ICCR

Kolkata (Calcutta)


This state-run cultural melting pot is a large, multilevel operation that regularly hosts exhibitions, dance shows, recitals and lectures in its many galleries and auditoriums. The programs are often free, and snacks (also free!) are usually offered to guests on inauguration days.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kolkata (Calcutta) attractions

1. Harrington Street Arts Centre

0.04 MILES

Exhibitions of contemporary artworks by Indian and international artists in diverse media are spread through four spacious rooms of this classic Kolkata…

2. St Thomas Church

0.2 MILES

Opened in 1842, this understated Catholic church has a Doric-columned portico topped by a short octagonal spire. It was here that the body of Mother (St)…

3. Sri Aurobindo Bhawan

0.22 MILES

Revolutionary nationalist-turned-guru Sri Aurobindo – who later went on to establish the famous ashram at Auroville near Pondicherry – was born in…

4. Indira Gandhi Statue

0.31 MILES

This statue of India's first (and so far, only) female prime minister is one of many statues located around the Maidan that were set up to occupy plinths …

5. Birla Planetarium

0.32 MILES

Loosely styled on Sanchi’s iconic Buddhist stupa, this 1962 planetarium presents slow-moving, half-hour audiovisual programs on the wonders of the…

6. St Paul’s Cathedral

0.41 MILES

Arguably Kolkata's most iconic Gothic superstructure, decorated with a central crenellated tower, St Paul’s would look quite at home in Cambridgeshire but…

7. Maidan

0.46 MILES

A vast expanse of green in the heart of the city's brick-and-mortar matrix, the Maidan is where Kolkata's residents congregate for walks, spirited cricket…

8. VM East Gate

0.5 MILES

By day you can exit the Victoria Memorial park from the east gate but not enter this way. From 5pm, a ticket booth here starts issuing tickets for the…