Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
If you are a fan of unique historical titbits, and learning about cultural heritage, several museums in Mumbai are worth adding to your travel plans. Each museum stands out with its unique exhibits, art and traditions. Visiting these museums enables you to witness and explore the art, architecture, natural history, and local culture of both Mumbai and India at large. Perfect for historical backgrounds or to immerse yourself in modern interventions, there’s something to cater to the interests of every visitor. As you are planning your next holiday to Mumbai, ensure that you check out these museums in the bustling city.
10 Museums In Mumbai
Mumbai offers a fascinating journey through time with the museums that are scattered throughout the city.
1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)
Photo: Anoop Ravi / Wikimedia Commons
Previously known as the Prince of Wales Museum, CSMVS is one of the most prestigious museums in Mumbai. The museum was established on January 10, 1922 and features an architectural style that’s a blend of Indian and British influences. The museum’s collection is vast, housing over 60,000 artefacts, including ancient sculptures, decorative arts, and paintings from India, Tibet, Nepal, and other parts of Asia. One of the museum’s highlights is the Buddhist art collection, which includes relics from the Gandhara and Gupta periods. The garden winding around the museum also adds to the beauty of the place.
Location: 159-161, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Timings: 10:15 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fees: ₹35 per person
2. Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum
Photo: Sailko / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the best Mumbai museums that you can’t miss out on exploring is the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum. It is believed to be one of the oldest museums in the city, dating back to 1855. If you are interested in unfolding details about Mumbai’s history, culture and industrial arts, this is the museum that has it all. The building is a restored space and features Victorian-style architecture, which is quite a treat to the eyes. Beyond the permanent exhibits, the museum is also renowned for hosting several exhibitions depicting models that depict old Mumbai, traditional pottery, textile exhibits, and exquisite jewellery.
Location: 91 A, Rani Baug, Veer Mata Jijbai Bhonsle Udyan, 91 A, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Rd, Byculla East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400027
Timings: 10 AM to 5:30 PM (Wednesday closed)
Entry Fees: ₹10 for adults and ₹5 for children
3. National Gallery Of Modern Art (NGMA)
Photo: Balajijagadesh / Wikimedia Commons
If you are fond of art, especially modern art, a visit to the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) is a must when in Mumbai. The museum was opened in 1996 with the intent of preserving and promoting modern and contemporary Indian art. Inside the museum, you get to witness an impressive collection of works by some of India’s most celebrated artists, including Raja Ravi Varma, Amrita Sher-Gil, M.F. Husain, and F.N. Souza, among others. Getting to explore new and rising artists is truly a gift. In addition to Indian artists, the NGMA has hosted international exhibitions in the past.
Location: Sir Cowasji Jahangir Public Hall, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400032
Timings: 11 AM to 6 PM (Monday closed)
Entry Fees: ₹20 per person
4. Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum
Photo: KenWalker / Wikimedia Commons
Once the residence of Mahatma Gandhi, Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum is one of the best museums in Mumbai at the moment. The house has now been converted into a museum that offers an intimate look into the life and work of the Father of the Nation. It is a fairly simple two-storey building, which has a significant role in the freedom fight for India. One of the main attractions of this museum is the library where you get to witness a variety of personal belongings, photographs, letters, and documents related to Gandhi’s life. Also, the specific room where Mahatma Gandhi spent his time has been well-preserved for the visitors to witness.
Location: Mani Bhavan, 19, Laburnum Rd, Babulnath, Gamdevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400007
Timings: 10 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: ₹20 per person
5. RBI Monetary Museum
Photo: Reshub / Wikimedia Commons
Among the popular museums in Mumbai, the RBI Monetary Museum is one that you must not miss out on. The museum offers an in-depth look at the history of money, coinage, and banking in the country. As the name suggests, the museum was established by the Reserve Bank of India, showcasing the evolution of money from barter systems to modern-day currency. Inside the museum, you will get to explore dedicated galleries and exhibits that give you a glimpse into a diverse collection of coins and paper currency. Also, there are interactive exhibits available inside the museum.
