Formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, is one of the city's prominent landmarks situated between the historic areas of Colaba and Fort. Completed in 1914 to commemorate the first visit of King George V to India, the museum was, however, open to the public only in 1922. Designed by George Wittet and John Begg, who also have the G.P.O. (1913) and the Gateway of India (1924) to their credit, this Mumbai museum stands tall and proud. Crowned by a gleaming white dome, the visage of the museum bears stunning semblances of Islamic, Maratha and Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture. Complete with arcs, wood finishings and a glorious central pavilion, the museum houses extensive collections spanning the fields of art, culture, history, architecture and archaeology among many others. A brilliant amalgam of history, architecture and culture, the museum harbours artifacts, textiles, paintings, sculptures, portraits, weaponry and rare treasures from the Indus Valley Civilization to the contemporary period.
The Nehru Science Centre is a popular science museum named after India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. The center is dedicated to promoting scientific awareness and education. It offers interactive exhibits that help children decipher and understand the mysteries of science. Visitors to the Nehru Science Centre can explore exhibits on physics, mathematics, biology, space, and more. There is also an outdoor science park that gives kids a chance to understand science through games. The center organizes programs, science expositions, creative science workshops, film festivals and a science drama festival on a regular basis.
Founded in 1872, the Bhau Daji Lad Museum has long been the predecessor to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (Prince of Wales Museum). Located in Veermata Jeejamata Udyan (Byculla Zoo), the museum was named after Victoria & Albert. However due to the initiatives taken by one of Mumbai's revered freedom fighters, Dr Bhau Daji Lad, the museum was renamed after him. Silver and copperware, ivory models, old photographs, clay models, temples made of pith, interesting agricultural articles and other decorative pieces and figurines, reminiscent of various clans and communities are displayed here. Owing to private enterprise initiatives and the Mumbai chapter of INTACH, the museum saw a major facelift in 2007, restoring it to its old glory. It's about time more people walked off the beaten path and took notice of this hidden museum.
The Castella de Aguada, famously known as Bandra Fort and was built by the Portuguese in 1640 as a watchtower overlooking the Mahim Bay. After Bombay was handed over to the British as dowry, this watchtower served as a defensive structure against the British who sought to expand to Salsette Island held by the Portuguese. In 1739, the Salsette Island was captured by the Marathas who held it till 1761 after being passed on to the British under whom the fort fell into disrepair since it no longer served its purpose. The fort today at Land's End serves as a venue for concerts and has an amphitheater.
This place was also once a concert venue, but now is one of India's premier galleries. It has an extraordinary permanent collection, but is also a generous patron of emerging and contemporary art. NGMA plays host to not only the best in Indian art but also from the world over. Located opposite the famous Prince of Wales museum, the gallery is easy to spot. It has a center in Bengaluru and Delhi as well. For art lovers and members of the art fraternity, NGMA is an ideal place to showcase their work.
Looking to jet ski, parasail or enjoy other water sport activities in the center of Mumbai, then head straight to the H2O Water Sports complex. Located along the Girgaon-Chowpatty coastline is this water-sports hub that rents out kayaks and speed boats. Adventure out to the sea with the fun cruises that it offers. Get to the place and explore a whole lot of fun!
Jhaveri Contemporary is the labor of love of sisters Priya and Amrita Jhaveri. This Walkeshwar gallery showcases the works of international artists such as Alexander Gorlizki, Camille Henrot, Hamra Abbas, Yamini Nayar, Shirazeh Houshiary and Rana Begum. The white walls accentuate the contemporary artwork and give the gallery a tranquil look.
TARQ is nestled in Dhanraj Mahal, a 1930s, art deco palace of the Dhunrajgirs of Hyderabad. This iconic property is now a coveted commercial area. There are quite a few meanings of TARQ in Sanskrit, among them is 'discussion and abstract reasoning.' This modern gallery aims to develop a conversation around art. Spread across 278.71 square meters (3000 square feet), this bi-level art space is a forum for artists, critics, connoisseurs and art lovers.
A one-of-a-kind cultural space, Si Bambai showcases a series of well-curated shows and performances that define the city's diverse artistic talent. Housed within a vintage structure in the famed Kala Ghoda area, this venue takes creativity to a whole new level with a truly inspiring lineup of poetry sessions, plays, concerts and classical shows, by some of the most talented artists. Apart from hosting stage shows and performances, the venue also doubles up as an art gallery, where one can catch an array of themed exhibitions.
Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Temple or ISKCON Chowpatty as it is more popularly known was built in the late 1980s and has gone through a series of renovation over the years to get its present look. This handsome structure with its delicate sandstone carved facade, teak wood and marble accents, and elegant light fixtures in the inside give it a serene ambiance. It also features an auditorium and a guest house.
Formerly known as The American Consulate Library, Dosti House is an establishment of the U.S. Consulate General. The library features a large collection of reference research material about India and the United States. Different subjects like culture, language, history, economy, politics and global issues are covered in the books and online resources available here. Moreover, the members of Dosti House also have privileged access to the virtual library, called the eLibraryUSA. The place also has a spacious venue where they host film screenings and educational events.
Formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, is one of the city's prominent landmarks situated between the historic areas of Colaba and Fort. Completed in 1914 to commemorate the first visit of King George V to India, the museum was, however, open to the public only in 1922. Designed by George Wittet and John Begg, who also have the G.P.O. (1913) and the Gateway of India (1924) to their credit, this Mumbai museum stands tall and proud. Crowned by a gleaming white dome, the visage of the museum bears stunning semblances of Islamic, Maratha and Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture. Complete with arcs, wood finishings and a glorious central pavilion, the museum houses extensive collections spanning the fields of art, culture, history, architecture and archaeology among many others. A brilliant amalgam of history, architecture and culture, the museum harbours artifacts, textiles, paintings, sculptures, portraits, weaponry and rare treasures from the Indus Valley Civilization to the contemporary period.