ART AND MUSEUMS, Mumbai

  Vihar - The Prayer Hall
by devat81
 
  • Vihar - The Prayer Hall
      Vihar - The Prayer Hall
    by devat81
  • History of Caves
      History of Caves
    by devat81
  • Kanheri Caves Entrance
      Kanheri Caves Entrance
    by devat81
  • A Complex Cave System
      A Complex Cave System
    by devat81
  • The Hiking Stairs
      The Hiking Stairs
    by devat81
 

57 Reviews of ART AND MUSEUMS

Sort by: Most recent | Most helpful

Write a Review
Visit Kanheri Caves
devat81 profile photo

4.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

devat81 283 reviews
Kanheri Caves Entrance
4 more images

The Kanheri Caves are a group of rock-cut monuments, located north of Borivali on the western suburbs of Mumbai inside the forests of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

Kanheri Caves are signs of Buddhist influence on art and culture in India. These caves are dated from 1st century BC to 10th century AD. In total in the basalt mountain about 109 caves were carved out and each cave has a stone plinth for a bed. A congregation hall with huge stone pillars contains the stupa, a Buddhist shrine. Farther up the hill are the remains of an ancient water system, canals and cisterns that collected and channeled the rainwater into huge tanks. Kanheri had become an important Buddhist settlement on the Konkan coast by the 3rd century AD.

It is 6 km from the National Park Main Gate & 7 km from Borivali Station. You can catch a western railway local train from city which runs in every 3 minutes. Catch a local bus or Auto Ricksaw from Station (eastern side) to the National Park entrance. Transport by bus to the caves is available every hour from entrance gate.

Entry Fee at Sanjay Gandhi National Park : 30 INR, Vehicles 100 INR
Admission Fee to the Caves : 5 INR for Indians, 100 INR for Foreigners

Updated Jan 10, 2012

Related to:
 Family Travel
 Arts and Culture
 Historical Travel

Was this review helpful?

One of Mumbai's Best Museums
Donna_in_India profile photo

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Donna_in_India 738 reviews
Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum

Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum is arguably one of Mumbai's top 2 museums, if not its best. It was originally known as the Victoria and Albert Museum and having opened in 1872, is Mumbai's oldest museum.

The museum is open and airy. Spread over two floors, there are over 6,000 artifacts in the museum - including crafts of India - paintings, pottery, intricate ivory carvings, wood carvings, marble statues, sculptures, bronze statues of deities, etc. My favorite section - on the second floor - clay models of different Indian communities - wonderful detail and fascinating insight into life in India!

The museum also houses a rare collection of items relating to the history of Mumbai including photographs, maps, paintings, and models. I loved the old photos.

The museum was recently restored. I have visited twice - once before its recent renovation and once after - and found this to be a treasure of a museum. I loved it the first time, but the renovation is splendid. A special aritsan family did the 18 karat gold gilding and stenciling - be sure to take a look at the beautiful pillars and gilded staircase. Notice the Minton tiles which were acquired from a Parsi company, the only one that produces these ornate tiles today. Be sure to admire the ceiling.

Its slightly out of the way location may be the reason there aren't more visitors. It's located in the Byculla area of Mumbai and although you can reach by bus or train, you may want to take a taxi instead. It's located next to the zoo, but I would definitely give the zoo a miss!

Hours:

Open Mon-Tue,Thu-Sun 10am-5:30pm

Admission:

Foreigners: Rs 100, Indian Nationals: Rs 10

No Photos Allowed

Updated Dec 20, 2010

Address: 91A Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, Byculla

Phone: 22/2373-7942

Website: www.bdlmuseum.org

Related to:
 Museum Visits

Was this review helpful?

Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
MalenaN profile photo

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

MalenaN 4090 reviews

Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, which used to be called Prince of Wales Museum, is the biggest museum in Mumbai with excellent exhibitions of sculptures, Indian miniature paintings, some European paintings, artefacts from Nepal and Tibet, porcelain and ivory from Japan and China, weapons and much more. There is also a section with stuffed animals. All together the museum has got about 50 000 artefacts in its possession. It is also worth to take a closer look at the building itself. It is constructed in Indo-Saracenic style by the architect George Wittet. The building was completed in 1914, but it was not until 1922 it was opened up to the public as a museum. Surrounding the museum there is a nice garden.

Admission for foreigners is Rs 300 (June 2010), but then an audio guide is included in the price. You also get a brochure with a map of the museum. I was allowed to carry my handbag around the museum, but the water bottle had to be left at the security check (I later picked it up on my way out ).

