From scintillating beaches to historical monuments and cosmopolitan shopping to delightful dining, Mumbai packs in an array of attractions that overwhelms one and all. Anyone interested in history and culture would definitely love to visit the city’s magnificent museums. These wonderful repositories depict the rich cultural heritage of India and hence make for a prominent highlight of any Mumbai trip. Here is a rundown of some must-visit museums in the city.

museums-and-galleries-in-mumbai

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

Also known as the Prince of Wales Museum, this fantastic museum is located near the Gateway of India. It thrives on its wonderful collection of Indian miniatures, historical artefacts, and paintings and sculptures. Opened for the public in 1922, the museum is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mumbai. The building, which was designed by the renowned Scottish architect George Wittet, is a wonderful example of European architecture.

National Gallery of Modern Art

A visit to this excellent gallery is your chance to delve deep into the artistic and cultural heritage of India. A number of exhibitions here showcase the works of some of the country’s renowned artists such as Rabindranath Tagore, Tyeb Mehta and M.F. Husain. You will find their works in the forms of paintings, sculptures, graphics and photographs. Housed in a palace, the architectural beauty of the building is also quite impressive.

Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum

Formerly the Victoria & Albert Museum, this is the oldest museum in Mumbai and a treasure trove of decorative and industrial arts. Visit here to discover a superb collection of archeological objects, historical photographs, maps and many rare manuscripts. Its location in a beautiful garden just adds to its charm and popularity. The Victorian interiors with decorative walls and ceilings are also quite remarkable. You can use the audio guide to learn about its history, architecture and collection.

Mani Bhavan

Located on Laburnum Road, this museum is the place from where Mahatma Gandhi, the great Indian leader, initiated many independence movements including Satyagraha, Non-cooperation and Swadeshi. Plenty of items, depicting his efforts in making India a free nation, are displayed here.

Institute of Contemporary Indian Art

If you’re an art enthusiast then this is definitely a must-visit place in Mumbai. Nestled in the heart of the city’s art district – Kala Ghoda, the gallery showcases works of many revered artists from India. A number of exhibitions here display modern, classic and abstract art. The opening hours span from 11.00am to 7pm (IST), and entrance is free.

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