Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Mumbai
Founded in the early 1900s, this Museum is one of the premier cultural institutions in the country. The Foundation Stone of the Museum was laid by the Prince of Wales on 11th November 1905 and the Museum was named Prince of Wales Museum of Western India. For a long time people had also felt the need for a good museum in the city and finally the museum was established by the public contribution aided by the then Government of the Bombay Presidency.
After the completion of the building in 1914, it was initially used as a Military hospital and for organising exhibitions for children. It was on 10th January 1922 that the museum as we know it today was opened for the public. This museum which has been designated as a Grade I heritage building of Mumbai has won numerous awards for its beauty and maintenance.
The Prince of Wales Museum has now been renamed as “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya”. The Key Gallery, located in the central foyer, showcases a representative collection from the various sections of the Museum such as Archaeology, Indian Miniature Paintings, Indian Coins, European Oil Paintings, Textiles, Contemporary Art, Pre and Proto History Gallery, Arms and Armour, Natural History Section, Indian Decorative Arts and the Chinese and Japanese collection. It thus gives an overview of the Museum’s rich collection.
The aim of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is to create an awareness of the rich ancient heritage among the people. Therefore, the museum, in addition to the artifacts that are showcased in the permanent galleries, workshops, festivals and academic events, regularly houses temporary exhibitions and lectures on a multitude of topics and also hosts special events.
