Kolkata’s Grand Hotel gets heritage plaque
The Oberoi Grand, an iconic establishment in Chowringhee in Kolkata, has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Blue Plaque’ by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). This accolade marks a groundbreaking achievement, as it distinguishes the Oberoi Grand as the first hotel property in India to receive such a distinction.
Among a select group of 50 recipients, the Oberoi Grand stands out for its status as a cultural landmark, representing a repository of rich heritage and enduring legacy that has weathered the sands of time with grace and resilience.
With roots dating back to the 1800s, the Oberoi Grand boasts a captivating history. Originally serving as the residence of a British colonel, it underwent a transformation into a boarding house under the stewardship of Annie Monk from Ireland.
In 1914, the property changed hands to Arathoon Stephen, in whose vision–envisioning its grandeur alongside the adjacent Theatre Royal and Calcutta Club–was born The Grand Hotel. Later, the allure of this historic gem captured the attention of Mohan Singh Oberoi, who acquired the property in 1938, adding another chapter to its illustrious saga.
