Bombay Natural History Society
| Place | Mumbai |
|---|---|
| State | Maharashtra |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 1883 |
| Museum Type | Natural History / Research Collection |
| National Importance Museum | Yes (Designated as a |
| Address | Hornbill House, Shahid Bhagat Singh Rd, opp. Lion Gate, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001 |
| Visiting Time | Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays). |
| Entry Fee | Entry to the general building areas is typically free, but access to specialized collections or guid |
Museum Introduction
Founded on September 15, 1883, by eight residents of Bombay. It was established to facilitate the exchange of notes and exhibit specimens of natural history. The legendary Dr. Sálim Ali, known as the "Birdman of India," was one of its most prominent figures and a former president.
General Collections
The society maintains a vast biological record of the Indian subcontinent, housing over 150,000 specimens meticulously classified across various categories, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
Unique Historical Collections
The collection is particularly distinguished by its 29,000 bird specimens and 19,000 mammal skins. Its iconic logo is inspired by "William," a Great Indian Hornbill that lived on the society's premises for 26 years (1894–1920).
Additional Information
| Video URL | https://youtu.be/HqLJHphlOl4?si=ogHlaUcDlf9vHFFw |
|---|---|
| Video Courtesy | Bombay Natural History Society YT Channel |
| Archaeological Survey of India | No |
| Notes | While BNHS operates from Hornbill House in Fort for research and administration, it also manages the Conservation Education Centre (CEC) located within the forest reserve of Goregaon, which offers more public-facing nature programs. |
| Artifacts | Significant highlights include rare bird eggs, 60,000 insect specimens (including diverse butterfly species), and original scientific journals dating back to the late 19th century. |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes |
| Contact Details | +91 22 2282 1811 |
| Email ID | info@bnhs.org |