Location: AMAR BUILDING RBI, Ground Floor, Sir Phirozshah Mehta Rd, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Timings: 10:45 AM to 5:15 PM
Entry Fees: None
6. Nehru Science Centre
Photo: Ananyaalien / Wikimedia Commons
For science enthusiasts, Nehru Science Centre is one of the top museums in Mumbai to add to your travel plans. It is located in Worli and is one of the largest interactive science centres in the country. The main purpose of this museum is to help children learn about science in a gamified and fun way and intrigue them with concepts that are usually less talked about in schools. The museum features more than 500 hands-on exhibits related to various fields of science such as mechanics, sound, energy, and transportation. Beyond that, you can walk around and explore the various exhibits available in the museum.
Location: Jijamata Nagar, Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400018
Timings: 9:30 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fees: ₹70 per person
7. Jehangir Art Gallery
Photo: Thatsrichie6 / Wikimedia Commons
Another unique art gallery cum museum that you should explore when in Mumbai is the Jehangir Art Gallery. It is a fairly underrated but equally riveting spot where you get a glimpse into contemporary art exhibitions. The gallery was founded in 1952 and has been the epicentre of Mumbai’s art scene for decades, hosting exhibitions by both established and emerging artists. One of the highlights of Jehangir Art Gallery is its prime location in Kala Ghoda, Mumbai’s art district, making it a cultural hub for artists and art lovers alike.
Location: 161B, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Timings: 11 AM to 7 PM
Entry Fees: None
8. Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)
Photo: PJeganathan / Wikimedia Commons
If you are looking for one of the historical museums in Mumbai, BNHS is a must-add to the list. Not just a museum but it is one of the oldest research organisations in India, established in 1883. Exploring the museum is believed to be a heaven for nature lovers and conservationists, with its extensive collection of specimens from India’s rich biodiversity, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects. You also get a glimpse into India’s wildlife and natural habitats. What’s fascinating is their ongoing conservation efforts and research, which allows the visitors to get a glimpse into unique facts about India’s natural history.
Location: Hornbill House, Shahid Bhagat Singh Rd, opp. Lion Gate, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Weekend closed)
Entry Fees: Usually start from ₹350 per person (Dependent on the activity)
9. Red Carpet Wax Museum
Photo: Redcarpetrcity / Wikimedia Commons
For visitors looking for a unique museum experience, head to Red Carpet Wax Museum, which is located inside R City Mall. It offers an interactive experience with wax statues of celebrities from various fields such as Bollywood, Hollywood, sports, and even historical figures. The concept behind the museum is a lot similar to that of Madame Tussauds, which is internationally renowned. The wax figures are pretty precise and accurate, adding to the beauty of the sculptures. You can get up close with life-like wax figures of famous personalities and click pictures in carefully designed settings.
Location: R City Mall, 1, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Amrut Nagar, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400086
Timings: 8:30 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fees: ₹300 per person
10. National Museum Of Indian Cinema
Photo: Khushi Vaishya / Wikimedia Commons
Given that Mumbai is known to be the home of Bollywood, a visit down to the National Museum of Indian Cinema is a must. It is one of the most famous museums in Mumbai, dedicated to the rich history of Indian cinema. The Museum of Indian Cinema is a must-visit for Bollywood enthusiasts and film buffs. The museum is spread across two floors and has different exhibits and galleries, which you can explore to get a better look into the evolution of Indian cinema, from the silent era to modern-day blockbusters.
Location: Gulshan Mahal, 24, Pedder Rd, Cumballa Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400026
Timings: 11 AM to 6 PM (Monday closed)
Entry Fee: ₹20 per person
Visiting the museums in Mumbai offers a glimpse into the history, culture, traditions, art and heritage that is well-preserved in the city. There are unique museums with exhibits and exhibitions that offer an immersive and interactive experience. As you are planning your getaway to Mumbai with TripXL, ensure to spend a few days exploring the numerous museums the city has to offer.
Cover Photo: Muk.khan / Wikimedia Commons
