Get ready to travel back in time and experience the magic of Mumbai’s most amazing museum, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sangrahalaya (Previously known as Prince of Wales Museum).
This is not your average museum. No way, this behemoth is a mind-boggling mix of Islamic, Hindu, and British architecture. It’s so big that you might just get lost in its fascinating galleries, which house everything from impressive Hindu and Buddhist sculptures to terracotta figurines from the Indus Valley, Indian miniature paintings, and even some vicious-looking weapons.
The museum is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and dive headfirst into history. Take your family for a day out and prepare to feel like a kid again.
English information is readily available, and foreigners can pick up audioguides for free in seven different languages. Six of the galleries are air-conditioned, which is a godsend when the summer heat is scorching outside. If you’re short on time, catch the new 20-minute Mumbai Experience (for just ₹50) to get a quick historical overview of the city. Plus, the cafeteria at the entrance is a great spot to grab a bite, and the museum shop is fantastic.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sangrahalaya is a treasure trove of Indian culture and heritage. With over 50,000 exhibits, the museum is organised into multiple galleries, showcasing items dating back to the 3rd century BC.
You’ll find sculptures, paintings, textiles, arms and weapons, ceramics and porcelain, and so much more. It’s like a never-ending treasure hunt!
Trust me, this museum will leave you awestruck. It’s one of the most fulfilling museums. One could go on and on. You need at least 5 hours here to fully explore all the galleries. It’s a great way to appreciate Indian culture and history, so make sure to add it to your must-visit list when you’re in Mumbai.
The Foundation Stone of the Museum was laid by the Prince of Wales on 11th November 1905 and the Museum was named Prince of Wales Museum of Western India. For a long time people had also felt the need for a good museum in the city and finally the museum was established by the public contribution aided by the then Government of the Bombay Presidency.
This memorial in the form of a museum was to be erected on the plot of land known as the Crescent Site on the southern tip of the island. The building was completed in 1914 but it opened to the public much later on 10th January, 1922. Until then it was used by the military as a hospital and for Children’s Welfare Exhibitions.
Many things have changed since then. Bombay is now known as Mumbai and the name of the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India is changed to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. Set against a well laid out garden which retains its original plan even today, the museum is an important Heritage building of the city.
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