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A true treasure of Bengal’s art and culture is the Ghare Baire Museum in Kolkata, West Bengal. This museum provides rich insight into Bengal movements such as the Bengal Renaissance and the Kalighat Paintings or folk art movements. The gallery’s archaeology and well-organised collection of architecture make it a place worth visiting for art lovers. Whether one is interested in studying paintings, sculptures or textiles, the Ghare Baire Museum offers a unique experience of the rich creative traditions of Bengal.
Location
Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki / Wikimedia Commons
Ghare Baire Museum is situated in the Old Currency Building, which is one of the central points of Kolkata. It is easily accessible for visitors since it is in the middle of the main road. The Ghare Baire Museum address is Old Currency Building Lower Circular Road, 1, Council House Street, Kolkata, 700001, West Bengal. Located close to attractions such as the Howrah Bridge and Dalhousie Square, the museum is an amazing place for every history or art lover.
How To Reach
Photo: Sketchingthesilence / Wikimedia Commons
By Road: The city of Kolkata has proper connectivity to road and transportation facilities. The Ghare Baire Museum is easily accessible by taxi, private cars, and public transport in the form of city buses. It is about 2 kilometres from Park Street and 1 kilometre from Howrah Bridge.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is the Howrah junction, located just 3 kilometres away. You can get there by taxi or local bus to the museum.
By Air: Located at a distance of 16 km from the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, the museum is easily accessible. You can use taxi applications that point out the nearest destination to reach the museum in approximately 45 – 60 minutes.
Things To Do
Here are the best things to do in Ghare Baire Museum to have the best time while visiting this heritage of art:
1. Explore The Galleries
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons
The Ghare Baire Museum contains several galleries that take you through the progression of Bengal in the way their culture was built. Every gallery has a distinct theme based on Bengal art. It includes the opulent art of Bengal Renaissance paintings or the spirit of graphic Kalighat paintings. It offers an opportunity to get acquainted with notable masters such as P.V., Namboodiripad and Vijabalex. For art lovers, it is an enriching experience for everyone who has a passion for cultural history.
2. Attend Special Exhibitions
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons
The Ghare Baire Museum often conducts themed exhibitions that allow visitors to enjoy exquisite pieces of art. Such exhibitions are typically devoted to particular genres, unusual and still unrecognised local trends, young artists or certain historical periods. It is also advised to check for the Ghare Baire Museum timings. The museum’s next exhibitions shall provide a glimpse of fresh facets of Bengali art and an opportunity to view the exclusive collection.
3. Indulge In Photography Sessions
Photo: Indrajit Das/ Wikimedia Commons
However, taking photographs inside the galleries of the museum is banned. Though, the physically appearing Old Currency Building, which the Ghare Baire Museum is built, can be well captured. The building is colonised and boasts of Tanganyikan craftsmanship, mostly the ornate stonework. It has a real colonial look that is perfect for photography. Ghare Baire Museum photos can give inputs about the architectural style of the building and the messages of Calcutta.
Places To Visit Near Ghare Baire Museum
Here are the best places to visit near Ghare Baire Museum to elevate the experiences of your trip:
1. Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Photo: Ravi Dwivedi / Wikimedia Commons
Sitting right on the eastern side of the Hooghly River, the Dakshineswar Kali Temple is one of the most important spiritual places in Kolkata. This temple is built in memory of Goddess Kali and has one of the most beautiful designs with a calm environment as well. People can observe more than 2700 years of history of this remarkable place, enjoy meditation. They can also have a little boat safety trip down the river that flows around the temple. Both spiritually and physically, there is a calm environment to catch some quiet time and serenity.
Location: Dakshineswar, Kolkata
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to March
2. Belur Math
Photo: Kinjal bose 78 / Wikimedia Commons
Located by the side of the Hooghly River, spread out in West Bengal, the Belur Math is the world centre of the Ramakrishna Mission. This sacred site is particularly recognised as the only one that provides architectural elements of both Hindu and Christian as well as Islamic regions. The inner environment of the temple is rather calm and the views from the temple are gorgeous. It is a perfect place for pilgrimage and those who are fond of the devotional principles as well as the path shown by Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda.
Location: Belur, Howrah
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: November to February
3. Sundarbans National Park
Photo: Soumyajit Nandy / Wikimedia Commons
Sundarbans National Park is a natural site recognised internationally for its significance as a global heritage site by UNESCO. Situated in South 24 Parganas, this place is known for the Royal Bengal Tiger as well as the bio-diverse mangroves. Tourism is also available with boat safaris through the forest. It offers the bonus of viewing other wild animals, such as crocodiles, birds and other exotic animals. It provides visitors with a close look at the world’s natural beauty and the chance to observe one-of-a-kind wildlife.
Location: South 24 Parganas, West Bengal
Entry Fee: ₹60 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Where To Eat
Photo: Nilanjan Sasmal / Wikimedia Commons
Food joints can be available within or near the site to get food that complements the exhibits at the Ghare Baire Museum. The Chelo Kebabs and Oh! of Peter Cat are popular among food lovers. Calcutta provides a real taste of Bengali delicacies and Mocambo gives you the touch-old feels with flavoursome steaks. Flurys is best if you want to enjoy English breakfast or desserts.
Where To Stay
Photo: Paul Hamilton / Wikimedia Commons
If you are planning a visit to the Ghare Baire Museum, the Oberoi Grand, situated near the museum, provides a touch of luxury and rich history in its architecture. Another historic property is The Lalit Great Eastern, Kenilworth, which provides a strategic location for easy access to the museum. The Astoria Hotel is for travellers who are looking for affordable hotels with good amenities in a convenient location.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons
It is recommended that visitors visit the Ghare Baire Museum from October to March because the weather is relatively calm in Kolkata. Rather, moderate climates characterise it, and the temperature falls between 12°C and 25°C. This makes it suitable for movement around the museum and other sightseeing activities.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki / Wikimedia Commons
The museum is usually open from 11 AM to 6:30 PM but is closed on Mondays and other holidays. It is an all-purpose-built museum with ramps for wheelchair access and some makeshift facilities for the differently-abled. Engage 1 – 2 hours to be able to visit all parts of the museum.
Average Cost Of The Trip:
The approximate expenditure per head for visiting the Ghare Baire Museum can be between ₹500 – ₹1000, including transport, food and other incidental expenses.
Tips For Travellers:
- Visit the museum’s home page for information on special exhibitions that may be ongoing.
- Wear loose and comfortable clothing as well as comfortable shoes for walking around.
- Always make sure you have some water and snacks since it is possible not to find a vendor within the museum compound.
- Keep some money in cash for little acquisitions or food on the street because not everyone has digital payments.
Ghare Baire Museum in Kolkata showcases Bengali art and culture. The Old Currency Building houses art from the Bengal Renaissance and Kalighat paintings. The museum is free to visit, with additional fees for special displays. Visit here during the best time, i.e. between October and March. The museum is easily accessible and offers a terrific cultural experience for everyone. So, book your trip with TripXL and explore this amazing destination with ease.
Cover Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons
