A sacred sanctuary of India's Independence Movement

Netaji Bhawan is located in the old, rustic neighbourhood of Bhowanipore. Kolkata is popular for its love of music, literature, and culture. But its fables about the contribution to India's freedom struggle are also iconic. The person who emerges as the stalwart of the fight for freedom is Subhash Chandra Bose. Lovingly known as Netaji, this edifice is a way of remembering him and his contribution to the city and the country. The museum is dedicated to his memory and is thus called Netaji Bhawan.

The place has immortalized Netaji’s struggle for freedom, his indomitable spirit, and his revolutionary ideals. It is revered for its interiors, which hold peeps into Netaji's life and legacy, his personal belongings, photographs, and documents that illuminate his remarkable journey. Through immersive exhibits and informative displays, Netaji Bhawan offers a poignant tribute to a pivotal figure in India's quest for freedom.

So, if tales of freedom fighters and their bravery entice you, take a trip to the Netaji Bhawan. The travel down the lanes of history is gripping and awakening at the same time.

Where the chant of freedom began

We all know the impact Netaji has on our minds and the pages of history. The Netaji Bhawan is his own home and that alone is reason enough for you to visit the place. It was built way back in 1909 on the hip streets of Elgin Road by his father Janakinath Bose. Very recently, in 1961, the building was made into a museum by the administration of the Netaji Research Bureau. It is a center for the bureau and is maintained by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

The place was designed following the archetypical Bengali architecture. You will be welcomed by imposing pillars, porticoes, and courtyards but once you enter the building you will be transported back into the days of the Indian Independence Movement. The entryway has a plaque with the name of J.N Bose. As you walk towards the main portico, you will see the INA Memorial engraved with the motto' Ittefaq. Itmad. Kurbaani’.

Collecting tales of the past

You will be enthralled seeing the collection at the museum. Apart from the personal belongings and artifacts of Bose, you will also find a large bedstead belonging to Janakinath. You can also walk up the flight of stairs and find the car that Netaji took to escape from his house arrest. As you walk through the hallowed halls you will feel as if you're walking among snippets of history. The museum has also displayed articles, documents, and photographs that show a timeline of Netaji’s life. There are pictures of his life in Europe, his trips to the Andaman Islands, and his days of capture in Mandalay. There are some rare items like postage stamps, German military documents converted to Hindi, and Azad Hind journals. 

Do not forget to visit the 'Freedom Library'. There are books about freedom fighters, their struggles, the missions planned and executed, periodicals, and documents written by Sarat Chandra Bose. The 'Sarat Bose Hall' in the house can seat 115 people and is a place where special film shows on Netaji and other documentaries and movies are screened specially for people who are curious and eager to learn more about the freedom movement.

Timings

Opening time - 11:00 AM

Closing time - 04:30 PM

Round the neighbourhood of the brave

 After taking a trip down memory lane on Netaji’s contribution to the history of freedom struggle, you can shop at Forum Courtyard, Central Plaza, Merlin Homeland Mall, and Victoria Plaza. Nearby is the Ahuja Art Museum, which showcases works by Bengali artists. Visit the Iskcon temple or Mother Teresa’s Mother House for a spiritual experience. Don't miss the Birla Planetarium, modelled after the Sanchi Stupa.

Netaji Bhawan stands as a solemn testament to the remarkable life and unwavering dedication of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a towering figure in India's struggle for independence. This hallowed site in Kolkata preserves his memories, artifacts, and ideals, serving as a beacon of inspiration for generations, embodying his ethos of courage and resilience.