Mumbai Museums

(Mumbai / Bombay, Maharashtra, India)

A number of good, well-presented museums are to be found around Mumbai, dedicated to a range of different themes. Mumbai's Nehru Science Centre is especially popular and has grown to become the largest science centre of its kind in the whole of India.

Located within Mahatma Gandhi's former residence, the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya is a poignant museum in Mumbai, remembering the life and work of this much-loved individual. Other museum highlights in Mumbai include the many historic relics and local objects of interest at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, and also the rather unexpected array of charming old buses at the BEST Transport Museum.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

Address: 159-161, MG Road, Fort, Mumbai, 400 023, India, IN
Tel: +91 022 2284 4484
India's famous Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is still often referred to as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India and was founded more than 100 years ago, being built on land known in Mumbai as the 'Crescent Site'. Planned for many years and finally opening its doors to the public in 1922, the museum contains many extensive themed areas, including the Maritime Heritage Gallery and a Natural History section. Other highlights include a number of art works, historic artefacts from the Elephanta island, and weaponry displays. The building itself is particularly impressive, featuring elaborate architecture and a large central dome above the main entrance. Outside you will find beautiful gardens, full of flowers and huge palm trees.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:15 to 17:45
Mumbai museum admission:

FD Alpaiwalla Museum

Address: Khareghat Memorial Hall, NS Patkar Marg, Kemps Corner, Mumbai, 400 036, India, IN
The FD Alpaiwalla Museum was established in the mid-20th century and is full of local history, with a rather diverse collection of local artefacts and relics. This attraction is known for being a community museum and also features a series of art works.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Nehru Science Centre

Address: Dr. E Moses Road, Worli, Mumbai, 400 018, India, IN
Tel: +91 022 2493 2667
Full of exhibits covering almost everything that you could ever wish to know about science, Mumbai's Nehru Science Centre boasts more than 50 different interactive displays, which are especially popular with children. Also on offer within the centre are a number of workshops, lectures, expositions, a gift shop area and an open-air science park area. Founded in the 1960s, this museum attracts well over half a million visitors each year and covers almost 10 acres / 4 hectares.
Open hours: daily - 10:30 to 18:30
Admission: charge, children are free

Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya

Address: 19 Laburnum Road, Mumbai, 400 007, India, IN
Tel: +91 022 2380 5864
Once the actual home of India's spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi, the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya museum remembers the life of the world-famous individual, who was sadly assassinated in 1948. Expect to see an array of paraphernalia celebrating Gandhi's public and private life, including photographs, paintings, books and articles.
Open hours: daily - 09:30 to 18:00
Admission: charge

BEST Transport Museum

Address: Inside Anik Bus Depot, Wadala, Mumbai, 400 031, India, IN
Tel: +91 022 2409 1371
Home to a large and rather unusual collection of buses and historic trams and located within the Anik Bus Depot, Mumbai's popular BEST Transport Museum deserves some time. The museum also features a number of detailed models, historic bus tickets, photos and a host of bus transport memorabilia. BEST stands for 'Bombay Electric Supply and Transport'.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free