In a remarkable blend of heritage, education, and art, the Ashutosh Museum of Indian Art, housed within the historic University of Calcutta, continues to serve as India’s first public museum established in a university campus. Founded in 1937, this pioneering institution was named in honor of Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee, the visionary Vice Chancellor of the university and an ardent advocate for Indian heritage and academic excellence.
Located just behind the university library, the museum was created with the purpose of preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Bengal and Kolkata. It holds an extraordinary collection of antiques, terracotta sculptures, brass works, and Basalt statues—offering visitors a rare insight into the unique fusion of Hindu and Buddhist artistic traditions that once flourished in the region.
As one of the few university-affiliated museums open to the public, the Ashutosh Museum not only supports research and education but also encourages cultural tourism. Visitors can even request photographic prints of key exhibits from the curator, making it both accessible and educational.
The museum remains a hidden gem for art lovers, historians, and tourists alike, offering a vivid window into Bengal’s artistic legacy. It stands today as a living tribute to Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee’s vision of fostering cultural pride and academic innovation within the same space.
For those touring Kolkata, the Ashutosh Museum is a must-visit destination that bridges the past and present through the language of art.
