Indian Museum, Kolkata

The Indian Museum in Kolkata holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest museum in Asia, established on 2 February 1814 under the guidance of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. Located on Jawaharlal Nehru Road in central Kolkata, the museum is an iconic colonial-era structure that houses one of the most diverse collections on the continent. Its 35 galleries are arranged across six sections covering art, archaeology, anthropology, geology, zoology, and economic botany, making it a truly multidisciplinary institution. Among its most celebrated exhibits are the Gandharan and Gupta-period sculptures, the Bharhut stupa railings dating to the 2nd century BCE, Egyptian mummies, an extensive numismatic collection, and rare textile specimens. The museum also holds important Mughal miniatures, bronze figurines from across the Indian subcontinent, and fossil specimens of paleontological significance. Founded on the principles of scientific inquiry and public education, the Indian Museum has inspired generations of scholars, naturalists, and artists. While certain galleries were closed to the public for renovation in 2026, the museum remains a living monument to India’s scientific and cultural heritage. The institution plays a vital role in research, conservation, and the promotion of awareness about India’s natural and cultural wealth, serving millions of visitors over its more than two-century history.