Want to visit the best museums in Mumbai? Refer to the guide below
Mumbai has witnessed a score of untold stories which have been left unexplored since the colonial era. Some of these stories of the past are showcased in the various museums of Mumbai. Be it a century-old artwork of some art maestro or artefacts of the Mughal eras, you can explore all about it in the city museums. And if you are a history buff like me, then you will definitely love to visit these places. So are you planning for a trip to Mumbai? If so then make it special by booking the best hotels in Mumbai for a comfortable stay. Also, make it memorable by visiting some of the best museums in Mumbai that are given below.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalay
Built in 1906 by Prince of Whales, Chhatrapati Shivaji Sangrahalay in Mumbai is one of the great museums in the city. Earlier known as the Prince of Wales Museum, the place houses a collection of more than 50 thousand artefacts and arts which serves a great purpose in entertaining and educating people. The key attractions of this museum include artefacts of the Indus Valley Civilization, coin museum and Indian miniature painting collection. Apart from that, the museum also houses relics and artworks of the Mughal Era which is also something worth watching.
National Gallery of Modern Art
Situated near Fort in Mumbai, the National Gallery of Modern Art is one of the few places in India that contains the richest assortment of modern art. Established in 1954, the museum houses a collection of 17,000 works which includes sculptures, paintings, photography and graphics. Besides, the place also showcases the art of renowned artists including Rabindranath Tagore, Raja Ravi Verma, Maqbool Fida Hossain and Homi Bhabh. Apart from that, the main highlights of this museum include a collection of Pablo Picasso’s work and various Egyptian artefacts. Visiting this place will also allow you to explore the artworks of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Mani Bhavan
If you have an interest in Indian history then Mani Bhavan in Mumbai is somewhere you should definitely visit. Situated near Gamdevi in Mumbai, Mani Bhavan is a museum that houses the works of Mahatma Gandhi. The place mainly contains the personal items of Gandhiji and the books written by him. Here you will also come across some other artefacts like letters to Franklin D Roosevelt, Adolf Hitler and tributes from Einstein and Ho Chi Minh. The museum also has a historical significance as it has earlier been the political headquarters during India’s freedom struggle.
CST Heritage Gallery & Railway Museum
There is no doubt how local trains have become an integral part of Mumbai and the best place to witness it is in CST Heritage Gallery & Railway Museum located in the city. Situated near the Fort area in Mumbai, CST Heritage Gallery & Railway Museum is designed to showcase the evolution of trains which are done through the model trains and tickets that are used earlier. The main thing to watch here includes the carved dome and huge peacock carving on the main building. Apart from that, other exhibits that you can watch here include old train coaches, wooden furniture used during the colonial era and an old brass bell. Visiting this place will also give you the opportunity to know more about the history of CST Heritage Gallery & Railway Museum.
Bhau Daji Lad Museum
Initially known as The Victoria and Albert Museum, Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Mumbai is one of the oldest and cherished buildings in the city. Built in 1855 near the Byculla Zoo in Mumbai, the museum showcases the rich culture of the city and also houses intricate clay models that are made during the 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the notable things I watched in this museum were the models of traditional games, several statues and items pertaining to the city. The place was later renamed Bhau Daji Lad Museum for his immense contribution and support in restoring the art and heritage of Mumbai.
RBI Monetary Museum
If collecting old coins is your hobby then RBI Monetary Museum might just be a paradise for you. Located near Sir Phirozshah Mehta Road in Mumbai, the museum provides a better understanding of the concept of money by tracing the evolution and usage of money in ancient times. The museum showcases various forms of money that are used in various eras. Apart from that, the main attraction of this museum includes Panam coins that were used all over India during the 11th century.
So if you are an art lover then plan a trip to Mumbai to explore the rich history that the museums in the city have to offer. Before getting yourself started, book hotels in Mumbai for a comfortable stay. Also, consider visiting some of the best museums in Mumbai that are mentioned above.