How to reach : Park street is the hub of Kolkata. A convenient way to reach Asiatic Society is to hop into the underground metro rail and disembark at Park Street station. Metered taxis are also available from various parts of the city.

Nearest International Airport : Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

Time required for sight seeing : 1 hour

Parking : Hourly parking charges applicable.

The magnificent Asiatic Society estate is strategically located to the left of Park Street and the founder of this esteemed society was the legendary Sir William Jones, the then Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. It was through Sir Jones' untiring efforts that the Asiatic Society was born way back in the year 1784.

Sir William Jones was a visionary and Kolkata being the capital of British India, he envisioned a Society which would serve as an Asian Centre of Excellence embracing any subject within the ambit of the Asian continent.

The present building has been modified several times and more rooms were added to facilitate the steady growth of Asia-centric research activities. In its heydays The Asiatic Researcher was one of the most prestigious journals and the journal was the prerogative of distinguished people and men of letters. There used to be a time when imminent personalities of British East India Company like William Jones, Thomas Colbrook, Charles Wilkins, John Harrington and others of their era used to contribute articles on a wide variety of subjects.

Today when you visit this hallowed institution you will come across rare manuscripts, books as well as impeccable collection of Arabic and Persian texts of Tipu Sultan, all of which are carefully preserved. On display at the gallery are priceless paintings of Rubens and Reynolds. Historians from the world over have marveled at emperor Ashoka's stone edicts and coins dating back to 8th century.