Tagore's House (Jorasanko Thakur Bari)

The Basics

Known to locals as Jorasanko Thakurbari, the Tagore House was built by Rabindranath Tagore’s grandfather and is part of Kolkata’s Rabindra Bharati University campus. Now restored to how it would have been in Tagore’s time, it incorporates galleries dedicated to his works, his other illustrious family members, and the Bengal Renaissance—an intellectual flowering that took place during British imperial rule.

The Tagore House features on many full-day Kolkata city tours. Most give you around 30 minutes to explore inside, either with a guide to point out the highlights, or independently. If you wish to spend longer here, consider a private tour that offers a flexible itinerary so you can extend your visit.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Tagore House will appeal to poetry, literature, and art lovers, and India history buffs.
• If you’re visiting independently, allow around 1 to 1.5 hours to see everything.
• Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering.
• Photography is not permitted inside the house.

How to Get There

The Tagore House is near Girish Park in north Kolkata, just off Rabindra Sarani. The easiest way to visit is on a private city tour that stops at the house. Otherwise, book a cab or use Kolkata’s metro network—the nearest station, Girish Park, is a relatively straightforward 10-minute walk away.

When to Get There

The Tagore House is open Tuesday-Sunday 10:30am-4:30pm, and closed on government and university holidays. Celebratory events take place on the anniversary of Tagore’s birth on May 8, and his death, on August 7. For another perspective on the poet, head here for the nightly Sound and Light show (in Bengali at 6pm and English at 7pm).

What to See at the Tagore House

While Tagore is best known as a poet, he was also a prolific songwriter and painter, as were other members of his family. The museum reflects the full span of his and their talents, with galleries of paintings, journals, records, and possessions, and the great man’s bedroom and study as it was during his life. Don’t miss the photo of Tagore with Einstein during a meeting in 1930.