With its foundation stone laid in 1814 by the Asiatic Society of Bengal, this museum in Kolkata started receiving great momentum from the very beginning of its existence. Sir William Jones, the founder of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, had devoted his entire professional life to the service of India and he intended to build a museum that could reflect the great Indian culture.

However, he was not successful in achieving this ambition. It was when Nathaniel Wallich, a Danish botanist who was also a prisoner at Hooghly, was released due to his scientific achievements wrote a letter to the Asiatic Society of Bengal, strongly advising the construction of a museum to which he would also be contributing by giving his valuable collection of historical items. So on 2 February 1914, the foundation of this museum was laid down under the supervision of Dr. Nathaniel Wallich and in 1840, its gates were opened to the public. 

In 1875, the building was shifted to Chowringhee in front of the Small Cause Court which was designed by W. L. Grandville stands tall as of now as the renowned Indian Museum Kolkata.
 

A marvel of architectural grandeur in itself, this museum is a fascinating edifice to see. It has been designed by the renowned architect Walter B Grawille in Italian Style. This three-floored building is white from the exterior and at the first glance reminds you of ancient Roman architecture.

A total of 60 galleries can be found under 6 sections which are Anthropology, Art, Archeology, Zoology, Botany, and Geology.

• Exhibits also include an Egyptian mummy which is currently being restored by the archeological department of India.
• The bronze gallery contains sculptures dating back to the 2nd century AD.
• Witness the unique assemblage of coins and tokens which were valuable in history in the coin gallery of the museum. 
• The Gandhara Gallery has art and scriptures from the Gandhara School of Art
• The Bharhut Gallery is known to be a home of architectural remains from the Satna district, Madhya Pradesh.
• The L. Archeology Gallery shows the sculptural evolution of the Kushana, Gupta, Pala-Sena, Chandella, Pallava, Hoysala, Vijayanagar, and Chola periods, dating between the 2nd Century CE and 15th Century CE. 
• The textiles displayed in the textile gallery depict the dainty fabrics that are produced in the Indian subcontinent. 
• The Indian Museum library has a vast collection of more than 50,000 books and journals along with many rare and unique publications. Books and Journals are available on Museology, Archeology, Anthropology, Art, Botany, Zoology, Geology, etc. 50 Rs membership fee can be paid to avail the library facility. 
   

• On Mondays and national holidays, the museum remains closed.
• There are extra charges to be paid depending upon the type of camera you have for photography. 
• There are wheelchair and other assistance facilities available for differently-abled visitors.
• There is a cafeteria too where you can sit, eat and relax.

Summers of Kolkata are hot and balmy so it is recommended to avoid the months of May-August. The best weather to visit the Indian Museum is from September- to March. The weather is pleasant, cool, and soothing. It is not too cold in Kolkata, as it is a coastal city. Therefore the autumn and winter months have been advised as the best ones.

• Park Street
• Handicraft Center
• Lascar War Memorial
• Nalban Boating Complex
• Writers’ building

• The Museum has its provision for preliminary medical services to all the staff of the organization
• It is also known as “Ajabghar” locally.
• This institution falls under the ministry of culture and is maintained by the government of India. 
• Precious names of the museum are namely “Asiatic Society Museum" and "Imperial Museum".