Institute of Fine Arts Charukola
A historic institution shaping Bangladeshi art, vibrant during festivals and showcasing emerging talent.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Vibrant cultural celebrations
Institute of Fine Arts Charukola
Best Time
Vibrant cultural celebrations
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic institution shaping Bangladeshi art, vibrant during festivals and showcasing emerging talent.
"Experience the colorful heart of Bangladeshi art and culture at this esteemed institute."
🎯 Check Exhibition Schedules
Plan your visit around student art exhibitions for a glimpse of emerging talent. :camerawithflash:
📅 Experience Pahela Baishakh
If visiting during Bengali New Year, expect lively crowds and colorful festivities. :tada:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pahela Baishakh Celebrations
Witness a riot of colors and cultural festivities during the Bengali New Year. A truly immersive experience.
Zainul Abedin's Legacy
Explore the institute founded by the renowned artist Zainul Abedin, a cornerstone of Bangladeshi art.
Student Art Exhibitions
Discover emerging talent and contemporary art at regular exhibitions showcasing student work.
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Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Exhibition Schedules
Plan your visit around student art exhibitions for a glimpse of emerging talent. :camerawithflash:
📅 Experience Pahela Baishakh
If visiting during Bengali New Year, expect lively crowds and colorful festivities. :tada:
🚗 Navigate Dhaka Traffic
Allow extra travel time due to potential traffic congestion in Dhaka. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Exhibition Schedules
Plan your visit around student art exhibitions for a glimpse of emerging talent. :camerawithflash:
📅 Experience Pahela Baishakh
If visiting during Bengali New Year, expect lively crowds and colorful festivities. :tada:
🚗 Navigate Dhaka Traffic
Allow extra travel time due to potential traffic congestion in Dhaka. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Institute of Fine Arts Charukola is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, especially during Pahela Baishakh, and its significant role in nurturing Bangladeshi art. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to witness student talent and the historical legacy of its founding artists. However, some may find the campus facilities basic and the experience less structured than a traditional museum.
"Colorful fine Art's environment during pahela baishakh (First day of Bengali Month)"
Towhidur Rahman
"Under the leadership of Zainul Abedin, prominent artists Anwarul Haque, Kamrul Hasan, Khwaja Shafiq Ahmed, Safiuddin Ahmed and Habibur Rahman started the Government Arts and Crafts Institute at the DNMI Hospital building on Johnson Road in Dhaka.
At the beginning, there were six teachers including Zainul Abedin as the principal and eighteen students. The activities of this institute started with three departments: Fine Arts (now Drawing and Painting), Commercial Arts (now Graphic Design) and Graphic Arts (now Printmaking). In 1952, the institution was shifted to a building in Segun Bagicha and then in 1956, it was shifted to its own building in Shahbagh.
In 1963, the institute became a government degree college and was named East Pakistan College of Arts and Crafts. After the independence of Bangladesh, this college was named Bangladesh Arts and Crafts College. M.F.A. Courses have been introduced here since 1978. The Department of Art History started the MFA course in 1991 and the Honours course in 2001. In 1983, the college was merged into the University of Dhaka as an institute. The Honours course was introduced from the 1992-93 session. The institution was converted into the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Dhaka in 2008."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Institute of Fine Arts Charukola is located in Shahbagh, Dhaka. You can reach it via public bus, rickshaw, or ride-sharing services like Uber or Pathao. Be prepared for Dhaka's notorious traffic, especially during peak hours.
Parking can be challenging in the Shahbagh area. It's advisable to use ride-sharing services or public transport to avoid parking hassles.
Depending on your starting point, buses are a common option. For more direct travel, ride-sharing apps are highly recommended for their convenience and real-time tracking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, entry to the campus and public areas is free. However, specific exhibitions or events might have separate admission fees. It's best to check their official announcements or inquire upon arrival.
The institute operates during standard academic hours, typically from morning to late afternoon on weekdays. However, specific departments or galleries might have different timings. It's advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for precise hours.
Weekends might have limited access or be closed, especially during academic sessions. It's recommended to visit on a weekday to experience the campus's full activity.
The most significant event is Pahela Baishakh (Bengali New Year), which sees the campus come alive with vibrant celebrations. Keep an eye out for other student exhibitions and cultural programs throughout the year.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
You can explore various art departments, admire student artwork, and potentially catch exhibitions. The campus itself is a hub of artistic energy, reflecting the rich history of Bangladeshi art.
Yes, the colorful environment, especially during events like Pahela Baishakh, offers great photographic opportunities. Be mindful of students and faculty when taking pictures.
While primarily an academic institution, the institute often hosts student exhibitions. There might be smaller display areas showcasing faculty or past student works, but it's not a traditional museum with extensive permanent collections.
Founded by Zainul Abedin, it's a pivotal institution in the development of modern Bangladeshi art. It has evolved from a small institute to the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka, nurturing generations of artists.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Shahbagh area has numerous eateries, from local street food stalls to cafes and restaurants, offering a variety of Bangladeshi cuisine. You'll find options catering to different budgets.
Yes, many local restaurants offer vegetable-based dishes. You can often find lentil curries, vegetable stir-fries, and rice dishes that are vegetarian. Vegan options might require specific requests.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Students
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Legacy of Artistry: The Founding of Charukola
Over the years, Charukola evolved significantly. It gained college status in 1963, becoming the East Pakistan College of Arts and Crafts, and later the Bangladesh Arts and Crafts College post-independence. The introduction of M.F.A. (Master of Fine Arts) courses in 1978 marked a crucial step in its academic development. The establishment of the Department of Art History and the expansion of Honours and MFA programs further solidified its academic standing. In 2008, it was formally integrated into the University of Dhaka as the Faculty of Fine Arts, a testament to its enduring importance in the nation's art education landscape.
Experiencing Charukola: Beyond the Classroom
One of the most anticipated times to visit is during Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year. The institute transforms into a hub of vibrant cultural celebrations, with students and faculty participating in colorful processions, musical performances, and artistic displays. This event offers a truly immersive experience into Bangladeshi traditions and the artistic spirit of the institution. Even outside of major events, the campus architecture and the general atmosphere can be inspiring for visitors interested in art and culture.

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