Marble Palace
46 Muktaram Babu St., Jorasanko, Kolkata, West Bengal
The Marble Palace, one of Kolkata’s more curious landmarks, was constructed in 1835 by a wealthy merchant and art enthusiast named Raja Rajendra Mullick. Made from more than 90 varieties of marble, the palatial mansion draws inspiration from nearly every cultural influence imaginable, with artifacts from across Asia, Africa, and Europe; they even have authentic Rubens and Renoir pieces on the walls.
The Romanesque structure houses a collection of Buddhist, Catholic and Hindu religious relics as well as Ming Dynasty vases, Egyptian statues and works of art from around the world, all lit by Venetian chandeliers. The Marble Palace remains privately owned by Mullick’s relatives, and while admission is free, you’ll need to secure a permit at least 24 hours in advance; the easiest way to do this is by signing up for a tour.
- The Marble Palace is a must-visit for art lovers.
- Be prepared to pay what you saved in admission on tips for everyone from the staff tour guides to the bathroom attendants.
- The palace is not wheelchair accessible.
The Marble Palace is located in the heart of Kolkata, just north of the Mahatma Gandhi Road metro station, less than a five-minute walk away. It's just north of the Maidan area and Park Street, both of which can be accessed in about 15 minutes by taxi, while the Howrah Bridge is a 10-minute drive or 25-minute walk away.
The Marble Palace is open every day of the week except for Monday and Thursday. It’s best visited on weekdays, when crowds are fewer, preferably right when it opens in the morning, when you might even get this oftentimes busy attraction (almost) all to yourself.
Raja Rajendra Mullick also got around to opening the first zoo in India, also on the palace grounds, aptly named the Marble Palace Zoo. Today it’s more of an aviary. Here you’ll find several varieties of feathered creatures, such as peacocks and cranes, plus a few resident primates and deer.
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