Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum

Mumbai's pre-eminent museum, formerly the Prince of Wales Museum, holds an outstanding collection of Indian art, sculpture, and decorative arts. The collection includes ancient Buddhist and Hindu sculpture, Mughal miniature paintings, terracotta from the Indus Valley Civilisation, and a notable collection of Himalayan bronzes. The European paintings section is modest; the Indian material is exceptional.

Allow two to three hours for a thorough visit. The building is set in pleasant grounds near the Gateway of India, and there is a good cafe inside. The museum is well-curated by Indian standards, with informative labels and a logical layout. Closed Mondays.

colaba
A story
The museum building itself — designed by George Wittet and opened in 1923 — is one of the finest examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture in India. Wittet also designed the Gateway of India. The museum's central dome draws on Mughal and Persian precedents while incorporating classical European detailing. During World War I the building served as a military hospital before reverting to its intended purpose.