Netaji Bhavan is the ancestral house of Subhas Chandra Bose, preserved as a museum in Kolkata’s Bhowanipore neighbourhood. You can see personal belongings, photographs and documents connected with Bose and the Indian National Army, as well as learn about the house’s role in his story. A one-day Kolkata route can help fit the visit into a wider day out.
- Location: 38/2 Lala Lajpat Rai Sarani, formerly 38/2 Elgin Road, Kolkata 700020.
- Typical public hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; closed Mondays.
- Admission: INR 50 for adults and INR 20 for children up to 12 years.
Why Netaji Bhavan matters
Netaji Bhavan connects the story of Subhas Chandra Bose with the family home where he grew up. His father, Janakinath Bose, built the house in 1909, and Sarat Chandra Bose dedicated it to the nation on 23 January 1947. The Netaji Research Bureau turned it into a museum in 1961; Kolkata Municipal Corporation maintains it.
The Bengali-style building is noted for its pillars, porticoes and courtyards. At the main portico, an INA Memorial bears the motto “Ittefaq. Itmad. Kurbaani.” The setting gives the museum’s collection a close connection to the people and events it interprets.
How do you get to Netaji Bhavan?
Hotel Rushabh Home is about 21 minutes on foot or 9 minutes by car from Netaji Bhavan; Hotel Rushabh Home offers a place to stay for a visit to the house and its collection.
What can you see inside Netaji Bhavan?
The collection brings together objects and records associated with Subhas Chandra Bose, the Indian National Army and his family. Among the personal items are a large bedstead that belonged to Janakinath Bose and the car Bose used to escape from house arrest, displayed up a flight of stairs.
Look for postage stamps, German military documents converted to Hindi and Azad Hind journals. The house also contains a Freedom Library with books, periodicals and documents, including material written by Sarat Chandra Bose. Sarat Bose Hall is used for special film shows and documentaries and can seat 115 people.
The museum’s website also offers a 360-degree virtual tour of Netaji’s bedroom.
What are the hours, tickets and visitor facilities?
Public hours are Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., with Monday closures. Admission is INR 50 for adults and INR 20 for children up to 12 years, and tickets can be purchased through the museum’s website.
Netaji Bhavan is fully accessible for elderly visitors and visitors with disabilities. Hours and admission can change, so check the official site before you go.
What can you combine with a visit?
Birla Planetarium and the Indian Museum are among the places listed alongside Netaji Bhavan.
FAQs
Where is Netaji Bhavan?
It is at 38/2 Lala Lajpat Rai Sarani, formerly 38/2 Elgin Road, in Kolkata’s Bhowanipore neighbourhood.
What is Netaji Bhavan known for?
The museum preserves the ancestral house of Subhas Chandra Bose and displays personal belongings, photographs, documents and items connected with the Indian National Army.
Is Netaji Bhavan accessible?
Yes. The museum is fully accessible for elderly visitors and visitors with disabilities.