Victoria MemorialLocated in the heart of Kolkata, the Victoria Memorial is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a prominent reminder of India’s colonial past. Commissioned by Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India, the monument was built in memory of Queen Victoria after her death in 1901. Construction began in 1906 and was completed in 1921, making it one of the grandest architectural projects of the British era in India.The Victoria Memorial stands out for its striking fusion of British and Mughal architectural styles, often described as Indo-Saracenic architecture. The structure is made entirely of white Makrana marble, the same marble used in the Taj Mahal, giving it a timeless and elegant appearance. Spread across 64 acres, the memorial is surrounded by lush, landscaped gardens featuring manicured lawns, shaded pathways, fountains, and statues of prominent British figures such as Lord Curzon, Charles Cornwallis, and Warren Hastings.At the top of the memorial stands the famous Angel of Victory, a 16-foot-tall bronze statue mounted on a rotating pedestal that moves with the wind. Inside, the Victoria Memorial Hall Museum houses over 25 galleries showcasing rare paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, photographs, weapons, and historical artifacts from the British period. Notable sections include the Calcutta Gallery, which traces the transformation of Kolkata from a colonial trading post to a major metropolis, and the Royal Gallery, which displays portraits of Queen Victoria and other British monarchs.Today, the Victoria Memorial remains not just a museum but a cultural and historical symbol of Kolkata, attracting history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and travelers from across the world.Location: Victoria Memorial Hall, 1, Queens Way, Maidan, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071Opening Hours: 10:00 AM- 06:00 PM (Tuesday- Sunday)Tickets: INR 50 for Indians and INR 500 for foreigners
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