A noticeable building in Calcutatta with great exhibits
Around the corner from Sudder Street is the Indian Museum (27 JL Nehru Rd, T033- 2286 1679, Tue-Sun Mar-Nov 1000-1700, Dec-Feb 1000-1630, foreigners Rs 150, Indians Rs 10) cameras Rs 50/100 with tripod, possibly Asia’s largest. The Jadu Ghar (House of Magic) was founded in 1814 and has a worthwhile collection. The colonnaded Italianate building facing the Maidan has 36 galleries (though large sections are often closed off). Parts are poorly lit and gathering dust so it is best to be selective. Highlights include the geological collection with Siwalik fossils, natural history and anthropology, outstanding exhibits from the Harappa and Moenjodaro periods, a prized collection of Buddhist art, miniature paintings, ‘Art and Textile’ with ivory, glass and silverware, Theme Gallery with rare paintings and 200-year-old hand-drawn maps, and many more. You need permission to see the exceptional collection of over 50,000 coins. Allow a couple of hours.
