Marble Palace

📍 Location: 46, Muktaram Babu Street, Chorbagan, North Kolkata 🎯 Built in: 1835 by Raja Rajendra Mullick — a wealthy Bengali merchant and patron of the arts 💠 Architectural Style: Neoclassical exterior with traditional Bengali inner courtyards 🎨 Overview: A Palace Frozen in Time Marble Palace is a privately-owned mansion, still occupied by the descendants of the Mullick family. While parts of the house remain residential, the rest is open to the public (with prior permission). It's a rare window into 19th-century aristocratic Bengal, filled with marble floors, chandeliers, antique clocks, grand statues, Western and Indian paintings, and even a private zoo. Unlike modern museums, this place isn’t polished or curated — it’s a time capsule. Dusty, grand, mysterious, and unforgettable. 🖼️ Interior Attractions & Collection Art Collection: Paintings by European masters like Rubens, Murillo, Sir Joshua Reynolds, and Titian Indian artists like Raja Ravi Varma A gallery of sculptures, including busts of Greek gods, Queen Victoria, and Napoleon Many items are originals and rare, though some may be disputed reproductions Furniture & Decor: Luxurious Victorian-era furniture Huge Belgian glass mirrors, grand chandeliers Antique clocks, urns, vases, and stained-glass windows Architecture: Over 90 varieties of marble from Italy and India Lavish courtyards, open halls, and winding staircases Corinthian pillars and rococo flourishes contrast with the Bengal-style interiors Private Zoo / Aviary: India’s first private zoo (now more like a bird sanctuary) You can spot peacocks, hornbills, toucans, deer, storks, and other exotic species in the gardens 📷 Photography & Entry Policy Photography is strictly prohibited, even outside the building Entry is free, but you must get a written permit from the West Bengal Tourism Information Bureau at BBD Bagh at least one day before Guided tours are compulsory – a member of the household or staff usually accompanies you ⏰ Timings Open: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Closed: Mondays and Thursdays Visit duration: ~1.5 to 2 hours for a full tour of the museum and garden ✅ Positives Rich, Rare Collection The blend of Western art with Indian tradition makes this place unlike any other palace or museum in India. Authentic Ambience It’s not renovated in a modern way — and that’s what makes it atmospheric. It's a little dusty and faded, but that adds to the antique charm. Calm & Offbeat Compared to touristy places, it’s quiet and crowd-free, making it perfect for a reflective visit. Architecture The stunning marble work, pillars, and symmetrical structure make it a favorite for history and design lovers. ⚠️ Negatives Permit Process Getting the entry permit is inconvenient and may discourage spontaneous visitors. You can’t just walk in. Strict No-Photography Rule Not being able to capture the visual richness can be frustrating for modern-day tourists. Limited Accessibility No ramps or lifts; not suitable for wheelchairs or elderly people with mobility issues. Lack of Professional Museum Experience Some artifacts aren’t labelled, and the guided tour is informal. Don't expect modern museum curation or A/V displays. Maintenance Issues Some visitors feel the place needs better upkeep — dusty galleries, poor lighting in areas, and wear on antiques are common complaints. 🧭 How to Reach Nearest Metro: Girish Park (10–12 minutes walk) Bus/Auto/Taxi: Located in a narrow North Kolkata lane; easiest to reach via cab or app-based ride Parking: Very limited; not recommended to drive a private vehicle