Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum
| Place | Mumbai |
|---|---|
| State | Maharashtra |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 1872 |
| Museum Type | Decorative Arts / City History / Ethnography |
| National Importance Museum | Yes |
| Address | 91 A, Rani Baug, Veer Mata Jijbai Bhonsle Udyan, 91 A, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marg, Byculla East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400027 |
| Visiting Time | 10:00 AM – 06:00 PM (Last entry at 05:30 PM). Closed on Wednesdays and select public holidays. |
| Entry Fee | Indians: Adults ₹20, Children (3-12) / Students ₹10. Foreigners: Adults ₹200, Children/Students ₹100 |
Museum Introduction
Established in 1857 as the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum is Mumbai's oldest museum. Located in the lush Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan (Rani Baug) in Byculla, it is a masterpiece of Victorian Palladian architecture. After a major restoration by INTACH and the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, it reopened in 2008 and won the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Excellence for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
General Collections
The museum houses a rare collection of 19th-century fine and decorative arts. It features six primary galleries: Origins of Mumbai, Industrial Arts, Kamalnayan Bajaj Mumbai Gallery (showcasing city life), Founders' Gallery, Paintings Gallery, and a Special Exhibitions space. The collection documents the evolution of Mumbai from a cluster of seven islands into a major industrial metropolis.
Unique Historical Collections
Basalt Elephant: A massive monolithic sculpture originally from Elephanta Island, now situated outside the museum. Clay Models & Dioramas: Exquisitely detailed 19th-century dioramas depicting the diverse communities, castes, and occupations of old Bombay. Maps of Bombay: Rare historical maps including the Heptanesia and Grose's Plan, charting the city’s early topography. Kala Ghoda Statue: The original equestrian statue of King Edward VII (the "Black Horse") is preserved here.
Additional Information
| Video URL | https://youtu.be/bCtGYBxiknw?si=NPZpgFNVObaWVoBU |
|---|---|
| Video Courtesy | BDLMuseum YT Channel |
| Archaeological Survey of India | No |
| Notes | The museum's interiors are noted for their high stenciled ceilings, gold leafing, Minton tile flooring, and ornate wrought-iron staircases. It was the first colonial building in Mumbai specifically constructed to house a museum. |
| Artifacts | Sadeli (Bombay box) with ivory inlay; JJ School of Art Pottery (Hala-style); 17th-century manuscript of Hatim Tai; Silver and copper ware; 19th-century costumes; Lithographs and photographs of early Mumbai; Statuary from the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement. |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes |
| Contact Details | +91 22 2374 1234 |
| Email ID |
info@bdlmuseum.org education@bdlmuseum.org |