The museum is open between 10.15 - 18.00 on Tuesday - Sunday.

Written Aug 11, 2010

Address: 159/61 Mahatma Gandhi Road

Phone: 91 - 022 - 228 444 84

Website: www.themuseummumbai.com

Related to:
 Museum Visits
 Arts and Culture
 Architecture

Was this review helpful?

Mount Mary Church
ni3sgalave profile photo
ni3sgalave 91 reviews
1 more image

Mount Mary Church is considered to be the oldest in Mumbai city of India. It is situated in the West Bandra, past Hill Road, and was built initially around 1640. There are many beliefs connected with the destruction of the church, which was finally rebuilt in 1761. Mt Mary's Church is very popular amongst the natives of the city and has been visited by everyone some time or the other. Apart from the main statue, there is another statue of Mother Mary installed outside the church, in front of which people light candles and pray for the welfare of their near and dear ones.
Located on a hillock, at a height of about 80 m above sea level, Mother Mary Church overlooks the splashing waters of the Arabian Sea. It is thronged by millions of devotees every year and even boasts of miraculous powers which have further strengthened the faith of the pilgrims. The Church is a venerated spot for the people of all religions. Apart from its spiritual fervor, it is also a picturesque location to enjoy the scenic beauty around. The view of serene sunsets and calm waters of the sea from the hillock are awe inspiring.

Updated Jan 2, 2010

Related to:
 Arts and Culture
 Historical Travel
 Photography

Was this review helpful?

Nehru Planetarium
ni3sgalave profile photo
ni3sgalave 91 reviews
Planetarium
2 more images

Planetarium, Discovery of India, Art Gallery, Antique Exhibits ,
Inside the planetarium, there are several cubicles that can guesstimate your weight on each of the nine planets of the Solar System.
Adjoining it is the Nehru Centre, which has facets like art gallery, restaurant, library, cultural center and a 14-gallery exhibit known as Discovery of India. Thus, Nehru Planetarium provides an insight into the cosmic world and serves as a platform for budding astronomers.

Written Nov 30, 2009

Address: Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai

Related to:
 Historical Travel
 Museum Visits
 Architecture

Was this review helpful?

"Mani Bhavan"
ni3sgalave profile photo
ni3sgalave 91 reviews
2 more images

Located on leafy Laburnum Road, a quiet lane named after its shady trees, Mani Bhavan is the old Mumbai residence of Mahatma Gandhi. It's a pretty, two-storied structure that now houses a reference library with over 2000 books, a photo exhibition of the Mahatma's life, and well preserved memorabilia, including an old charkha or spinning wheel that Gandhiji used to use.
Today, its only a symbolic exhibit that lies unused, but many old Gandhians still visit the place to pay homage to their hero and demonstrate the noble art of spinning your own yarn !!!!

Written Nov 30, 2009

Address: Laburnum Road

Related to:
 Historical Travel
 Museum Visits
 Architecture

Was this review helpful?

Jehangir Art Gallery
ni3sgalave profile photo

2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

ni3sgalave 91 reviews
paintings show
4 more images

Bombay's main art gallery, just next to the Prince of Wales Museum, displays changing exhibits by well-known Indian artists. There's plenty of art to be seen outside as well, as the plaza in front of the building is full of artists offering their works for sale and their talents for commission assignments.

Written Nov 30, 2009

Address: Near Fort kalaghoda

Related to:
 Architecture
 Family Travel
 Theme Park Trips

Was this review helpful?

Jehangir Art Gallery
Donna_in_India profile photo

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Donna_in_India 738 reviews
Bicycle Ferris Wheel at Kala Ghoda Art Festival

Jehangir Art Gallery is the biggest and most famous Indian art gallery. It was built in 1952 by Sir Cowasji Jehnagir.

There are four exhibit halls with works by some very well-known artists. One hall has works that change frequently so there is always something new to see. Both times we have been there the artist has been available for discussion or questions, which is really nice.

There is an antique shop inside the art gallery, along with its famous cafe, Samovar.

The sidewalks outside the gallery are full of artists selling their art. Support a local artist and take home a nice souvenir!

There are several art galleries in the area.

Each year in February just outside the gallery is the Kala Ghoda Art Festival. The next one is Feb. 6-10, 2010. It's always alot of fun with some very interesting art.

