Marble Palace Kolkata
Marble Palace Kolkata- the royal elegance of West Bengal
One of the most popular attractions of Kolkata, the ‘city of palaces’ is the Marble Palace. It is well known for its royal architecture and its historical essence. It is being preserved since the 19th century and has been constructed by the best merchants of the king’s time. It is named so due to the varieties of marble patterns crafted in the building including pillars and the walls. In 1835, Raja Ranedra Mullaink Bahadur built it. He was very passionate about antique pieces and unique arts. If you wish to spot some of the best paintings of great artists then come right to this palace. The Marble Palace Kolkata contains paintings of artists like Ruben, Titian, Reynolds, and John Opie.
The palace is the residence of the descendants of the Mullick family. Although entering the palace is free but you need to take prior permission from West Bengal Tourism Department situated at BBD Bag in Kolkata. Photography is prohibited as it is a private residence. You would be allowed to enter there and have a visit to experience its beauty but the residential area is out of limit or not reachable. Open courtyards and Thakur dalan( a place of worship) as in traditional Bengali home decoration style is adjoined the palace. A music room is also there with marble inlay that displays musical instruments of the 19th century. Chandeliers in the ballroom explore the beauty in a more enchanting manner and make us experience the romantic environment of that time.
Location and how to reach
This majestic historical building is situated in North Kolkata at Muktoram Babu Street in Jorasanko. To reach the palace you need to get down at MG Road Metro station. From there, walk towards the north and then take a left turn when you see the first traffic signal. There stands the majestic building of the Raja’ Palace. If you go from the east then go to the lane that adjoins lane nos. 198 and 200.
History
The Marble Palace in Kolkata, India, was built in 1835 by Raja Rajendra Mullick, a wealthy Bengali merchant, and zamindar. The palace is known for its unique combination of Western and Indian architectural styles, as well as its extensive collection of Western sculptures and Victorian furniture.
Over the years, the palace remained in the hands of the Mullick family and was passed down from generation to generation. Despite its grandeur and historical significance, the palace was never opened to the public and remained a private residence.
Today, the Marble Palace is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to admire its ornate marble interiors and a vast collection of art and antiques. The palace is considered one of the most remarkable examples of 19th-century architecture in India, and a testament to the wealth and cultural sophistication of the Bengali zamindar class during the colonial era.
Marble Palace Kolkata Timing
The Marble Palace, Kolkata is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on all days except Mondays and national holidays. Visitors are not allowed inside the palace on Mondays and national holidays. The palace remains closed for visitors on Durga Puja, Diwali, and other major festivals. It is always recommended to check the timings and availability before visiting any place as it may vary due to certain reasons.
Features of Marble Palace Kolkata
- The ornamental balconies look grand and royal in its decoration and appearance.
- Fretwork and sloped roofs have been built influenced by the Chinese pavilion.
- The garden, lawn, zoo, and lake add up to the grandeur of the mansion and fulfill the thirst of interested tourists.
- Statues of gods and goddesses increase the purity of the palace. Hindu gods, Lord Buddha, Lord Jesus, and mother Mary altogether in one building reveal the religious character of the king.
- There are also statues of the king of animals. Lion and Christopher Columbus, the great explorer. The dramatic sculpture of ‘Leda and the swan’ is also present here.
- Marble fountains add up to the beauty of the palace.
- A temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath has also been built by Raja Rajendra Mullick.
- 82 types of different clocks are said to boast the palace.
What to see
There is a zoo that was indeed the first zoo model in the country that inhibits some deer, other small animals, and birds like hornbills, peacocks, cranes, and pelicans. Stucco work and a grand portico could be seen on the ground and first floor. The exquisite paintings of Sir Joshua Reynolds describe the strength of infant Hercules killing the serpent and the painting of Ruben that describes the marriage of martyrdom of St. Sebastian and St. Catherine. Apart from these, other things present in the palace are:
- Western sculptures and statues
- Antique pieces of Victorian furniture
- Chandeliers beautify with reflecting silver glasses
- Urns and wonderful clocks
- Rock gardens as well as a lake
The architectural masterpiece of Marble Palace Kolkata is said to collect 126 varieties of marble from different parts of the country, India to give it a royal elegance. If you want to experience the royalty of the past era, hundred years back now, then this palace is definitely a perfect one that will leave you mesmerized and dipped in its enchanting beauty. No doubt, it is the only place where you can notice the blending of tradition and modernism under one roof. There is no other palace like this in the whole city.
Nearby attractions
The Marble Palace in Kolkata, India is located in the northern part of the city and there are several nearby attractions that you can visit during your trip:
- Victoria Memorial: The Victoria Memorial is a large marble building that serves as a museum and a monument to the British Raj in India. It is located just a few kilometers from the Marble Palace and is a must-visit for anyone interested in colonial history.
- Paul’s Cathedral: St. Paul’s Cathedral is a historic Anglican church located in the heart of Kolkata. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Asia and a notable example of Gothic Revival architecture.
- Indian Museum: The Indian Museum is the largest and oldest museum in India, and it is home to an extensive collection of art, sculptures, coins, and natural history specimens.
- Birla Planetarium: The Birla Planetarium is a large, modern planetarium that offers a unique and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
- Fort William: Fort William is a large fort located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, near the center of Kolkata. The fort was built by the British East India Company in the 17th century and it is now a military cantonment area.
- Botanical Garden: The Botanical Garden is a large park in Kolkata that is home to a wide variety of plants, trees, and flowers, as well as several notable landmarks and monuments.
FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Marble Palace in Kolkata:
What is the Marble Palace?
The Marble Palace is a 19th-century palace in Kolkata, India, known for its extensive collection of Western sculptures and Victorian furniture, as well as its ornate marble interiors.
Where is the Marble Palace located?
The Marble Palace is located in northern Kolkata, in the area of Muktaram Babu Street.
Who built the Marble Palace?
The Marble Palace was built by Raja Rajendra Mullick in 1835.
What is the entry fee for the Marble Palace?
The entry fee for the Marble Palace is around 100 Rupees for Indian citizens and 600 Rupees for foreign visitors.
What are the visiting hours for the Marble Palace?
The visiting hours for the Marble Palace are from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, from Monday to Saturday. It is closed on Sundays and on certain Indian public holidays.
Is photography allowed inside the Marble Palace?
Photography is allowed inside the Marble Palace, but there may be restrictions on the use of flash photography and/or tripods.
What are some notable items in the Marble Palace collection?
The Marble Palace collection includes works by artists such as Canova, Gibson, and Thorvaldsen, as well as Victorian furniture, Belgian chandeliers, oil paintings, and other decorative items.
