Curzon Hall
The architectural crown jewel of Dhaka University
Quick Travel Facts & Visitor Guide (2026)
Curzon Hall is a prominent travel destination in Dhaka Division, Bangladesh. The optimal time to visit is Winter (November to February) for pleasant weather and vibrant campus life. for a recommended trip duration of 1 to 2 hours. Entry ticket is Free admission / Standard entry and weekly off day is Open daily (Public attraction). A magnificent, red-brick masterpiece of Indo-Saracenic architecture that serves as the heart of the Dhaka University science faculty.
Overview
Located within the sprawling campus of the University of Dhaka, Curzon Hall is widely considered one of the most beautiful and architecturally significant buildings in the country. Built in 1904, it is a quintessential example of Indo-Saracenic architecture—a stunning blend of Mughal and British colonial design elements, characterized by its deep red bricks, elegant arches, and ornate domes.
The building is surrounded by a large, beautifully manicured botanical garden that serves as a popular hangout spot for university students and a peaceful retreat for visitors. The striking contrast between the red brick facade and the lush green lawns makes Curzon Hall a favorite subject for photographers and artists.
Beyond its architectural beauty, Curzon Hall holds immense historical significance. It was the site where the pivotal Language Movement of 1952 gained major momentum. Today, it houses the Faculty of Science for the University of Dhaka, continuing its legacy as a center for education while remaining a proud symbol of the city's heritage.
History & Culture
The hall was named after Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, who laid its foundation stone in 1904. It was originally intended to be a town hall for the newly established capital of Eastern Bengal and Assam.
In 1921, when the University of Dhaka was established, the building was repurposed to house its science departments.
Top things to do in Curzon Hall
Architectural Photography
Capture the stunning details of the red brickwork, the sweeping arches, and the elegant domes from the central lawn.
Relax in the Gardens
Sit by the large pond or on the lawns, enjoying the peaceful environment and observing the vibrant student life of the university.
Explore the Campus
Take a walk around the surrounding Dhaka University campus, which is filled with historic monuments, street food, and cultural activities.
Video Guide: Experience Curzon Hall
Watch cinematic 4K footage and essential visual travel highlights before planning your trip to Curzon Hall.
Curzon Hall in pictures
Curated photography via Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons licensing.
Highlights
- ✓Magnificent red-brick Indo-Saracenic architecture
- ✓Intricate Mughal-style arches, domes, and pavilions
- ✓A large, beautifully maintained botanical garden and pond
- ✓Deep historical ties to the 1952 Language Movement
- ✓Vibrant university campus atmosphere
How to reach Curzon Hall (Transport Routes)
Curzon Hall is centrally located near the High Court and Shahbagh areas in Dhaka. It is easily accessible by rickshaw, CNG auto-rickshaw, or Uber from anywhere in the city.
Best time to visit Curzon Hall& Seasonal Advisory
Winter (November to February): The gardens are lush, the weather is cool, and the campus is highly active.
Spring (February): Visit around February 21st to witness the university area decorated for Language Martyrs' Day.
Where to stay near Curzon Hall
Located in central Dhaka, there are numerous hotels nearby in the Shahbagh, Motijheel, and Dhanmondi areas.
Local food & dining
- 🍽️University street food (chotpoti, fuchka, and tea) from the stalls just outside the gates
- 🍽️Traditional Bengali lunch at the nearby TSC (Teacher-Student Centre) cafeteria
Essential Travel Tips & Rules for Curzon Hall
- 💡As it is an active university faculty building, visitors cannot enter the classrooms or laboratories. You can only explore the corridors and the exterior gardens.
- 💡The campus is very safe, but avoid visiting during major political rallies, which sometimes occur in the university area.
- 💡Visit in the late afternoon to enjoy the golden hour sunlight hitting the red bricks.
Nearby Places to Visit around Curzon Hall
Combine your visit to Curzon Hall with these closely located attractions and scenic destinations.
0.1 km (S)Curzon Hall in central Dhaka, built in 1904 during the Viceroyalty of Lord Curzon, is a majestic Indo-Saracenic red-brick architectural icon serving as the Science Faculty of Dhaka University.
0.4 km (W)An iconic, profoundly significant national monument in Dhaka honoring those who died fighting for the right to speak Bengali in 1952.
0.7 km (N)A historic thousand-year-old Hindu temple sanctuary in central Dhaka rebuilt into a grand spiritual complex beside Suhrawardy Udyan.
0.7 km (N)A historic 68-acre national memorial park in Shahbagh, Dhaka, featuring the towering 150-foot glass Independence Monument (Swadhinata Stambha), underground museum, and Eternal Flame.
Curated Destination Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions about Curzon Hall
Is there an entry fee?+
No, entry to the grounds of Curzon Hall is completely free and open to the public.
Can I go inside the building?+
You can walk along the grand exterior corridors, but the interior rooms are active university classrooms and labs, closed to the public.
Is there parking available?+
Parking is limited inside the gates, but you can usually find parking on the surrounding campus streets.
Related Destinations & Travel Guides
Explore 5 interlinked destinations in Dhaka Division& surrounding regions
Dhakeshwari Temple is Bangladesh's most important Hindu temple and the national shrine of Dhaka, an ancient place of worship dating from the 12th century.
An iconic, profoundly significant national monument in Dhaka honoring those who died fighting for the right to speak Bengali in 1952.
The grand riverside palace of the Nawabs of Dhaka — a pink Indo-Saracenic landmark crowned by a great dome, now a museum recreating the life and times of the family that shaped the old city.
A 17th-century Mughal fort in Old Dhaka, left incomplete after a princess's death — its marble-clad tomb of Pari Bibi, three-domed mosque and char-bagh gardens make it the city's finest Mughal monument.
A 19th-century Old Dhaka mosque famous for its chini-tikri mosaics — hundreds of blue stars set in broken china and porcelain across a white facade, including a panel of Mount Fuji.