Kolkata, the city of joy, is a wonderful place to visit with family when in India and you will find several remnants of the colonial era here. If traveling with kids, then make sure you take them to the Nehru Children’s Museum in Kolkata. Like the name suggests, this museum specially caters to children and it houses an extensive collection of dolls and toys from nearly 92 countries. The museum pays homage to the first Indian Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru whose birthday is celebrated as Children’s Day in India. The museum is spread over four floors and was built in 1972. It has four galleries that are dedicated to the Indian epics of Ramayana, Mahabharata, dolls, and Lord Ganesha. There are miniature models and 3D technology has been used to depict the scenes so that kids can find them engaging. Children and adults alike have an enjoyable experience at the museum. A trip here is not only educational but brings alive the world of Indian epics for all thanks to their wonderful depiction. Moreover, the dolls section is a delight as one can marvel at the dolls from different parts of the world. Here’s a guide to Nehru Children’s Museum in Kolkata, India, to help you plan your outing.
Things to do/highlights
Nehru Children’s Museum is a place where kids will have a gala time and adults will become children again! From the minute you enter this museum, you will be greeted by many varieties of toys and dolls of all origins, including western and Asian, on two separate floors. Here’s a look at some things to do when visiting this four-story-high museum.
Know Ramayana in 61 scenes
A separate section is dedicated to the epic Ramayana and 61 scenes are depicted in a sequential manner. Anyone can easily understand the full epic by just watching these scenes from the start to its end. The portrayal is engaging and interactive making it a fun experience that is educational as well.
Mahabharata in miniature models in 3D
You can also explore the gallery where the Indian epic Mahabarata is depicted in 3D. It is narrated via dolls and the scenes are arranged chronologically.
Explore the Lord Ganesha Gallery
An entire section is dedicated to the Indian God Ganesha and boasts nearly 300 idols of all sizes and shapes. Having a unique appearance with a trunk and bulging belly, these idols will mesmerize the children and enjoy them to the fullest.
Marvel at the different dolls
One section in the Doll Gallery houses dolls from 92 countries in the traditional outfit of that country. The international doll gallery has dolls from Belgium, Argentina, France, Canada, Greece, Iran, Ireland, and more. There is another section that has dolls from 37 countries to marvel at.
Participate in workshops to increase motivation
Being a unique one-of-a-kind museum, it conducts periodic workshops for children. There are many events and training sessions for children with distinguished chief guests like renowned artists from arts, dance, drama, magic, personality development, and others. There are also special summer camps every year during April and May. Experts of particular fields conduct such camps for children aged 8 to 18 at nominal costs.
Traveler's tips
My visits to the museum in childhood were with my father mostly. We visited when there was a holiday in school. A nice place for children, the museum offers plenty of interesting things to do for its little visitors. My favorite spot was the Dolls Museum. It has an enviable collection of dolls from all over the globe! The galleries about Ramayana and Mahabharata also intrigued me to no end. If you are visiting with your kids, you can have them sign up for creative workshops and drawing competitions, which I am sure they will enjoy.
Travelers tips
Best time to visit the museum
Visiting in April and May is the best time as there are many contests, workshops, events that are conducted at this time of the year. Start early to avoid the crowd and so that children can make the most of their time here.
Parking
There is a parking space inside but it is on a first-come-first-serve basis. is available to park your vehicle.
Photography
No, photography is not allowed inside the museum.
Traveler's tips
During my childhood, the Nehru Children's Museum used to be a regular summertime haunt for me. Every summer, they host a wide range of workshops for kids and young adults. I remember attending Bharatanatyam and Odissi workshops here. Apart from the enjoyable learning experience, making new friends and participating in dance programs with them are some of my fond memories of this place.
How to get there
Nehru children’s museum is situated in the hustling and busting Chowringhee Road. Here are some ways to get to the museum.
Take the metro route
Take the metro to Rabindra Sadan station, which will usually take you not more than 10 minutes to 15 minutes to reach your destination. From here it is a short walk to the museum.
Take the bus
Take a bus to Chowringhee from your location and get off near the museum.
Take a taxi
The quickest but the costliest way to reach Nehru Children’s Museum is to take a local taxi or Uber.
Drive down to the museum
If you’re up to navigating the traffic then drive down to the museum!
Traveler's tips
This museum is minutes away from one of the most iconic restaurants in the city - 6 Ballygunge Place, Chowringhee. I like the food here, especially because it serves authentic Bengali fare. I will recommend the mutton thali and the Ilish thali (for fish lovers). If you want to eat light, you can order the basic thali, which is a delicious platter of steamed rice, luchi, vegetables, dal, chutney, and sweets. I am a fan of their daab-chingri (prawns prepared in a coconut shell) and will recommend it to everyone who loves seafood.
How to get tickets
You can purchase your entry tickets for the Nehru Children’s Museum at the counter itself. Simply walk in and ask, there are guides and notices all around the counter on the first floor for your benefit. For more details, check out the official website. There is no online option to buy the tickets beforehand.
Nehru Children's Museum information
Nehru Children's Museum
Address: 94/1, Chowringhee Road, Kolkata - 700 020, India
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 11am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 7pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Cost: Under 1 USD
Official website: Nehru Children’s Museum
Department of tourism: Visit West Bengal
History
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