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Birla Museum, Kolkata is a renowned science museum that operates under the National Council of Science Museums and has been in operation since 1959. It is one of those museums that intrigues the mind of a science enthusiast with its 12 expansive galleries. From learning about physics and power to delving into the world of metals and biotechnology, there’s a wide range of exhibits and knowledge to acquire at the museum in Kolkata. Beyond the exhibits, the museum also has a dedicated Innovation Hub that’s dedicated to harbouring innovation and creativity.
Quick Details About Birla Museum
Location: 19a, Gurusaday Dutta Road, Beck Bagan, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019
Timings: 09:30 AM – 06:00 PM
Ticket Price: ₹60 per person for general entry and additional costs for the shows
About Birla Museum
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Officially known as the Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM), is part of the Birla group of museums spread across India. Dating back to 1959, it is the first established science museum in the country. To inspire, educate and empower the youth, the museum is dedicated to making individuals learn more about the world of science and technology. As you explore the museum, it exudes a blend of modern innovation with historical charm. Today, the museum hosts an expansive range of exhibits, both still and interactive scientific models that enable the visitors to learn more about the different scientific disciplines.
How To Reach
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Birla Science Museum is located centrally in Ballygunge, which can be easily accessible via public and private transportation. There are direct buses available to Ballygunge from where the science museum is within walking distance. If you are travelling via metro, the nearest metro station is the Rabindra Sadan Metro Station, which is on the North-South line of the Kolkata Metro. From the metro station, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to reach the museum.
Note: If you are driving your car, keep in mind that there’s limited parking available, especially during peak hours. So, you need to plan accordingly.
Things To Explore At Birla Museum
1. Permanent Exhibits
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
One of the main highlights of the Museum Kolkata is its permanent exhibits, including the transport gallery, electricity gallery, motors and machine gallery and biotechnology gallery. As you make your way into the museum, stop to learn about the individual elements in these exhibits. In the transport gallery, you can explore the ancient chariots and carriages or even the vintage cars. While you are there, don’t miss out on exploring the static electricity demonstrations and the renewable energy displays at the electricity gallery.
2. 3D Shows & Planetarium
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Another important activity to indulge in is exploring the 3D film shows and the planetarium experience as well. The 3D theatre screens educational films that bring science to life. These films cover a variety of topics such as underwater life, space exploration, and prehistoric creatures. If you are a space nerd, getting a look into the galaxy and the stars that coexist with us is truly a fascinating experience. The night sky show is probably the highlight for you to explore in the museum.
3. Special Shows & Exhibits
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
The Museum frequently hosts special exhibits and shows that cover a wide range of scientific topics. Keep in consideration that these shows are usually temporary and are hosted for a limited period. There are live science shows and demonstrations, which are the highlight of your visit. For example, during physics demonstrations, you can learn about fundamental physics concepts like gravity, motion, and energy. There are interactive science shows that are hosted from time to time as well that involve audience participation, which adds to the experience too.
4. Science Park
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
A popular attraction in BITM is its science park, which is a standalone in any of the science parks across the country. There are large exhibits and models available in the park that demonstrate different scientific principles, which is quite interesting to explore. One of the highlights is their physics garden which has pendulums, optical illusions and simple machines that depict the basics of physics. Not just that, the dinosaur model features a life-sized model of a dinosaur, which is a great way for you to learn more about palaeontology.
5. Workshops & Interactive Sessions
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This one is subject to availability but if you visit the museum when live workshops and interactive sessions are being conducted, that’s another way to add to your experience at the museum. Some of the popular workshops that are held in the museum include robotics workshop, electronics workshop, environmental science workshop, etc. For the interactive sessions, you can take part in debates, and even indulge in hands-on experiments too.
