Tucked away in a quiet corner of bustling Kolkata is the Chitrakoot Art Gallery. Founded in 1984, this spacious gallery showcases an extensive assortment of Bengali art - both early and recent. These paintings and sculptures are works of renowned artists namely Bikash Bhattacharjee, Jogen Choudhary and Jamini Roy, as well as those of up and coming professionals. The gallery is a great platform for local retailers and art aficionados to network, mingle and determine the next addition to their personal collection.
Gallery Sanskriti is a contemporary style art space in Kolkata. With its wooden flooring, white walls and perfect lighting, this 465 square meters (5000 square feet) exhibition area is a great platform for both established and budding artists to showcase their talent. Established in 1990, this gallery guarantees a great experience to art aficionados, critics and collectors alike.
The roots of Alipore Zoological Gardens lie in a private menagerie once owned by Governor General Lord Wellesley in the 1800s. However, it was only many years after he returned to England, that a formal 'Zoological Gardens' was established in Alipore. Inaugurated in 1876 by Sir Edward VII, the Alipore Zoological Gardens was the first of its kind in the country; African Buffalo, Zanzibar Ram, Four-horned sheep, Hybrid Kashmiri Goat, Indian Antelope, Indian Gazelle and Sambar Deer were among the first breeds held here. The zoo was famous for housing the Aldabra Giant Tortoise 'Adwaita' which died in 2006, after 250 years! In the 1900s, the zoo was reputed as a pioneer in captive breeding processes; the Sumatran Rhinoceros was one of the successful breeding projects. However, over the years, it received a lot of criticism for its poor maintenance of animals and the 'Panthera Hybrid Program' (lion and tiger hybrids). Today, Alipore Zoo or Zoological Gardens remains a major attraction of the city, and houses species like Royal Bengal Tiger, African Lion, Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros, Reticulated Giraffe, Dromedary Camel and Indian Elephant. Spread across 45 acres of land, the zoo also features a Reptile House, Primate House, Panther House and Elephant House. It may take you anywhere between an hour to a day to tour the zoo in its entirety; National Library, Agri Horticultural Gardens and Alipore Jail are in close vicinity. Photography is allowed after a charge of INR 250.
Ahuja Museum for Arts in Kolkata is one of a kind. Privately owned by Mr. S. D. Ahuja, it displays his personal art collection gathered over the years from all over the world. His love for art is evident in the paintings and artwork he proudly exhibits. The museum guarantees a breathtaking experience for art lovers, collectors and ordinary viewers alike.
Abanindranath Tagore Gallery at the Rabindranath Tagore Centre is a prominent exhibition venue in Kolkata, attracting a large number of art aficionados, critics and collectors. The wooden flooring, white walls and focal lighting make it an ideal place for established as well as emerging artists to showcase their talent.
The Nandalal Bose Gallery is the largest of the galleries at the Rabindranath Tagore Centre. This U-shaped exhibition space, with matte finish granite flooring and wooden pillars against the white walls, has featured many prominent artists in addition to some great collaborative work, that keep art aficionados and collectors flocking.