Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum

A Treasure of Indian History and Art

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum (CSMVS), formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, is one of Mumbai’s most iconic cultural landmarks. Located in the heart of South Mumbai near the Gateway of India, the museum showcases India’s history from prehistoric times to the modern era and houses an impressive collection of art, archaeology, and natural history artifacts. The museum was renamed in 1998 to honor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Kingdom, reflecting the city’s post-colonial heritage identity.

History

The museum was conceived in the early 20th century to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales (later King George V) to Bombay. In 1904, leading citizens of Bombay, with support from the British government, proposed establishing a museum to preserve and showcase India’s rich cultural heritage. The foundation stone was laid by the Prince of Wales on 11 November 1905, and the museum was formally named the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India. A prominent architect of the time, George Wittet, was commissioned in 1909 to design the museum building. Wittet, known for designing the Gateway of India and the General Post OƯice in Mumbai, incorporated a blend of Indo-Saracenic, Mughal, Maratha, and Jain architectural elements into the museum. Construction was completed in 1915, but the building was initially used as a Children’s Welfare Centre and a Military Hospital during World War I. It was finally handed over to the museum committee and inaugurated on 10 January 1922. The museum was later renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in 1998, following the renaming of Bombay to Mumbai in 1995. The building is now a Grade I Heritage Building and received the Urban Heritage Award in 1990 for its preservation eƯorts.

Architecture

The museum building sits on a 3-acre plot and has a built-up area of over 12,000 square meters. Constructed using locally quarried grey Kurla basalt and buƯ- colored Malad trachyte stone, it is a three-storied rectangular structure crowned by a large central dome supported on a lotus-petal base. The architectural style is Indo-Saracenic, blending elements from Islamic, Maratha, Mughal, and Jain designs. The central dome is flanked by smaller pinnacles and miniature domes, while protruding balconies, inlaid floors, and decorative arches reflect Mughal palace architecture. Wittet modeled the central dome on the Golconda Fort dome and the inner arches after Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur.

The museum interior is equally striking, with columns, railings, and balconies inspired by Maratha Wadas and Jain-style interior columns forming the central pavilion. The museum is surrounded by well-maintained gardens with palm trees and formal flower beds, providing a serene environment for visitors. In a modernization program in 2008, the museum added new galleries covering 30,000 sq ft, a conservation studio, a seminar room, and a library. This expansion allows for rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and international collaborations.

Collections and Exhibits

The museum houses approximately 50,000 artifacts spanning art, archaeology, and natural history:

• Art Section: Paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and miniature paintings from various Indian periods.
• Archaeology Section: Artefacts from the Indus Valley Civilization, Mauryan, Gupta, Chalukya, and Rashtrakuta periods.
• Natural History Section: Fossils, taxidermy specimens, and educational exhibits on flora and fauna.

CSMVS also has collections from foreign lands, providing a global perspective on art and culture. Its displays illustrate India’s rich heritage, from ancient civilizations to medieval and modern times.

Accessibility – Nearest Railway Station and Airport

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum is centrally located in South Mumbai and easily accessible via public and private transport:

• Nearest Railway Station: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) – Approximately 5 km from the museum. This historic railway station connects Mumbai with major Indian cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Pune.
• Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) – About 25 km from the museum, providing domestic and international connectivity.
• By Road: The museum is well connected by taxis, buses, and ride-hailing services. Being near the Gateway of India, it is also accessible on foot from nearby landmarks in South Mumbai.

Visiting Tips

• Opening Hours: Typically open from 10:15 AM to 6:00 PM, closed on public holidays (check the museum website for exact timings).
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, particularly during weekends and holiday seasons.
• Guided Tours: Available to provide historical context and detailed explanations of the collections.
• Photography: Allowed in certain sections with permission; flash photography may be restricted.

Nearby Attractions

The museum’s central location makes it convenient to explore several other South Mumbai landmarks:

• Gateway of India – Iconic waterfront monument, walking distance from the museum.
• Taj Mahal Palace Hotel – Historic luxury hotel nearby.
• Colaba Causeway – Popular shopping street for souvenirs and local crafts.
• Marine Drive & Chowpatty Beach – Scenic promenade for evening walks.

These attractions allow visitors to enjoy a comprehensive cultural, historical, and leisure experience in Mumbai.

Why Visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum?

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum is more than just a repository of artifacts—it is a symbol of India’s rich history and cultural diversity. From ancient Indus Valley relics to medieval sculptures, paintings, and natural history exhibits, the museum oƯers visitors a journey through India’s artistic and historical evolution. Its Indo- Saracenic architecture, scenic gardens, and central location near Mumbai’s most famous landmarks make it a must-visit destination for tourists, students, and history enthusiasts alike.