Academy of Fine Arts

অ্যাকাডেমি অফ ফাইন আর্টস

Galleries and the stage that is the home of Bengali group theatre.

About Academy of Fine Arts

Founded in 1933 by Lady Ranu Mukherjee, the Academy has stood on Cathedral Road since the 1950s. Its galleries show new exhibitions by Bengal’s artists almost every week, and its auditorium is the best-known stage of the group theatre movement. The trees outside are a meeting point for artists, actors and students.

Why visit

Free exhibitions most days and a Bengali play most evenings.

What to see and do

Whatever is hanging in the galleries this week
A group theatre production in the evening
The adda under the trees at the gate

Plan your visit

Area: Maidan & Chowringhee, Central Kolkata
Nearest landmark: Cathedral Road, beside Rabindra Sadan
Best time: Afternoon or evening. October to March is the most comfortable time of year.
Time needed: About 1 hour
Cost: Free
Entry: Open to everyone: a street, ghat, market or park you can walk into. Gallery entry is generally free; plays are ticketed. Gallery hours are not currently verified.
Metro: Rabindra Sadan (Blue Line)
Walking: Little walking
Photography: Photography is fine with some care.

Nearby and related places

Nandan & Rabindra Sadan: The state film centre and concert hall, heart of the city’s cultural evening.
St Paul’s Cathedral: The Gothic Revival cathedral beside the Maidan, consecrated in 1847.
Victoria Memorial: The white-marble memorial museum and its gardens.
Birla Planetarium: A domed planetarium of 1963, modelled on the Sanchi stupa.
The Maidan: The great open ground at the centre of the city.
Maidan Football Grounds: The club grounds where Indian football grew up.

More guides

Last checked on 2026-10-02. Each place was checked to exist and its position confirmed. Timings, closing days and ticket prices are shown only where known and can change: confirm before you travel.