Whether you’re planning a trip to Mumbai, or are looking for fun and enriching experiences in the city, a visit to some of Mumbai’s greatest museums should be one of your top priorities. Luckily, the city boasts a great number of museums that range from national and transportation history to contemporary art and cinema. So, skip the bars and immerse yourself in entertaining exhibitions, uncover hidden treasures with your friends, or introduce your kids to new realms. Without a second thought, here are our favourite museums in Mumbai.
1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) is a prominent museum showcasing art, archaeology and natural history, located in Fort. The building stands as a testament to India’s rich heritage, blending Indo-Saracenic and Mughal styles. As for the museum’s collection, it proudly spans centuries and includes artifacts from various cultures.
Some notable highlights include ancient sculptures, decorative arts, miniature paintings, and an impressive collection of artifacts from the Indus Valley Civilisation. To fully appreciate the museum’s vast collection, a visit typically takes around two to three hours, allowing ample time to soak in the cultural treasures it holds.
📍 159-161, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai 400023, Maharashtra
2. Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum
Opened in 1857, the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad museum is the oldest museum in the city and the first colonial building to be constructed for the specific purpose of housing a museum. But frankly, it is also a feast for the eyes, giving off romantic and sophisticated vibes. Named after the philanthropist, historian, physician and secretary of the museum committee Dr. Bhau Daji Lad, its collection offers a captivating journey through the city’s history.
From intricately carved sculptures dating back to the 19th century to the intricately designed Mumbai Panorama, there’s something for every history buff and art lover. The museum often hosts cultural events, exhibitions and educational programmes so keep an eye on their calendar more up-to-date info. If you’re visiting Mumbai, it is a great place to understand the city’s evolution.
📍 Veer Mata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan (Rani Baug), 91/A, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road Byculla East, Mumbai 400027, Maharashtra
3. National Museum of Indian Cinema
This dynamic institution is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history and evolution of Indian cinema, Bollywood and even the glittering glamour of Bombay. Just off Pedder Road, it provides an immersive experience, chronicling the journey of Indian films from its early silent era to the contemporary digital age. The museum houses fascinating exhibits, including vintage original posters, costumes, memorabilia, equipment and insightful displays on the cultural impact of Indian cinema.
Opened in 2019, NMIC aims to celebrate the contribution of legendary Indian filmmakers and artists and even hosts special screenings of movie classics. Suffice to say, it serves as a cinematic pilgrimage for film aficionados and a captivating introduction to those curious about the nation’s vibrant film industry. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm.
📍 Gulshan Mahal, 24, Pedder Rd, Cumballa Hill, Mumbai 400026, Maharashtra
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4. Nehru Science Centre
Definitely one of the best museums in Mumbai if you are a bit of a science nerd. The Nehru Science Centre, situated in Worli, is an iconic institution dedicated to the promotion of scientific knowledge and innovation. The museum was given the name in honour of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawarhalal Nehru and today the centre boasts over 500 interactive exhibits, scientific demonstrations and educational programmes, designed to make science engaging and accessible to all.
The centrepiece of the museum is the three-storey-tall Moon Impact Probe model, an ode to India’s space exploration achievements. With a planetarium, a giant dome-screen theatre, and various galleries covering diverse topics, the Nehru Centre provides a hands-on, immersive experience for visitors of all ages. You might need to clear a few hours off your schedule and allow ample time to appreciate all its marvellous displays.
📍 Jijamata Nagar, Worli, Mumbai 400018, Maharashtra
5. National Gallery of Modern Art
Another great museum in the city, the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) is a treasure trove of modern and contemporary Indian art. Housed in a heritage building, the former Sir Cowasji Jehangir Public Hall, NGMA showcases an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and installations from the 19th century to the present day. The museum features works by renowned artists like Amrita Sher-Gil, Jamini Roy, Rabindranath Tagore and contemporary artists.
NGMA is not only a repository of India’s artistic evolution but also hosts temporary exhibitions, educational programmes and workshops. A visit to the museum normally takes about three hours to really appreciate the depth of India’s modern art movement.
📍 Sir Cowasji Jahangir Public Hall, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai 400032, Maharashtra
6. CSMT Heritage Gallery
The Chhatrapti Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Heritage Gallery (CSMT Heritage Gallery) is situated within the iconic Gothic Victorian railway station. It showcases the history of the station and Mumbai’s railways, making it an exciting stop for those interested in the city’s transportation heritage. If you’re interested in history, architecture and the significance of railways in India, you should definitely take an hour or two out of your busy schedule to explore the Heritage Gallery,
📍 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Fort, Mumbai 400001, Maharashtra
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7. Kaka Baptista East Indian Museum
Hidden in Malad West near Manori, is an old-looking museum boasting many artifacts, clothes, utensils, trunks, texts and books, donated by the East Indian families. The museum name honours Kaka Baptista, a notable East Indian lawyer and freedom fighter who defended Lokmanya Tilak. If you want to learn more about the vibrant community native to the Seven Islands of Bombay and the neighbouring Mumbai Metropolitan Area of the Konkan division, now you know where to go.
📍 Manori – Gorai Rd, Puttupatti, Manori Village, Malad West, Mumbai 400095, Maharashtra
8. Jehangir Art Gallery
This next institution is one of our favourite museums in Mumbai, mainly due to the pivotal role it has played in promoting contemporary Indian art. Located near Kala Ghoda, Jehangir Art Gallery was founded in 1952 and is named after Sir Cowasji Jehangir, whose vision was to create a space for the appreciation of visual art. The gallery comprises four exhibition halls that regularly host exhibitions by painters, sculptors, print-makers, craftsmen, ceramicists, photographers and weavers.
📍 161B, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai 400001, Maharashtra
9. Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya
Mani Bhavan served as Mahatma Gandhi’s residence when he was in Mimbai between 1917 and 1934. It is where some of the most critical decisions in the Indian independence movement were made, so whether you’re a local or tourist, you have to visit Mani Bhavan at least once in your life. Best of all, the entry is free!
The two-storied museum displays photographs, letters, personal belongings, providing a glimpse into Gandhi’s life and his role in India’s struggle for independence. It also houses a library that has a rich collection of about 40,000 books, as well as recordings and films of Gadhiji speeches. You can also visit the room where Gandhi worked and lived on the second floor and see all the objects he used at the time.
📍 Mani Bhavan, 19, Laburnum Rd, Babulnath, Gamdevi, Mumbai 400007, Maharashtra
10. B.E.S.T. Transport Museum
This charming little museum showcases the history and evolution of public transportation in Mumbai. It has a collection of miniatures of the BEST company’s buses and trams, as well as old bus tickets and old photographs of buses from when they were first introduced to the city in 1937. However, the real centrepiece is a classic, red Daimler double decker bus. This is a great place to bring your kids to on your next outing together, but if you’re a model bus and automobile collector, you should definitely check the museum out.
📍 Municipal Kamgar Vasahat, Sion East, Sion, Mumbai 400022, Maharashtra
11. Reserve Bank Of India Monetary Museum
Our last choice is another Fort museum that many history buffs and coin collectors will appreciate. Find out how the earliest barter system worked, discover the role of cowry shells in different Indian communities and see a collection of coins, paper money to the evolution of modern-day transactions at RBI Museum. Don’t forget to check out the South Indian Panam coins and Indo-Greek coins!
📍 AMAR BUILDING RBI, Ground Floor, Sir Phirozshah Mehta Rd, Fort, Mumbai 400001, Maharashtra
We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to museums in Mumbai. So, what are you waiting for? Go give these cultural spots a try on your next day off.