Places To Visit Near Birla Museum
1. Victoria Memorial
Photo: Samit Sinha / Wikimedia Commons
Victoria Memorial is a grand marble building in Kolkata dedicated to Queen Victoria’s memory. The monument was designed by William Emerson and features a blend of British and Mughal architectural styles. The front features a well-maintained lawn and garden, and the memorial also houses a museum inside with royal exhibits on display.
Distance from Birla Museum: 4.5 km
Entry Fees: ₹20 for Indian citizens,₹200 for foreign nationals
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays and national holidays)
2. Indian Museum
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Established in 1814, the Indian Museum is the oldest and largest museum in India. It is one of the first established in the country and features a variety of unique exhibits, including ancient sculptures, coins, fossils, and paintings. The museum has six major galleries: Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Geology, Zoology, and Economic Botany.
Distance from Birla Museum: 5.8 km
Entry Fees: ₹20 for Indian citizens, ₹500 for foreign nationals
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays and national holidays)
3. St. Paul’s Cathedral
Photo: Thakurdalan-M.. / Wikimedia Commons
Located on Park Street, Kolkata, St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most alluring churches in the city, featuring Gothic Revival architecture. It is a prominent Anglican church in Kolkata that was established in 1847. Featuring stained glass windows and a majestic altar, visiting this church fills you with a sense of peace.
Distance from Birla Museum: 4.2 km
Entry Fees: N/A
Timings: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
4. Kalighat Kali Temple
Photo: Balajijagadesh / Wikimedia Commons
The Kalighat Kali Temple is one of the most respected Hindu temples in Kolkata. It is dedicated to the goddess Kali. The main USP of this temple lies in its historical significance and the spiritual power inside. It features unique architecture reminiscent of the area’s cultural heritage.
Distance from Birla Museum: 3.7 km
Entry Fees: N/A
Timings: 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
5. Science City
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Science City is an interactive science museum and educational facility combining learning and entertainment. The facility features a variety of unique exhibits, including a space theatre, a maritime centre, and several rides. It is a great place for both children and adults to explore.
Distance from Birla Museum: 2.3 km
Entry Fees: ₹65
Timings: 9:00 AM – 8 :00 PM
Where To Stay
Photo: Greg O’Beirne / Wikimedia Commons
Ballygunge, where the Birla Science Museum is located, is home to a range of luxurious and affordable lodging options. Depending on your budget and comfort, you can plan your stay either around the Ballygunge area or the Gariahat area, which has several leading hotels and boutique inns. For affordable accommodations, consider booking your stay at hotels like Hotel Radiant, Vinayak Guest House, Treebo Green View and Hotel Crest Inn. If you are planning your stay at a 3-star or 5-star hotel, consider booking The Moira, The Oberoi Grand, StayVista or FabHotel Prime Orion Crystal.
Where To Eat
Photo: Goutamroykol / Wikimedia Commons
There are several restaurants near Birla Science Museum, catering to varying taste buds and the majority of these restaurants are multicuisine restaurants, so you can pick and choose what kind of food you’d like to eat. Among the available options, a few of the popular restaurants in the area include Au Bon Pain, Gupta Brothers, Rallis Restaurant, Mezze, Desi Street, Riyasat-e-Hind, etc.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly /Wikimedia commons
Birla Science Museum is open throughout the year, so you can visit anytime you are on vacation in Kolkata. However, that said, since there are several outdoor exhibits and you’d need to explore the entire museum, galleries and exhibits included, on foot, you must visit during the cooler months, from October to February. During these months, the weather is fairly comfortable and the temperature ranges between 18 °C – 30 °C, which is comfortable enough for you to explore these exhibits without feeling drained or tired.
Visiting Birla Museum Kolkata takes you through an educational journey, wherein you can feed the curiosity in your mind regarding different subjects. With its rich collection of artefacts and interactive exhibits, the museum offers something for every visitor. To experience that in real-time, plan a trip with TripXL availing of the best deals and discounts. So go ahead and sort out your destinations for your next vacation.
Cover Photo: / Wikimedia Commons
