Asiatic Society
A historic institution housing a vast library and museum, dedicated to Oriental research and preserving India's intellectual heritage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful study & exploration
Asiatic Society
Best Time
Peaceful study & exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic institution housing a vast library and museum, dedicated to Oriental research and preserving India's intellectual heritage.
"A treasure trove of knowledge and history, this iconic institution is a must-visit for history buffs and researchers."
🏛️ Heritage Building Vibes
Capture stunning photos on the steps; it's a popular spot seen in movies and series!
📚 Library Access
Non-members need college/school permission for library access. Museum entry is free!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Library
Main Building
Explore a vast collection of rare manuscripts, old maps, and priceless documents, a true treasure trove of India's intellectual legacy.
Cultural Museum
Ground Floor
Discover fascinating artifacts, including ancient manuscripts, stone inscriptions, and copper plates, offering a glimpse into history.
Heritage Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Admire the building's Greek and Roman-inspired architecture, a picturesque backdrop for photos and a testament to colonial-era design.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Library
Best Time to Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🏛️ Heritage Building Vibes
Capture stunning photos on the steps; it's a popular spot seen in movies and series!
📚 Library Access
Non-members need college/school permission for library access. Museum entry is free!
🚇 Easy Public Transport
Easily accessible via Metro to Park Street or nearby stations.
🌳 Serene Surroundings
Enjoy the charming blend of nature and knowledge with the trees around the building.
Tips
from all over the internet
🏛️ Heritage Building Vibes
Capture stunning photos on the steps; it's a popular spot seen in movies and series!
📚 Library Access
Non-members need college/school permission for library access. Museum entry is free!
🚇 Easy Public Transport
Easily accessible via Metro to Park Street or nearby stations.
🌳 Serene Surroundings
Enjoy the charming blend of nature and knowledge with the trees around the building.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
A treasure trove of knowledge and history, the Asiatic Society is lauded for its vast collection of rare manuscripts and historical artifacts, housed within a beautiful heritage building. Visitors appreciate the free museum access and the serene atmosphere, though some find library access challenging and administrative staff unhelpful.
"A Treasure Trove of Knowledge and History!
The Asiatic Society on Park Street is an iconic institution steeped in history. Whether you’re a history buff, researcher, or simply curious about India’s vast literary and cultural heritage, this place is a must-visit. The building might look modest from outside, but it houses rare manuscripts, old maps, and priceless documents that are a part of India's intellectual legacy. The visiting hours are Monday-Friday ;10:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. Various researchers of India often visit this place to read and grasp knowledge about Past.
The library is peaceful and well-maintained, and the staff are quite helpful and knowledgeable. The trees around the building give it a charming, old-world vibe — a perfect blend of nature and knowledge.
Yesterday I personally visited and got to know that only a permission from school or college will allow to access the library but one can visit the Museum, its free. I liked the Veda manuscript in Oriya, Chaitanya Bhagwata manuscript in Bengali and Debanagari Manuscript of Geeta and Mahabharata. I was really fascinated by seeing Buddhist Manuscript Pragyaparamita written in Gold and also copper plates manuscripts from Bangladesh etc. One stone inscription form Asoka's era was also there which was really nice.
Highly recommend visiting if you’re in Kolkata and want to explore something meaningful and off the beaten path!
📍 Located right in the heart of Park Street, easily accessible by public transport. I took up Metro to reach there."
Shilajit Ray
"The Asiatic Society is an organisation founded during the British rule in India to enhance and further the cause of Oriental Research, into India and the surrounding regions. It was founded by the philologist William Jones on 15 January 1784 in a meeting presided over by Justice Robert Chambers in the then Calcutta, the then-capital of the Presidency of Fort William. The former Indian Museum was established in the building of the society, there after the the collectibles are shifted to new museum building at Park Street. Asiatic Society provides a dynamic seat for research through a huge library equiped with a huge reading section and over 20 thousands of books and manuscripts. The Society offers seminars, conferences, training courses, workshops and fellowships for advance research. Parking space is available within the campus."
TAMAL DUTTA
"People who have to reach the librarian or a curator - how does one get to reach ? called 5-6 times and the answer is in a meeting. Please call after 10 mins and then gone and again call the answer is call after 30 mins. And how does one reach out apart from the email given. Who ever was in the admin was not helpful. Need better staff who can help around."
