Nowhere else can undivided Bengal’s traditional art and culture come to life like it does at the Gurusaday Museum. With more than 3300 works of art from all around Bengal, this museum brings the state’s rural communities’ cultures to life. Everything is highlighted, from religious convictions to the beauty of the rural way of life. In addition to a magnificent library that subscribes to a vast variety of magazines on folklore, art, and craft, there is a fantastic repair studio. If you are interested in history, archaeology, aesthetics, anthropology, or beauty, you should visit this venue, as the collection is always expanding.
Location
Photo: Salil Kumar Mukherjee / Wikimedia Commons
The Gurusaday Museum is a social and artistic institution located in the West Bengal village of Kumirdaha, which is close to Kolkata. The Gurusaday Museum address is P6, Diamond Harbour Rd, Diamond Park, Joka, Kolkata, West Bengal. The sole museum dedicated to conserving and showcasing Bengal’s traditional arts and crafts was founded in 1991. It bears the name of the distinguished artist and collector Gurusaday Dutt. Thanks to its outstanding collection of folk art, exhibits, textiles, and crafts, it provides the visitor with spiritual insight into the region’s artistic legacy.
How To Reach There
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
By Road: The Gurusaday Museum is about 50 km from Kolkata and is conveniently reachable by car. Taxis, autorickshaws, and private vehicles are available modes of transportation.
By Rail: About 10 km away is Kalyanpur, the closest train station. To get to the museum from there, you can take a local bus or hire a cab.
By Air: To reach Gurusaday Museum, Kolkata, fly to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport by air. By cab, the museum is around 17 kilometres from the airport.
Places To Visit Near Gurusaday Museum
1. St. John’s Church
Photo: Sudipta Mallick / Wikimedia Commons
The St. John’s Church was the first building constructed by the British, while Kolkata served as the capital of the British Raj in the 17th century. Located within the Raj Bhavan complex, St. John’s Church is the third-oldest church in Kolkata, and it has historic significance. It was built in the neoclassical architectural style. The outstanding design component of the church is the belfry, with a height of 174 ft. The compound has many tombs and memorial structures in it. There are colourful stained glass panels on the ceilings of this church, too.
Location: 2/2, Council House St, opp. Dewars Garage, Lal Dighi, B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata, West Bengal 700001
Time: 10 AM – 4 PM (Closed on Sunday)
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Distance From Gurusaday Museum: Around 15 KM away
2. National Library
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Being the biggest library in India, it is a title held by the National Library in Kolkata. It is a significant national institution run by the Indian government’s Ministry of Tourism & Culture. Situated within the stunning 30-acre Belvedere Estate, the library boasts more than 2.2 million books in English and other Indian languages, with dedicated sections for languages including Hindi, Bengali, Kashmiri, Kannada, and more. The library even has a special area just for children. To utilise the library’s resources, one must be a member.
Location: Belvedere Rd, Block A, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027
Time: 9:30 AM – 8 PM (Monday-Friday) & 9 AM – 6 PM (Saturday-Sunday)
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Distance From Gurusaday Museum: Around 10 KM away
3. Agri Horticultural Garden
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
It is located near Kolkata’s Zoological Garden and is truly a treat for anyone with an eye for plants. This organisation, which William Carey founded in 1820, produces innumerable varieties of flowers, fruits, herbs, and ferns. This is the place to buy seeds if you like plants and if you like to be around a green environment and its other beautiful colours. Research in horticultural science is well-developed here. The opportunity can be recommended using the abundance of classes on gardening, plant growing, and garden design.
Location: 1 Alipore Road, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027
Time: 5:30 AM – 7:30 PM (Closed on Sunday)
Entry Fee: INR 20 per person (No-Member), and you can join membership in INR 200
Distance From Gurusaday Museum: Around 9.7 KM away
Things To Do In Gurusaday Museum
1. Take A Look At The Artefacts
Photo: Chainwit. / Wikimedia Commons
A large number of traditional Bengali folk art and crafts may be found at the Gurusaday Museum. Visitors can examine delicate textiles, terracotta pieces, and woodwork crafts. The museum provides insights into Bengal’s rich artistic traditions and craftsmanship while showcasing the region’s cultural heritage. You will be able to learn more about the artefacts if you’re interested in historical things.
2. Check Out Traditional Paintings
Photo: Colin Smith / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The exquisite display of Pattachitra paintings in the museum comes from a large group of traditional Bengali paintings. Delicate and detailed characters and plots within these grotesque sculptures suggest mythological and historical stories. They depict the region’s culture and bring an original perspective to Bengal’s elaborate history of art.
3. Explore The Folk Art Gallery
Photo: Michael Barera / Wikimedia Commons
A variety of items from rural Bengal are on display in the Gurusaday Museum Photos of Folk Art Gallery. It consists of folk musical instruments, masks, and pottery. The gallery is an exciting destination for those who enjoy culture because it captures the rural way of life and workmanship of Bengal.
Where To Eat
Photo: Adrijarani / Wikimedia Commons
On the same street as the Gurusaday Museum in Kolkata, there is Arsalan, which is famous for its biryani. Oh! Calcutta is the place that serves real Bengali food. Mainland China is perfect for Chinese cuisine. 6 Ballygunge Place specialise in Bengali food and is in a heritage building. For vegetarians, the tranquil Govinda’s serves North Indian food.
Where To Stay
Photo: Chiranjit.das.official / Wikimedia Commons
For stays near Kolkata’s Gurusaday Museum, consider ITC Royal Bengal for luxury and comfort or Vivanta Kolkata EM Bypass for a modern experience. Raajkutir offers heritage charm, while The Gateway Hotel EM Bypass provides convenience and amenities. Hotel 233 Park Street is ideal for boutique hospitality with historic allure.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
As per the Gurusaday Museum timings, it is preferred that a visit be done during the winter period between November and February because the weather is cooler and ideal for outdoor activities. This brings the average temperature to between 25 and 16 degrees. Visitors may be interested in the museum’s collections, which are available for viewing all year round.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost of the Trip: A visit to the Gurusaday Museum in Kolkata typically costs around INR 1000 – INR 1500. Additional costs for travel and refreshments vary but are generally minimal, especially if using local transport options like buses, costing approximately INR 20-INR 100.
Cash: The Gurusaday Museum in Kolkata urgently requires funds for preservation, repair, and operational expenses. With collections at risk, an estimated INR 3 crore is needed to restore artefacts, maintain infrastructure, and enhance visitor facilities. Immediate financial support is essential to safeguard heritage..
Tips For Travellers
Check Opening Hours: To get the most out of your visit, confirm the Gurusaday Museum Timing as well as any special events or exhibitions before you go.
Take Guided Tours: For a more in-depth understanding of the exhibitions and the significance of the many art styles on display, think about taking a guided tour.
Respect the Art: To guarantee the preservation of the artworks, abide by the museum’s policies regarding photography and handling displays.
Make Time for Relaxed Exploration: There is a lot to see and appreciate in the Gurusaday Museum West Bengal, so give yourself ample time to explore it and take in the peaceful surroundings.
Visit Local Markets: Support local artists by shopping at neighbouring markets for traditional goods and mementoes to bring home.
The Gurusaday Museum is a veritable gold mine of Bengal’s artistic legacy, offering a singular chance to appreciate the region’s rich cultural tapestry. A trip to the Gurusaday Museum West Bengal is sure to be enlightening and motivating, regardless of your interests in art, history, or regional crafts. Explore the Museum to become fully immersed in the colourful world of Bengali folk arts and crafts. Plan your trip with TripXL and explore the Gurusaday Museum seamlessly!
Cover Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons