The City of Joy has added another jewel to its cultural crown with the grand opening of Kolkata’s first Solar Dome Museum, a pioneering fusion of sustainability and storytelling.
Located in New Town, this architectural marvel is India’s first museum housed inside a fully solar-powered dome, making it a landmark achievement in the country’s green building movement. The dome, a stunning structure of glass and steel, is embedded with hundreds of solar panels that harness the power of the sun to fully run the museum’s operations — from lighting and ventilation to digital displays and interactive exhibits.
Designed by renowned architect Abin Chaudhuri, the dome is not only an energy-efficient structure but also a visual spectacle. Visitors are greeted by a futuristic façade that glows gently under sunlight, symbolizing the harmony between human ingenuity and nature.
“This is more than a museum — it’s a message. A message that sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand,” said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during the inauguration ceremony. “Kolkata has always led with culture. Now, it leads with climate-consciousness too.”
Inside, the museum offers a multi-sensory experience featuring the history of renewable energy, climate change awareness, and India’s journey in sustainable development. A special section is dedicated to Bengal’s green pioneers, celebrating the region’s contributions to environmental activism and clean energy innovation.
The Solar Dome Museum is expected to become a major attraction, drawing students, tourists, and eco-conscious citizens alike. Officials also announced that surplus solar power generated by the dome will be fed into the city’s power grid, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.
As the sun powers both the structure and the spirit of the museum, Kolkata steps into a future where heritage is preserved not just in memory — but in light.
