Birla Academy of Art & Culture

বিড়লা অ্যাকাডেমি

An art museum and galleries on Southern Avenue.

About Birla Academy of Art & Culture

Set up in 1967, the Academy holds a collection of Indian painting, sculpture and textiles, from medieval miniatures to the Bengal School and modern masters, and runs changing exhibitions of contemporary art. Its annual exhibition is one of the oldest fixtures in the city’s art calendar.

Why visit

A compact, uncrowded art museum a few steps from the lake.

What to see and do

The permanent collection of Indian art
The current exhibition
Sculpture in the lawn

Plan your visit

Area: Lake Gardens & Southern Avenue, South Kolkata
Nearest landmark: Southern Avenue
Best time: Afternoon or evening. October to March is the most comfortable time of year.
Time needed: About 50 minutes
Cost: Usually under ₹100 a head
Entry: Open to the public with a ticket. Hours and ticket are not currently verified.
Metro: Rabindra Sarobar or Kalighat (Blue Line)
Walking: Little walking
Photography: Photography is restricted.

Tip

Generally closed on Mondays; galleries open in the afternoon.

Nearby and related places

Rabindra Sarobar: A 73-acre lake ringed by trees: South Kolkata’s morning walk.
Lake Kalibari: A much-loved Kali temple on Southern Avenue, founded in 1949.
Lake Market: A neighbourhood market with a South Indian flavour.
Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture: A cultural institute at Golpark with a library, a museum and evening talks.
Japanese Buddhist Temple: A small white temple by the lake where a drum is beaten at dawn and dusk.
Dakshinapan: An open-air court of state handloom and handicraft emporia.

Walks that include it

South Kolkata Cultural Trail: Temple town to the lake

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.