Prince of Wales Museum in Mumbai is now known by the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. This beautiful architectural monument, located on M.G.Road Fort, Mumbai is a popular attraction for the tourists. This museum, constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style, was named after King George V, after his visit to India in 1905. He was then the Prince of Wales.
Strolling to the Past
A museum committee in Bombay took the initiative to set up a museum in the memory of Prince of Wales’ visit to the country. They acquired a land from the Bombay government known by the name of crescent site. On this plot the museum was stands today. Prince George laid the foundation stone in 1905. The museum designed by George Wittet, was completed in the year 1914 and started to function since the year 1922. Initially the collections were donated by Sir Ratan Tata. Gradually the museum was widened into different sections. The Maritime Heritage Gallery, which is a part of this museum is not only unique, but also the first to be established in India.
Exploring the Architectural Beauty of the Museum
The Indo Saracenic styled museum, is actually a blend of the European and the Indian style. Made up of Kurla and Basalt stone, the museum features a dome, which resembles the Gol Gumbaj, Bijapur and inlaid floors and stretching balconies that remind us of the Mughal palaces.
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The interior of the museum consists of a central pavilion with columns in the Jain style. Above the pavilion, there are the Maratha Balcony and some intersecting vaults. The staircases leading from the central hall will take you to the different galleries extended on the two floors above. The section where one can explore natural history is located on the right extension of the building.
Gallery Collections
Prince of Wales Museum galleries include paintings, decorative arts, armory, sculptures and textiles. Mohen-jo-daro excavations made by Sir John Marshall include arms, spindles, fishing hooks and so on. Around 200 miniature paintings are on display as well. These can be seen on the first floor of the museum. The Arms and Armour gallery exhibit different types of arms and weapons. Akbar’s shield and cuirass and Khanda of Allauddin Khilji are the major attraction of this gallery. The textile gallery displays saris of different types like Rajasthani, Bandhni, Taipur belonging to the 19th century.
Visitors Must Know
The museum is open from Tuesdays to Sundays between 10.15 am and 5.45 pm. The museum remains closed on all Mondays.
The admission charge is quite minimal. On Tuesdays, students and children are exempted from entrance fee.
For the physically handicapped, ramp, wheelchairs and elevators are available.
Visitors are not allowed to smoke, eat, drink or chew inside the Prince of Wales Museum.
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