Mumbai Site Seeing

A place is known by its history and its people.  Best place to learn the history, is the museum. The Chhatrapatī Shivaji Mahārāj Vastu Sahgrahālay, previously known as Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, is the biggest and the largest museum in Mumbai. It is located at the most prime tourist spot in the city. Prominent citizens of Mumbai started the operation of this museum with the co-ordination of government in early 20th century to commemorate Prince of Wales in Mumbai city. In early 1990’s The museum was renamed by the leading political party, as chatrapati Shivaji, as he was a Hindu king and founder of the Maratha empire.

Architecture of the magnificent building is designed in the style of Indi-Saracenic style. It also has beautiful collaboration is Mughal, Maratha and jain architectural elements throughout the place. Covering a wide area in Mumbai’s most prime location, it comfortably incorporates garden and flower beds around the building. The museum has an impressive collection of ancient historical artifacts, Archeological finds, elements from the natural world, flora, fauna, from insect to animal kingdom, as well as a good collection from foreign lands. Original Paintings of renowned artists add glamour to the place time and again.

In the year 1904, few of the important and leading citizens of Mumbai got together and decided to build a place like a museum to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales, the future King George V. Later on, On 22 June 1904, this committee of leading citizens passed a resolution saying:"The building should have a handsome and noble structure befitting the site selected, and in keeping with the best style of local architecture".

The foundation stone of this structure was laid by the Prince of Wales himself, on the 11 November 1905 and the museum was formally named "Prince of Wales Museum of Western India". The location is prime and surrounded by all kinds of interesting and entertaining elements, such as shopping street, Taj Hotel, Movie theatre, variety of old and new restaurants, art galleries, Gateway of India and many more attractions. It can be reached by various transport facilities, such as Public busses, Taxis, AC cabs, private cars, and also by walk from western as well as central railway stations.