Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Mumbai, India
- Admire the Indo-Saracenic architecture
- Explore the museum's vast collection
- Relax in the museum gardens
- Visit the museum's cafe
Known for:
Description:
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), formerly the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, is a major museum located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It houses approximately 50,000 exhibits of ancient Indian history as well as objects from other countries, categorized primarily under three sections: Art, Archaeology and Natural History. The museum building is built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, incorporating elements of other styles of architecture like Mughal, Maratha and Jain. The museum building has a main building along with a new wing. The museum is surrounded by a garden, which is now mostly used as a parking lot. The museum is located in the heart of South Mumbai near the Gateway of India. It is one of the most prominent museums in India.
History:
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya was founded in the early years of the 20th century by prominent citizens of Mumbai, with the help of the then Governor of Bombay, Lord Sydenham. The museum building is built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, incorporating elements of other styles of architecture like Mughal, Maratha and Jain. The museum was opened to the public in 1922 by the then Prince of Wales, Edward VIII. It was renamed to its present name in 1998. The museum has undergone several renovations and expansions since its opening. A new wing was added in 2019. The museum is now a major tourist attraction in Mumbai.