Kolkata Police Museum, Library and Cafeteria - Museum in Kolkata - Kolkata, India

Edit: First review written on: 14/09/2018, 06:03 pm Any name with the word 'police' in it brings forth a bit of hesitation, no? But trust me, you'll fall in love with this place the moment you enter it. This newly opened place (well, three-in-one to be precise) is a hidden gem of our city. Situated on Ripon Street, in the building erstwhile belonging to the famous Bhawal Sanyasi, Kolkata Police has opened a museum where anyone can experience the long history of the organisation. From 1856 (the birth year of one of the greatest Police Forces in the world - the Kolkata Police) to date, numerous major historic exhibits will mesmerise you and take you back to the bygone era. You will be able to know your friendly neighborhood Kolkata Police in much detail. A genial lady will guide you through your journey. There's a library, too. And believe me when I say it's a kickass one. Powered by thousands of books from every category (in both English and Bengali), this is a paradise for the bookworms. A friendly officer told me that a huge fresh stock is about to be added in the coming weeks making the library a monster of a treasure trove. And it's so easy on the pockets. Only Rs100 for the I-Card and Rs700 per year as membership fees. Anyone can become a member. A member can take 2 books for 28 days (and renew afterwards if needed). I'm definitely going to sign up when I'm visiting the place again. And why am I visiting the place again? For just the library? No. The third attraction: the cafeteria - Off Duty Cafe. The menu is concise, not many options are there like the usual cafes. But even the concise menu will give a gastronomer (like me) good burps. The cafe is very pocket friendly and the portions are filling for two hungry souls. I loved the club sandwich served with French fries and also the cheese omelet. The chef is so polite. The sitting arrangements are good. Very comfortable AC environment. Just imagine yourself sitting inside a two-hundred-year-old building, sipping a cup of Darjeeling Tea. Alluring, no? Yes, that's why I had 2 cups of it. Photography is strictly prohibited, even in the library and cafeteria sections. So I am unable to share some good photos. I apologise. But, you can trust my words. Having Level 8 in LocalGuides, 49 badges in TripAdvisor and Level 7 in Zomato should bring some tangibility. Visit once. You'll love it. The building is open-to-all all throughout the year. Yes, 365 days it remains open from 11 am to 8 pm. No entry fees.

A nice, small, new museum in a wonderfully restored nineteenth century building. It has a remarkable collection of arms, especially desi arms. What deserves a special mention is its public library. It has a large collection of books placed in classified racks wherefrom you can pick up books and read. The pleasant surprise was that it had books for all ages- young children to aged citizens. One doesn't expect a public library having a wide collection of Tintin and Asterix, Marvel and DC! The annual membership to the library is available for Rs 700 plus Rs 100 for the card. One can take upto two books for a maximum of four weeks. It has a cool cafe too, managed by Chai Break. An ideal place for a family that reads books. A laudable initiative by Kolkata Police.

A nice, small, new museum in a wonderfully restored nineteenth century building. It has a remarkable collection of arms, especially desi arms. What deserves a special mention is its public library. It has a large collection of books placed in classified racks wherefrom you can pick up books and read. The pleasant surprise was that it had books for all ages- young children to aged citizens. One doesn't expect a public library having a wide collection of Tintin and Asterix, Marvel and DC! The annual membership to the library is available for Rs 700 plus Rs 100 for the card. One can take upto two books for a maximum of four weeks. It has a cool cafe too, managed by Chai Break. An ideal place for a family that reads books. A laudable initiative by Kolkata Police.

It is the second police museum after the one in Amherst Street. It was opened in 2017. No entry fee is required and no photography is allowed inside the museum. Very interesting place. Kids will enjoy. Very informative too. This house once owned by Bhawal family. British took over this house in the time of world war II and turned into a hospital. Afterwards it became police training institute. The museum has one library with many books and one Cafeteria. Files on Netaji and his family members are declassified now and preserved here.

Great collection of books. Unexplored so all books on racks in mint condition. Along with it there is Police Museum. The building is a heritage building, you get the feel of old Calcutta there. Membership fees is nothing compared to the kind of books collection they have. Heaven for book lovers.

Great place. Had a great time there reading books and roaming around in the corridors.

Firstly the building itself has a fascinating history. This was the residence of the Mejokumar of the Bhawal family made famous by the Bhawal Sanyasi Case. Now it is home to the Kolkata police museum and library as well as the HQ of the Kolkata police wireless branch and a police petrol pump. The museum houses a collection of interesting artifacts reflecting the history of the Kolkata police. The entry is free and the display is interesting for any aficionado of Kolkata history.

a pleasant, small, new museum in a wonderfully restored 19th century building. It has a extraordinary series of palms, mainly desi hands. What merits a unique mention is its public library. It has a big series of books placed in classified racks wherefrom you could pick out up books and study. The great wonder become that it had books for all ages- young kids to aged residents. One doesn't expect a public library having a extensive collection of Tintin and Asterix, surprise and DC! the annual club to the library is available for Rs seven hundred plus Rs 100 for the card. one can take upto two books for a maximum of 4 weeks. It has a fab cafe too, managed by using Chai spoil. a great area for a family that reads books. A laudable initiative by Kolkata Police.