and green innovations. The Solar Dome Museum Kolkata ticket price is Rs. 200 per person, with an optional Rs. 100 add-on for a robot guide—seriously, how cool is that?
Where: Eco Park, New Town, Kolkata
When: Every day, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Entry Fee: Rs. 200 per person + Rs. 100 for robot guide
Kolkata Police Museum
Step into the world of law, order, and bravery at the Kolkata Police Museum. This gem preserves the legacy of the city’s police force, showcasing vintage uniforms, old documents, and photographs. From colonial policing to modern operations, every gallery honours the men and women who kept Kolkata safe. It’s a fascinating mix of history, crime, and courage.
Where: 113, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Roy Road, Kolkata
When: Every day, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Kolkata GPO Postal Museum
Tucked inside the historic GPO building at B.B.D. Bagh, the Kolkata GPO Postal Museum takes you back to the golden era of letters and telegrams. Established in 1884, it features vintage postmen’s uniforms, antique telephones, and maps of old telegraph circuits. Stamp collectors will love the philatelic library. More than a museum, it’s a reminder of how handwritten words once connected hearts across continents.
Where: Netaji Subhas Road, Fairley Place, B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata
When: Every day, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Entry Fee: Free
So, which museum you are heading first?