Entry is free

Hours: Monday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Written Nov 21, 2009

Phone: 2204-8212

Was this review helpful?

National Gallery of Modern Art
PierreZA profile photo

2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

PierreZA 1066 reviews
NGMA

The National Gallery of Modern Art is currently home to an exhibition called "SOAK". The theme of this exhibition is the severe Monsoon floods (the rains of July 26, 2005, more than 940mm in one day), and has the subtitle Mumbai in an Estuary
It is very informative, but often more technical information than ''art''. One also get very good history of how Bombay developed into the city it is now.

The website listed below gives very good info about SOAK.

Entrance: Rs150
Open Tue - Sun, 11h00 - 18h00

Written Oct 28, 2009

Website: http://www.asiasociety.org/centers/india/soak-mumbai-estuary

Related to:
 Historical Travel
 Museum Visits
 Arts and Culture

Was this review helpful?

National Gallery of Modern Art
MM212 profile photo

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

MM212 3482 reviews
NGMA
2 more images

Dating from 1911, the edifice housing the National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai (NGMA) was originally built as an auditorium. It was donated by Sir Cowasji Jehangir, and is thus officially called the Sir Cowasji Jehangir Public Hall. The Edwardian/Neoclassical building was in a decaying state until it was converted into the NGMA, an extension of the Delhi based gallery. It is located on Mahatma Ghandi Road at Wellington Fountain (now SP Mukherjee Chowk) in the Kala Ghoda area, opposite the Prince of Wales Museum.

Updated Mar 18, 2009

Address: Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda Area

Website: http://ngmaindia.gov.in/ngma_mumbai.asp

Related to:
 Arts and Culture
 Museum Visits
 Architecture

Was this review helpful?

Top 3 Hotels in Mumbai

Taj Lands End  Mumbai

 4 Reviews and 519 Opinions  22,000 square feet of meeting space connected by pre-function areas suitable for exhibitions ... 

 Hotels in Mumbai

Taj Mahal Palace Tower  Mumbai

 22 Reviews and 847 Opinions  The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower was built in 1903, and was a majestic landmark before the Gate of India... 

 Hotels in Mumbai

Leela Kempinski Hotel Mumbai  Mumbai

 8 Reviews and 549 Opinions  The hotel is located about 10 minutes from the airport,and the price on my last stay was not "over... 

 Hotels in Mumbai

The Place

ART AND MUSEUMS

ART AND MUSEUMS tips and photos posted by real travelers and Mumbai locals.

  Write a Review  
Experience Mumbai
 

The People

1,678 Members Live Here
 
Our Members Say
 profile photo

 Dating from 1911, the edifice housing the National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai (NGMA) was originally built as an auditorium. It was donated by Sir Cowasji... 

1,678 members live in Mumbai

 

Questions and Answers

skyqueen714 profile photo

Q:  Hello, I am traveling to Mumbai, India this Feb, this is my first trip there and I have a few questions about Mumbai. 1. Is it... 

Borisborough profile photo

A: I think I can answer a few of your questions: 1 Probably - being a caucasian male I don't have first-hand experience of this. We were stared at constantly in India... 

Read 11 Replies

postQuestion_button

Top Mumbai Writers

1

Keeweechic's Mumbai (Bombay)

keeweechic profile photo

 Until recent years Mumbai was known as Bombay. The name change resulted in the reorganization of states following independence in 1947, however it took until 1996 Bombay to be renamed. Mumbai is the... 

2

My Second Home

Donna_in_India profile photo

 I've got some interesting experiences in Mumbai. I'd love to share with you the 71 tips I've written, the 65 photos uploaded, and 4 travelogues I've created. 

3

A City Never Sleeps

devat81 profile photo

 16 years ago a High School Lad reached Mumbai at 2 AM with his bunch of friends. Beyond imagination in those days in India the city welcomed them at those bizzare hours just like a normal day where...... 

4

Bombay

MM212 profile photo

 Chaotic, cosmopolitan Bombay - now officially called Mumbai - is India's financial powerhouse, cultural centre and its most dynamic city. Rightly described as the Manhattan of India, Bombay is unlike... 

5

Mumbai – A Magnificent Mix

PierreZA profile photo

 Mumbai was my introduction to India a few years ago. It is a city to experience - and not easy to describe. A mixture of chaos, spirituality, poverty, great food, Bollywood and fantastic people. It is... 

View all rated pages

View newest pages

Build your own Mumbai page