Mumbai is fondly called as “mayavi nagri or Sapno ki nagri”. Without any doubt it’s a thumb up for these two names. Mumbai has been a place of curious place since ages that easily lures people into this captivating spirit. The glamorous bollywood, bustling commercial hubs, provocative crowd, pleasing sea and the aged yet stylish architectural superstructures offers something new every time you visit this enchanting place.
So if you talk about the museums in the city of Mumbai, there is a blend of everything -art, agriculture, astronomy, industrial, & archaeology. The heritage that every Mumbaikar is proud of is preserved beautifully.
Victoria and Albert Museum:
The oldest museum of Mumbai was built in 1872 and now is devotedly called as ‘Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum’. You get to enter into the realm of the city’s ancient history through this museum. The archaeological findings, rare photographs, maps, relics, historical artefacts are beautifully housed here. This museum is held in high reverence and is surrounded by the beautiful Victoria garden. The museum has been beautified over the time repeatedly by ‘Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage’.
The tourists from all over the globe drive to this Greco-Roman styled architecture to see the preserved objects. The manuscripts, reference books, bronze sculptures, weapon, painting, coins, ivories, fossils, metal ware are all a proud inhabitant of this museum. The most attractive part of the museum remains an elephant sculpture from the Elephant Island.
Bombay Natural History Society:
The BNHS was founded in 1883 with the aim to conduct research and observations on the natural history and exhibit the rare specimens. With more than 30 countries being its members; naturalists, ornithologists and other scientists flock from all over the world to conduct researches. Dr.Salim Ali was the guiding force behind this society. The tourists love to visit the sections of the museum and the galleries.
Address: Hornbill House, Dr. Salim Ali Chowk,Colaba, Shahid Bhagat Singh Rd, Mumbai – 400001
Phone:022 2282 1811
Prince Wales Museum:
Renamed as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vaastu Sangrahalaya, the building is considered as a heritage structure due to its sumptuous style. The various articles that are on display here include ancient artworks, sculptures, miniature paintings, decorative artwork made up of wood, metal, jade, ivory, and artifacts. In 2008, the museum was renovated and after that many new galleries have been added artworks of Hindu God Krishna, textiles and Indian traditional costumes.
Address: 159-161, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400032
Phone: 022 2284 4484
There are artefacts from Indus civilization, remnants from Mauryan and Gupta reigns too. There is the Natural history section that displays reptiles, amphibians, birds, fishes and another one of its section has been dedicated to the Indian arms and armors with a line of display including swords, weapons, shields, etc. Exhibitions and lectures are conducted on the regular basis on varied topics.
Mani Bhavan:
Located in Laburnam road, this museum serves as the memoir of Mahatma Gandhi. This place has tremendous historical significance as this is where Gandhiji laid the foundation of many independence movements namely Non-cooperation, Satyagraha and Swadeshi, etc. This Gujarati styled three storeyed building has a library, picture gallery and a memorabilia. The first floor has an auditorium and plays the recording of Gandhiji’s speeches and films. The room on the second floor was used by Gandhiji and has been kept as it was when Gandhiji used to visit this place. There is also an array of photographs, posters, slogans, and items like charkha in the adjacent room.
Address: 19, Laburnum Road, Gamdevi, Mumbai 400 007
Phone: 022-2380 5864
The terrace of the building has a bronze inscription depicting that this was the place where he was arrested in 1932.
You can also take a slice of the history back home by buying Gandhi postage stamps, Gandhian literature, photographs, statues, and medallions selling at the sales counter.
National Gallery of Modern Art:
The gallery was established in 1954 as a concert venue and was converted to an art gallery in 1996 in order to promote the Indian culture. It is located in Colaba, southern Mumbai.
The gallery is the proud house of the artworks from eminent personalities named Gaganendranath Thomas Daniell, Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, M.F. Hussain, F.N. Souza, Raja Ravi Varma, Amrita SherGil, Jamini Roy, and Picasso. It even has the Egyptian artefacts. This is undoubtedly the best modern art gallery in India that houses work as old as 1857. It hosts exhibitions and events to promote artists from all over the globe.
Address: Madame Cama Road, Mantralaya, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400032
Phone:022 2288 1969
Nehru Planetarium:
The planetarium was established in 1977 and was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. This huge white dome-shaped building was designed by the illustrious architecture J.M.Kadri. The building is extremely popular with the scientists, children and astronomers. The planetarium is the centre of logical study for astronomy and space science.
Address: Nehru Centre, Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400018
Phone:022 2492 0510
The attractions of the planetarium are the cubicles that calculate your weight for each of the nine planets, the discovery of India exhibit- covers the artistic, philosophical and academic journey of India. The 14 galleries display the architectural, artistic work, photographs, and audio visuals. The basement of the planetarium holds various exhibitions and fairs, and the auditorium conducts classical music recitals, plays and concerts.
The theatre program named “Awesome Universe” exhibits a 45 minute presentation -‘Cosmic Journey and Heavenly Wonders’ in Hindi, Marathi and English. If you want to unfold the mysterious universe, this is the place you should definitely visit.