Shahuji Chhatrapati Museum

Traveling to Mumbai can be fun as the city has many beautiful beaches and attractions that can awe you. The nightlife of the city is very well known to people across the country. The people of the city are also known to be big foodies and hence, you will not be disappointed with the city when it comes to cuisines. However, the city also likes to keep its heritage and art preserved for people to see.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai(CSMVS) is one such place that holdsart and cultural heritage. The museum was previously known as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India. It has won awards for Heritage Building Maintenance by the Indian Heritage Society and the '2010 UNESCO Asia – Pacific Heritage Award' for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

History of the CSMVS

In the year 1905, a number of well-known people got together and decided on erecting a memorial for the Prince of Wales visit to the city. This led to the laying of the foundation stone by the Prince of Wales towards the end of 1905. The museum was then named Prince of Wales Museum of Western India. The building for the museum got completed in 1914. However, it was only opened to the public in 1922. From the years 1914 to 1922, the building was used as a military hospital and Children’s Welfare Exhibitions. Around the year 1998, the name of the museum was changed and now it is famously known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai.

The building of the museum has been built in Indo-Saracenic style designed by the architect, George Wittet. It is built with buff-coloured trachyte Malad stone and Kurla basalt stone. The interiors of the museum reflect an 18th century Maratha mansion. It houses around 50,000 artefacts consisting of miniature paintings, excavated artefacts, European paintings, ancient statues, etc.

What to Expect Inside the Museum?

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai is known to have a huge collection of ancient Indian artefacts. You can also find some of the best miniature paintings from across the country. You can get awed by the amazing collection of decorative art objects in textiles, jade, ivory, wood, metal, etc. The museum also houses artefacts from Nepal and Tibet which show religious and artistic importance or heritage.

The museum also houses a Numismatic collection that displays important issues and matters over a period of time. If you thought this is all, then you will be amazed to see a huge collection of Japanese and Chinese porcelain, embroidery, metal, and ivory objects. As part of the art collection, the museum also houses European oil paintings and Indian armours and arms.

There are many artefacts that have been excavated in the country and outside the country too. Some of these artefacts have been excavated by the renowned archaeologist, Henry Cousens. Many well-known personalities contributed to the collection of the artefacts that are displayed today.

Enjoy the CSMVS Children's Museum

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai has something for everyone, and this includes the children too. The museum has a museum and creative space for children where they can learn and get creative. The open space in this part of the museum helps the children to get creative, learn through various kinds of exhibitions, workshops, activities, etc.

The museum displays exhibit the work of various young curators to encourage them to grow. The museum also has competitions for budding artists. The children can enjoy the tour of various interesting exhibits. They can also enjoy the interactive activities offered by the museum such as drawing and painting of animals and masks, puzzles, games, etc. Kids can also start their own panchayat class where they will be given problems that they have to solve.

For a child who loves reading, the museum also offers them a wide collection of books and a peaceful corner for them to read.

When to Visit the Museum

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai is a great place to visit with family, children, and also for tourists. The museum is open the whole week from 10.15 am – 6.00 pm. The museum has a nominal entry fee for children and adults. Students and senior citizens can get discounts on showing their id cards. If you want to take pictures inside the museum, then you will need to pay a little extra. Even though you are allowed to carry tripods inside the museum, selfie sticks are not allowed.

How to Reach the Museum?

The nearest terminuses to the museum are Churchgate and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. They are around 20 minutes walk from the museum. If you do not feel like walking to the museum, then you can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi. There are also some public buses that ply on the route.

Tips for Visitors to CSMVS

If you are planning to visit the museum, then be prepared to spend a few hours exploring it. The museum offers floor plans at all the floors that can help you in guiding your way to the exhibitions. It is a visitor-friendly museum that has lifts for people who are not able to climb stairs. You can also ask for wheelchairs from the museum’s Information Desk.

The museum has a collection in Braille to help the visually impaired to enjoy the exhibits. There are special tours that are organised by the museum for visually impaired. If you are carrying too many bags with you, then you can leave it at the baggage counter in the museum. It also has an audio guide at a nominal price.

You can choose guided tours by choosing to contact the authorities in the museum in advance. However, these tours need to have at least 25 people in a group. If you are hungry during your tour of the museum, then they have a café where you can enjoy some snacks and beverages.