The Victoria Memorial is a major tourist attraction of Kolkata and was built in the memory of Queen Victoria. It is now a museum attracting huge numbers of visitors everyday to witness this magnificent structure made of white marble. It was completed in 1921. This majestic and exquisite memorial is located in the heart of the City of Joy and stands as an outstanding architectural gem and an essence of the Victorian era.
The memorial was constructed by architect William Emerson by the banks of the famous Hooghly River. Emerson was the President of the Royal Institute of British Architects, therefore the design portrays a mix of British and Mughal style with Venetian, Deccani and some Islamic influences. The monument is made out of pure white Makrana Marble in remembrance of the empress. Similar to the beauty and grandeur of the Taj Mahal, the memorial has a central dome, an octagonal elevated canopy, terrace and gardens. At the entrance of the Victoria memorial is a statue of the Queen.
