Prince of Wales Museum Mumbai

September 16, 2018
Blog
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The Prince of Wales Museum Mumbai is basically known as ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya’. The museum was founded in the early 20^th century. It is known to all as a heritage destination of Mumbai due to its fabulous structure. It is one of the great museums in the whole country that is famous for sculptures, artifacts, and several ancient artworks. The renovation project in the year 2008 completed consisted of Hindu artworks such as Lord Krishna artwork, textile artwork, and traditional artwork of Indian costumes. The museum also holds many lectures and exhibitions on various topics within the museum. This museum was actually a military hospital developed to be used as a children’s welfare exhibition. Travelers from all over the world come here to explore the ancient arts and crafts preserved inside the museum.

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History of Prince of Wales Museum Mumbai

Edward VIII was the price of Wales and the museum was dedicated to him when he made a visit to Mumbai. The idea to build it as a museum was initiated in the year 1904. The Prince of Wales laid its foundation in 1905. The ‘crescent site’ or a strip of land was granted to the museum by the govt. of Mumbai Presidency. George Willet was the architect to design it and created it in 1915 and was then open to the public.

Architectural design

The structure used is of the British era and is one of the city’s best heritages restored. Indo- Saracenic architectural style has been used to build it. Islamic and Gujarati design has been combined to create such a fabulous look. English brickwork could also be seen in addition to the above style. The Mughal dome in white color has added up to the charm. The museum is built over an area of 12.000 square feet. There are other small domes surrounding the main dome. Railings, columns, and balconies are part of the beautification. The temple has been modified and renewed in the year 2008 and with those new 5 galleries; a studio for conservation with a seminar room has been included. A library is also there inside it. Lush green gardens are seen as a border that is a marked beauty of the museum. Lattice and stone work increase the royalty of the museum. The museum stands in South Mumbai near the popular Gateway of India. It was named after the Marathi Empire, Shivaji. The museum has been divided into 3 parts, namely the archeology section, the natural history section, and the art section. Nearby attractions include Elephant caves and Mahakali caves. The museum reveals the rich past and ancient glory of India.

Museum belongings

There are innumerable art forms preserved in the Prince of Wales Museum Mumbai that hailed from different countries such as Nepal, China, and other eastern countries. There are 2000 rare collections of miniature paintings from various art schools and colleges in India. The exhibition takes place in Art Gallery and artists find it heaven to enjoy such art from all over the country. Decorative artifacts are they’re crafted out of metal, wood, ivory, and jade to adorn the museum. Archeological artworks too could be found of the Indus valley civilization. ‘Gupta’ and ‘Maurya’ Period remnants are displayed within the museum. This was all about the archeology section. Secondly, there prevails the natural history section which combines a collection of various mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fishes, and birds. Thirdly, the other section comprised Indian armor that displays swords, shields, weapons, and projectiles of ancient Indian arms. There is also an art Section that hosts oil paintings of European background. Visitors feel excited to discover such paintings from the past era.

Reaching there

The nearby railway hubs are Chattrapati Shivaji Railway hub in Central Railway and Church gate which comes in Western Railway. The museum can be reached after walking for 20 minutes from both these stations. Auto rickshaws or cabs can also be hired to reach there. Apart from these buses are also available from both these railway termini.

When to go

The visiting hours start from 10:15 AM in the morning till 5 PM in the evening on all days of the week except Monday. The entry fee to the museum is 30 INR for everybody.

Activity

Visitors to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly the Prince of Wales Museum) in Mumbai can engage in the following activities:

Museum Tour: Explore the numerous galleries and exhibitions showcasing art, archaeology, and natural history from India and around the world.
Special Exhibitions: Check out the temporary exhibitions on display, which focus on a specific topic or artist.
Education Programs: Attend educational workshops, lectures, and tours for students and adults.
Research: Use the museum’s research facilities, including its library and archives, for academic or personal research.
Gift Shop: Visit the museum’s gift shop to purchase books, souvenirs, and other merchandise related to the museum’s collections and exhibitions.
Cafe: Take a break and enjoy a meal or snack at the museum’s cafe.
Photography: Take photos of the exhibits and the museum’s architecture, but note that there may be restrictions on flash photography or the use of tripods.

Things to do

Here are some popular things to do in Mumbai:

Visit the Gateway of India: This iconic monument is a must-visit when in Mumbai. Take a boat ride to the nearby Elephanta Caves or simply enjoy the views of the Arabian Sea.
Explore Marine Drive: This scenic stretch of road along the Mumbai coastline is a popular spot for evening walks and views of the sunset.
Visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus: This historic railway station is a marvel of Victorian Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walk through Crawford Market: This bustling market is a hub for street food, fresh produce, and unique shopping experiences.
Visit the Elephanta Caves: Take a ferry ride to the Elephanta Caves, located on an island off the Mumbai coast, to explore the ancient rock-cut temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
Visit the Sanjay Gandhi National Park: Take a break from the city and visit this national park, located in the heart of Mumbai, to see a variety of flora and fauna, including leopards, deer, and monkeys.
Visit the Juhu Beach: Spend a day soaking up the sun and enjoying the lively atmosphere at Juhu Beach, one of Mumbai’s most popular beaches.
Visit the Global Vipassana Pagoda: This giant dome-shaped structure houses a meditation center and is a popular place for visitors to experience the traditional Buddhist practice of Vipassana.

Entry fees

The entry fee for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly the Prince of Wales Museum) in Mumbai, India is as follows:

Indian Nationals: INR 50 for adults and INR 25 for children and students.
Foreign Nationals: INR 750 for adults and INR 375 for children and students.
Special exhibitions may have additional charges, so it is best to check with the museum for the most up-to-date information.