Honoring Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's love towards children and his passionate involvement in improving education for the youth, the Nehru Children's Museum was opened to the public on the leader's birthday, 14th November, in 1972. The unique museum strives to impart knowledge to children in an unconventional environment: the idea is to inspire the imagination by creating displays that pique a young one's curiosity. The four-storied space houses dolls, figurines and porcelain idols that belong to different nations and eras. It also has galleries that have recreated scenes from mythological epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Apart from this, the museum fulfills its goal by conducting various events like competitions, workshops, and seminars that encourage the all-round development of children. It also helps needy children by organizing free courses and offering scholarships. Check website for details.
In a developing nation like India, where blind traditions and wrong beliefs still take precedence, it is very important to educate the citizens and create an awareness about science and advancements in technology. With this thought in mind, the Science City was established in Kolkata. The interactive displays, models and shows held here explain the wonders of science, the logical reasoning behind calamities like Tsunami and famines, laws of physics and other concepts in simple and easy to understand language. Affiliated to National Council of Science Museums, it has two divisions namely the Science Centre and the Convention Centre. The Science Centre complex, houses the Space Odyssey, Dynamotion, Evolution Theme Park, Maritime Centre and a Science Park and the Convention Centre has a Grand Theatre , Mini Auditorium, a Seminar hall and a vast open-air ground. It screens educational and informative shows like 'Living Sea ' and 'Vision Beyond Light Years'. One of the biggest attractions is the 'Time Machine' a motion simulator ride backed with audio-visual effects that takes you through black hole, planets, asteroids and the entire Solar system. You can also take a Cable car ride, that gives you a cool aerial view of the entire facility. So do take your kids, to this fun city that effectively presents important topics in fun format. Please note that admission does not include cable ride, time machine, theater and other attractions; you need to pay a separate entry fee. For a complete list of rates, check the website.
Founded and guided by Tapas Das, the Eso Natak Shikha in Kolkata, doubles up as a children's drama workshop and a production center. Five to fifteen year olds can avail of the theatrical classes that are taught here to help them break out of traditional rote learning. Earning rave reviews from the press as well as the general public, this center nourishes budding talent in every child, along with providing him a platform to showcase his skills. Check website for more details.
Since being founded in 1993, CIMA has gone on to become of the most recognized centers of art and culture. A state-of-the-art gallery CIMA features a fascinating collection of contemporary art by renowned artists from across the country. Awe-inspiring canvas painting line the walls, depicting various aspects of philosophical and conceptual art. CIMA also organizes a number of exhibitions wherein budding artists are provided a platform to showcase their talent and interact with established artists.
Girish Mancha, the beautiful 909-seater auditorium in Kolkata is proof of the city's long-standing cultural legacy. Opened in 1986, the auditorium is host to one of India's oldest international film festivals - The Kolkata Film Festival (KFF). The interiors are a majestic red, black and gold, while the building's unique oval architecture is certainly hard to miss.
Rabindra Tirtha was built by the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (WBHIDCO) and opened its doors in 2012. This cultural complex and research institute is an ode to Rabindranath Tagore, one of India's famous sons who inspired many across the world with his literature and Santiniketan. Reminiscent of his ashram, this center has a rustic appeal to it and is spread across 1.98 hectares (4.89 acres) of land. It comprises of art galleries, a mini movie theater, music room, an auditorium, a library, a cafe, souvenir shop and two exhibition halls, one with portraits of the Nobel laureate and the other has his paintings and archives. It also has dorms and cottages for researchers. You can catch all the movies inspired by this eminent author or documentaries on him at the cinema hall. Tagore fans will also enjoy the vast selection of his songs in the music room.