Birla Industrial & Technological Museum - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 9 km from Kolkata Railway Station, Birla Industrial & Technological Museum is a science museum located in Ballygunge area of Kolkata. It is the first science museum in India and among the prime attractions of Kolkata and the must-visit place for kids, science students, and science lovers.

Established in the year 1959, Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM) in Kolkata is the first science museum in the country under the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India. The idea behind this pioneering initiative came from Dr. B C Roy, the then Chief Minister of West Bengal who after visiting the Deutsches Museum in Munich was inspired to create a similar institution in India. In 1956, Sri GD Birla donated the Birla Park, his sprawling bungalow and the adjoining plot of land for setting up the museum. This entire transformation of the place from a park to a museum took nearly 3 years.

The main objective of the museum is to portray the growth of science and technology and their applications in industry and human welfare with a view to developing a general awareness amongst the people. The museum has various galleries that exhibit different things related to science and technology such as Fascinating physics, Transport, Motive power, Biotechnology, Metals, Electricity, Television, Electronics, Life science, and Underground Mock-up Coal Mine. The museum also has an aquarium, aviary, rabbit house, bonsai plants, and snake pits.

There are a lot of activities that are being organized in the museum including daily science shows, Sky observation, Creative ability center, popular lectures and a lot more. The 3D Show was added in 2006. In the area of Mobile Science Exhibition, units on Fun Science, Emerging Technologies, Mathematics, Global Changes, etc. have generated a lot of interest among the rural masses. An exhibition currently on display in BITM is 'A world in Darkness' for the visually challenged people. Daily Science Shows on Fun Science, Science Magic Miracle, Fantastic Chemistry and Super Cool Bodies are must-see items for all. Taramandal (Planetarium) Show gives the view of night sky to the visitors having inclination towards astronomy.

The museum arranges various events which may help in the educational richness of the people. Some of the major events are Science seminar, Science fair, Engineering fair, annual science quiz conquest, Hobby camps, Science drama competition, Science film festival and Observance of important days. There is a massive library in this museum, has a huge collection of books, journals, CDs and films on science and technology. There is an air-conditioned auditorium which can accommodate up to 210 people.

Timings: 9.30 AM - 6 PM from Monday - Friday, 10.30 AM - 8 PM from Saturday - Sunday, Closed on Holi & Diwali

Entry Fee: Rs. 30 for Person & Rs. 20 for Students in a group of 25 or more, Rs. 30 for 3D Show, Rs. 10 for Taramandal, Rs. 10 for Science Show & Rs. 15 for Coal Mine