Uma Devi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Asiatic Society is located in Fort, Mumbai, easily accessible by public transport. The nearest Metro station is Churchgate or CSMT, from where you can take a short auto-rickshaw or taxi ride. Many visitors also find it convenient to take the Metro to Park Street.
Yes, parking space is available within the campus of the Asiatic Society.
The Asiatic Society is close to iconic landmarks like the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, and Kala Ghoda.
Absolutely! Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola are readily available in Mumbai and can drop you off directly at the Asiatic Society.
Yes, several BEST bus routes serve the Fort area, making it accessible by bus. You can check the specific routes from your location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You do not need a ticket to visit the museum, as entry is free. However, access to the library for study purposes requires permission from your college or school.
The Town Hall building, which houses the Asiatic Society, is generally open from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM on all days of the week, except on Sundays. The library has specific hours and is primarily for members.
No, the Asiatic Society library is closed on Sundays.
Non-members can access the library for study if they have a permission letter from their school or college.
No, the museum at the Asiatic Society is free to visit.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The museum features a fascinating collection of rare manuscripts (like Veda, Chaitanya Bhagwata, Geeta, Mahabharata), Buddhist manuscripts, stone inscriptions from Asoka's era, and copper plates.
Yes, the heritage architecture, especially the steps of the Town Hall, makes for a picturesque spot for photography. It's been featured in movies and web series.
The library is known for being peaceful and well-maintained, ideal for quiet study. The museum can be busier, especially on weekends.
Founded in 1804 by William Jones, it's an institution dedicated to Oriental research, promoting Asian studies and preserving India's intellectual and cultural heritage.
While not explicitly mentioned for the Society itself, heritage walks often include the Asiatic Society as a stop, offering insights into its history.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Asiatic Society is located in the vibrant Fort area, which has numerous cafes and restaurants. Cafe Nur, known for its heritage vibes, is nearby.
Food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the library or museum areas to preserve the artifacts and books.
You'll find a variety of cuisines, from local Indian street food to international cafes and fine dining restaurants in the surrounding Fort and Colaba areas.
There isn't a cafe directly within the Asiatic Society premises, but nearby options like Cafe Nur are easily accessible.
Yes, the Fort area offers a range of budget-friendly eateries and street food stalls, especially around Fashion Street.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand steps of the Town Hall building are a very popular and iconic spot for photos, often seen in films. The architecture itself is also very photogenic.
While exterior photography is generally encouraged, it's advisable to check for specific rules regarding photography inside the museum or library to avoid disturbing others or damaging artifacts.
Tripod usage might be restricted, especially indoors. It's best to inquire at the information desk upon arrival if you plan to use one.
The golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) can offer beautiful lighting for exterior shots of the heritage building.
Capturing the grandeur of the building's facade and the surrounding heritage district provides a classic Mumbai experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📚 Students and Researchers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The intricate architecture provides numerous angles and details to capture. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best natural light for stunning photographs. Remember to check for any photography restrictions inside the museum. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History and Purpose
The iconic Town Hall building, where the Society is housed, is a magnificent example of Greek and Roman-inspired architecture, constructed in 1830. This heritage structure itself is a significant attraction, often featured in films and web series, adding a layer of cinematic charm to its historical gravitas.
+1 The building's grandeur, combined with the intellectual wealth it contains, makes the Asiatic Society a unique blend of history, culture, and learning.Visitors can explore the museum for free, which showcases a remarkable collection including ancient manuscripts in various languages, stone inscriptions from the Asoka era, and historical copper plates. While the library is primarily for members, students with permission from their educational institutions can access it for study, highlighting the Society's commitment to academic advancement.
Navigating the Asiatic Society
When visiting, remember that the library is primarily for members. However, the museum is free to enter and offers a fascinating glimpse into India's past. Students can gain access to the library for study purposes by obtaining a permission letter from their college or school.
Photography is a popular activity here, especially on the grand steps of the Town Hall, which have been a backdrop for many films.
+1 While exterior shots are generally welcome, it's always wise to check for any specific rules regarding photography inside the museum or library to ensure respect for the artifacts and other visitors. 
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