Metcalfe Hall

Visually similar to the Greek temples in Athens, Metcalfe Hall is a heritage building at the junction of Strand Road and Hare Street in the heart of Kolkata’s business district. Reflective of the British imperial architecture at the beginning of the 19th century, the building was constructed between 1840 and 1844. The Metcalfe Hall was named after Sir Charles T. Metcalfe, the Governor-General of India, in honour of his efforts towards a free press. Initially the building housed the Calcutta Public Library collection, formed by Lord Metcalfe himself, who transferred 4675 volumes from the library of the College of Fort William. Presently, the ground floor houses the Asiatic Society’s rare foreign journals and manuscripts, while the first floor houses offices, exhibition galleries and a sales counter of the Archaeological Survey of India.