Victoria Memorial known as one of the historic attractions of Kolkata, is situated near Maidan. Being located on the south of Maidan in Kolkata, Victoria Memorial is accessible from all parts of the city. It is believed that Lord Curzon was the first person who presented the idea of setting up an elegant structure to pay respect to Queen Victoria. Sir William Emerson provided the first ever design for Victoria Memorial.
The stone laying ceremony of Victoria Memorial, presided over by the Prince of Wales, took place in 1906. However, it was only in the year of 1921 that this historic structure became accessible to the general mass.
Spanning over a lush green land of 26 hectares, the entire structure of Victoria Memorial is made of white marble. The prime appeal of Victoria Memorial lies in the magnificent portraits, statues and articles showcased in the galleries. Sound & Light Show of Victoria Memorial from 7.15 pm to 8.00 pm provides a bright and enriching view of the British Raj.
The Royal gallery of Victoria Memorial in Kolkata possesses miniature paintings of King George V,
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Queen Mary and Queen Victoria. Also, arms and ammunitions, recovered from the Battle of Plassey, can be seen here. The Kolkata gallery of Victoria Memorial presents an excellent view of the city in its earliest period of evolution till 1911. The ivory chair and pistols used by Warren Hastings, throne of the Nawab and medals given by Queen Victoria to Prince Dwarkanath Tagore are some other historic specimen that are kept in Victoria Memorial for public view.
The statues of Lord Ripon and Lord Bentinck are present in the 64 acres of the sprawling garden of Victoria Memorial. Also, the elegant statue of Queen adorned with the star of India stands in the garden of Victoria Memorial in Calcutta.
Visitors can reach Victoria Memorial through bus, taxi and metro rail. The nearest metro station is at Maidan, whereas the nearby railway station is at Howrah. People can visit Victoria Memorial on any day of the week except Mondays. Victoria Memorial is open from 10.00 am to 17.00 pm between the months of March and October, while from November to February the timings are 10.00 am to 16.00 pm.
Enchanted by its sheer grandeur Victoria Memorial is visited by large number of tourists every day.
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