Alipore Museum

Alipore Museum is a heritage museum in Alipore, Kolkata, developed within the former Alipore Central Jail. The jail, operational from 1910 to 2019, was converted and inaugurated as a museum in September 2022. It preserves original jail cells, watchtowers and gallows, and displays galleries on the Indian independence movement, Bengal's history, and notable political prisoners housed there.

Visitors can explore the preserved red-brick jail complex with its high walls, watchtowers, central watch hall, solitary cells and gallows. Galleries display photographs, documents, sculptures and multimedia exhibits related to the independence movement and inmates. The site includes an art gallery, library, cafeteria, souvenir shop and open courtyards. An evening light and sound show narrates the history of the jail. Guided tours are available.

Alipore Central Jail was constructed between 1906 and 1910 and functioned as a central correctional facility until 2019. It housed many notable political prisoners during the independence movement, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, Bidhan Chandra Roy and others. After decommissioning, the West Bengal government conserved the complex and opened it as a museum in September 2022 to preserve its historical and architectural heritage.

The museum serves as a cultural and educational centre documenting Bengal's role in the independence movement and the history of incarceration. It hosts exhibitions, art displays, and cultural programs that present historical narratives and heritage architecture to visitors.