About Asutosh Museum of Indian Art
The Asutosh Museum of Indian Art is located in the Centenary Building of the University of Calcutta on College Street, Kolkata. Established in 1937 and named after Sir Asutosh Mookerjee, it was the first public museum attached to a university in India. It is notable for its extensive collection of Bengali art, sculpture, terracotta, textiles, folk arts and archaeological objects representing eastern Indian heritage.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a university museum housed within the College Street campus of the University of Calcutta. The museum displays galleries of stone and metal sculptures, terracotta plaques, miniature paintings, textiles, folk and tribal art, and archaeological finds from Bengal and eastern India. The setting is academic and quiet, with curated exhibition halls, display cases and informative labels suitable for educational viewing and study.
Key highlights
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First university museum in India, established in 1937
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Extensive collection of Bengal terracotta art and temple plaques
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Stone and bronze sculptures from Pala-Sena and medieval periods
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Collection of Bengal folk art, Kalighat paintings and textiles
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Archaeological artefacts excavated from sites in West Bengal and eastern India
History of Asutosh Museum of Indian Art
Established in 1937 under the University of Calcutta and named after its former Vice-Chancellor Sir Asutosh Mookerjee, the museum was the first of its kind to be established within a university in India. It was created to collect, preserve and study objects of Indian art and archaeology, particularly from Bengal, with early collections built through excavations and donations.
Culture & Context
The museum preserves and showcases the artistic traditions of Bengal and eastern India, including terracotta, sculpture, painting, textiles and folk arts. It serves as an important centre for study of Bengali cultural heritage and Indian art history for students, researchers and visitors.
Route
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