The Birla Industrial & Technological Museum West Bengal, is one of the marvellous destinations for science and technology lovers. Established in 1959 by the Birla Foundation, it is among India’s earliest established museums of such a genre. From machine and engine models to a show on space exploration and energy, Birla Industrial & Technological Museum has several exhibits that take an exciting journey into the world of industrial development, engineering, and technological advancement.
Location
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Birla Industrial & Technological Museum is at Gurusaday Road in central Kolkata, West Bengal. Well connected to the major city landmarks, the museum is close to areas like South City Mall and Kalighat Temple. The Birla Industrial & Technological Museum address is 19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata – 700019. The museum is easily accessible by public transport as well as private vehicles. Besides an auto-rickshaw, the Birla Industrial & Technological Museum in Kolkata is also accessible by metro, bus, and taxi.
How To Reach
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By Road: The museum is well connected by road. It’s relatively easy to access from any point in the city. You may take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or Ola or Uber.
By Metro: The nearest metro station to the museum is Mahanayak Uttam Kumar (Tollygunge Metro Station). It is around 1.5 km from here. An auto-rickshaw ride will take you there.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Howrah Junction, 7 km. You can reach the museum by taxi or public transport.
Things To Do
There are various things to do at the Birla Industrial & Technological Museum:
1. Discover Hands-On Exhibits
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Among the attractions at Birla Industrial & Technological Museum is the high collection of interactive display exhibits. The visitors can touch and operate and see demonstrations of working models of machines, engines, and scientific instruments. Birla Industrial & Technological Museum is an ideal hands-on learning place for students and technology enthusiasts to experience the scientific and engineering world. The exhibits on energy, space science, and transportation attract significant visitors.
2. Visit Science Demonstrations And Workshops
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
While here, observe the live science demonstrations and workshops at the Birla Industrial & Technological Museum. They make one appreciate ‘science’ by bringing complex concepts to life through easy-to-understand gestures of fascinating physics experiments to sophisticated technological displays. Its interactive shows, in fact, really work like a treat for children and adults.
3. Visit Special Thematic Galleries
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
There are several thematic galleries in the Birla Industrial & Technological Museum. Among these thematic galleries, noteworthy is the Space Science Gallery, which portrays India’s victories in exploring outer space. Similarly, the Energy Gallery has patrons who come to learn about renewable energy sources. Other thematic areas include the Industrial Revolution and the communications gallery. There are thematic areas providing insight into technological development as modern society transforms. The thematic areas have been devised to deliver comprehensive insights into various disciplines of science and technology.
Places To Visit Around The Birla Industrial & Technological Museum
These are the best places to visit around Birla Industrial & Technological Museum:
1. Indian Museum
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Indian Museum is one of India’s oldest and largest museums, approximately 4 km from the Birla Industrial & Technological Museum. It was formed in 1814 AD and houses a large collection of art, archaeology, anthropology, and natural history exhibits. It is a must-go visit for all those interested in ancient history and contributes the best to the rich cultural heritage of India.
Entry Fees: ₹20 for Indians and ₹500 for foreign nationals
Location: 4 km from Birla Industrial & Technological Museum
Best Time To Visit: October-March
2. Victoria Memorial
Photo: PramodKandulna / Wikimedia Commons
Located at a distance of almost 5 km from Birla Industrial & Technological Museum is the Victoria Memorial, which symbolises Kolkata’s colonial past. This fabulous white-marble building, flanked by beautiful gardens, comprises a museum. It elaborates on the British era in India. This is a magnificent destination for historical buffs and an appropriate place to spend a peaceful time amidst beauty.
Entry Fees: ₹30 for Indians and ₹500 for foreigners
Location: 5 km from Birla Industrial & Technological Museum
Best Time To Visit: Early morning or late afternoon
3. Kalighat Temple
Photo: Ankur P / Wikimedia Commons
It is nearly 2.5 km from the Birla Industrial & Technological Museum and is considered one of the 51 Shakti Peethas dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali. This temple is a historic pilgrimage point besides being an essential destination for architecture and design. The crowded area of the temple serves as an excellent place for those interested in the local culture and spirituality of Kolkata.
Entry Fees: Free
Location: 2.5 km from Birla Industrial & Technological Museum
Best Time To Visit: Morning, especially during the festivals like Durga Puja
4. Alambazar Market
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Alambazar Market is around 3 km from the Birla Industrial & Technological Museum. The Alambazar Market is known for its vivacity and diversity of goods sold. It is an excellent place to shop for everything ranging from fresh produce to Bengali handicrafts at affordable prices. It’s a beautiful spot to experience the city’s dynamic energy and see a glimpse of Kolkata’s everyday life.
Entry Fees: Free
Location: Approximately 3 km from Birla Industrial & Technological Museum
Best Time To Visit: Early mornings or late afternoons for an authentic shopping experience
Where To Stay
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Many good options exist for staying near the Birla Industrial & Technological Museum. If you need comfort and luxury, you have Oberoi Grand at a distance of 5 km. Taj Bengal, at a distance of 4 km, would be ideal for business purposes. If you are looking for a budget place, Hotel BnB Kolkata, located at a distance of 2 km, is good for comfort and affordability. All these hotels are well-located and have easy access to the museums and attractions in Kolkata.
Where To Eat
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You can binge on various cuisines while staying at the Birla Industrial & Technological Museum. To have a genuine taste of Bengali, you can visit Bhojohori Manna, 2 km from here. If you are craving fast food, you can visit Haldiram’s, 3 km away, and enjoy many Indian snacks and sweets. For a laid-back atmosphere, The Coffee House (4 km) is a major haunt for tea and snacks. These restaurants blend traditional and modern cuisine, making it a great experience during your visit.
Other Things To Consider
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October and March are considered the best seasons to visit Birla Industrial & Technological Museum as these months feel to be the most comforting during the season in Kolkata. Birla Industrial & Technological Museum timings range from 10 AM to 8 PM.
Average Cost Of The Trip
The average cost of travelling to the Birla Industrial & Technological Museum in terms of travel options for domestic tourists is ₹200 – ₹500 (approx.) and for international tourists is ₹500 – ₹800 (approx.)
Tips For Travellers
- Wear comfortable shoes, the museum is significant, and you can walk a lot.
- Plan your trip and allocate 2-3 hours to visit all the exhibits.
- There is a café within the museum, though it’s always a good idea to come in hydrated.
- The museum often holds workshops and live demonstrations, so it would be good to check out what they have scheduled before attending.
The Birla Industrial & Technological Museum is an exciting vacation in science, technology, and industrial development. With interactive exhibits, educational workshops, and other galleries, it’s an excellent place for someone looking to explore what would shape our modern world. Remember to get some exciting Birla Industrial & Technological Museum photos to know the highlights of this marvellous museum in Kolkata. Plan your trip with TripXL and make the most of your visit to this incredible museum in Kolkata.
Cover Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons