Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum

The city of Mumbai houses many historic monuments, but its Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum is one of the oldest and eminent museums in the country. This museum is located in the heart of south Mumbai and is very close to the Gateway of India. Previously the museum was known as the Prince of Wales Museum. The museum was built to mark the visit of King George, who was the Prince of Wales in those times, to the city. Some eminent citizens of Mumbai(then thankfully Bombay), decided to build this museum, with the help of British government, to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales to the city.

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum was constructed by the British architect George Wittet of the Gateway of India fame. The architecture of the building is very different and unique. Yellow and blue stones have been used and it mirrors the conventional Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. The structure seems very inviting and one can’t help but marvel at the architecture of the interiors of the museum. The structure is topped with a grand white dome.

The museum is demarcated into three parts namely Art, Archaeology and Natural History. Each of these parts boasts of a treasure-trove of relics. You will find beautiful items from countries outside India like Tibet and Nepal. These works of art reflect the Tibetan and Nepali culture. Remnants from the Indus Valley dating to 2000 BC are also found in the museum. Another section is entirely devoted to the Buddhist relics. Here the special tankha scrolls can be seen.

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum also houses remnants from the Maurya and the Gupta eras. These seem to take you back in time in the once upon a time royal era of the ancient kings. One complete part of the museum is devoted to the Tibetan bronze articles. These are very classy and at the same time have a very antique touch to them. Here you will find bronze statuettes and carvings.

The various miniature paintings in the museum reflect the elaborate and detailed art. It is the perfect place for all the lovers of art. Around 2000 paintings are housed in the museum, which were scouted and collected from all the different schools of paintings in the country. A journey through this section will leave you lost amidst the fascinating world of colours and shades.

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum is definitely not worth missing and is no less than a paradise for all the art and history buffs. The museum is open for all the visitors from Tuesday to Sunday and is closed on Monday. It opens its doors for visitors at 10.30 am and closes at 6 pm.