Among the well known museums of Mumbai city Prince of Wales Museum has a significant place. Presently it is known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya as the name has been changed later on. This museum is located at M. G. Road in Mumbai. It was founded in the early twentieth century in the year 1922 in order to honour and remember King George V’s visit to India. The Prince of Wales laid the foundation stone in the year 1905. The idea to create a museum was started in 1904 but it took several years to actually materialize the plan.In the year 1907 a narrow piece of land allotted by the Government of Mumbai (then Bombay) Presidency to the Museum committee and this site was called Crescent Site. Well known architect of British era George Wittet designed the museum and the structure was ready in the year 1915 but it didn’t serve as a museum till 1922. The place was used as a military hospital and a Children’s Welfare Centre during the First World War but later on in the year 1922 it was formally inaugurated as a museum.The structure housing the museum is quite impressive in its looks as it represents Indo-Saracenic architectural style. In simple words you can see the resemblance of design to that of Guajarati as well as Mughal designs of 15th and 16th centuries. There are some elements of English architecture like the brickwork. There is a spectacular white dome enhancing the beauty of the structure just like Mughal era buildings. There are gardens around the building of museum giving it a royal look. Considered as an important heritage building the museum is divided into three sections. These are Natural History Section, Archaeology Section and Art Section.The collection here includes:
- Ancient art work
- Stone sculptures
- Artefacts from India, Tibet, Nepal, Eastern countries
- Artwork of Hindu God Krishna
- Textiles especially from Gujarat and Kashmir
- Indian traditional costumes
- 2000 rare miniature paintings from different art schools of India
- Decorative art work of wood, metal, jade & ivory
- Archaeological artefacts belonging to Indus Valley Civilisation (2000 BC)
- Indian coins collection from various dynasties
- Relics from Morya and Gupta periods
- Indian arms and armour
- Weapons
- Swords
- Shields
- projectiles
- European oil paintings
Natural History Section to spread awareness about endangered flora and fauna
- Collection of reptiles
- Mammals
- Amphibians
- Birds
- Fish
The museum is really worth exploring as it will mesmerize you with its awesome collection. It also organizes various exhibitions as well as lectures in order to spread awareness of India’s rich heritage. It is indeed an important tourists’ destination in Mumbai.AddressChhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sangrahalaya,M.G. Road, Mumbai, MaharashtraTimings of the museumIt is open from 10.15 am to 5.00 pm every day except Mondays.Entry chargesRs. 30 per headAccessibilityOne can easily reach here from any part of city using taxi, auto rickshaw or local buses.Best time to visitAny time of year one can visit but if you do not want to face irritating humidity of city prefer winter months.RUCHI MAHAJANзайм на карту без отказов круглосуточновзять кредит онлайн