The Metropolitan Building is a prominent heritage structure located in the Esplanade region of Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Situated at the intersection of Chowringhee Road and S.N. Banerjee Road, it is recognized as a significant example of colonial-era architecture in the city.
The building was constructed in 1905 and originally served as the premises for Whiteway, Laidlaw & Co., which was one of the most prestigious department stores in British India. Due to its size and the variety of luxury goods it offered, the establishment was frequently referred to as the "Harrods of the East." Following the independence of India and the subsequent departure of the retail firm, the building was renamed the Metropolitan Building.
Architecturally, the structure is designed in a Neoclassical style with Neo-Baroque influences. Its most distinguishing features include large corner domes, a clock tower, and recessed arched windows supported by Corinthian columns. The exterior is characterized by an ornate white facade.
Over the decades, the building suffered from neglect and was damaged by a major fire in 1991. Subsequently, the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), the current owner of the property, undertook an extensive restoration project to preserve the structure's historical integrity.
The Metropolitan Building is currently classified as a Grade I heritage building by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. It continues to function as a commercial space, housing various offices and retail outlets, and remains a central landmark in Kolkata’s central business district.