Mumbai top museums

The museums in Mumbai, just like any other museums in the world, portray the culture, art and tradition of India. India has a rich, old civilization that dates back to 3000 – 1500B.C. The tourists, therefore, can find rare specimens of relics, paintings, sculptures and ancient artifacts in the museums of Mumbai and other parts of the country. Mumbai, being the commercial hub of Maharashtra, always gets more attention. The museums in Mumbai not just display the ancient artifacts, but they also provide genuine information about them as provided by the Indian historians as well as historiographers across the globe.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

The Prince of Wales Museum, currently known as the “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya” is one of the finest museums in India. The foundation stone of this heritage building was laid by George V – the Prince of Wales himself. Some respected Indian citizens set up this museum to honor the visit of ‘His Highness’ – King George V. The museum was ready in 1914, but it was used converted to a military hospital during World War I. It was re-opened and inaugurated in 1923 by Lady Lloyd. This museum, built in Indo-Saracenic style is situated at the heart of South Mumbai, near Gateway of India. The museum is divided in three main sections: Archaeology, Arts and Natural History. It exhibits a wide range of rare and ancient artifacts of India and foreign countries. You will find artifacts from Indus Valley civilization, relics from the Maurya and Gupta emperor. It is open to public between 10.15 am and 5:45 pm from Tuesday to Sunday.

Bhau Daji Lad Museum

Built in 1872, Bhau Daji Lad Museum is considered to be the oldest museum in Mumbai. The museum was earlier known as ‘Victoria & Albert Museum’ and was named after the museum of London. Dr. Bhau took the initiative to build this huge museum and it was planned with an amount of Indian Rupees 6,000 only. The building is recently renovated by Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, Mumbai (INTACH). The museum exhibits above 6,000 sculptures, coins, paintings, pottery, ivory work and other artifacts of ancient India. There are different sections based on the varied cultural and social life of India. The museum has more than 4,000 manuscripts and reference books along with historic and pre-historic costumes, clay models, silver works and more.

Bombay Natural History Society

Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), founded in 1883, is one of the largest non-governmental organizations in India. The organization is devoted to the preservation of nature and natural resources and encourages education and research in natural history. The renowned Naturalist and Ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali, nurtured this tradition that has now become the guiding principle of this organization. More than 30 countries have now joined BNHS and helping them for their cause of preserving nature. It is within a walking distance from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. The tourist here can find rare specimens of insects, vertebrates, butterflies, beetles and preserved reptiles. Interested individuals are offered a temporary membership that allows them to know more about the society and their activities.

Mani Bhavan

Mani Bhavan, also known as “Gandhi Museum”, is a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, India’s “Father of Nation”. Gandhi lived in this house between 1917 and 1934 each time he visited Mumbai (then Bombay). The Mani family, said to the friends of Gandhi stayed here and the building was later owned by Revashankar Jagjeevan Jhaveri. In 1955, “Gandhi Smarak Nidhi” became the administrator of the building and the organization transformed this home into a memoir to Gandhi. This two-storied building hosts a photo display of Gandhi’s life and over 20,000 books. The room where Gandhi stayed is well preserved and his own belongings like his old charkha and books. The museum is open everyday between 9.30 am to 6 pm.

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