The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is a museum of art and history in Mumbai, India. It was formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India and was renamed in 1998 after the 17th-century Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The museum houses a collection of over 50,000 exhibits, ranging from ancient sculptures and paintings to coins, weapons, textiles and decorative arts.
The ticket price for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is Rs. 100 for Indian citizens and Rs. 650 for foreign nationals. Children below 12 years of age and students with valid ID cards are free of charge. The museum also offers discounts for senior citizens, defence personnel and groups of more than 20 people. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:15 am to 6:00 pm. It is closed on Mondays and public holidays.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is located in the Fort area of Mumbai, near the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. It is easily accessible by public transport, such as buses, taxis and trains. The nearest railway station is Churchgate on the Western Line and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus on the Central Line. The nearest bus stop is Kala Ghoda.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya offers guided tours for visitors who want to learn more about the exhibits and the history of the museum. The tours are conducted in English, Hindi and Marathi and last for about an hour. The tours are available from Tuesday to Sunday, at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. The tour fee is Rs. 20 per person, in addition to the entry fee. The museum also organizes special events and workshops for children and adults throughout the year.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya has three main sections: the Art Section, the Archaeology Section and the Natural History Section. The Art Section displays paintings, sculptures, textiles, metalwork and ivory from various regions and periods of India, as well as some foreign art from China, Japan, Tibet and Nepal. The Archaeology Section showcases artifacts from prehistoric times to medieval times, such as pottery, coins, seals, inscriptions and terracotta figures. The Natural History Section exhibits specimens of animals, birds, reptiles, insects and plants from India and abroad.
Some of the attractions of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya are:
- The Indus Valley Civilization Gallery, which displays objects from one of the oldest civilizations in the world, such as seals, beads, figurines and pottery.
- The Mughal Painting Gallery, which showcases miniature paintings from the Mughal era (16th-19th century), depicting scenes from court life, history and literature.
- The Arms and Armour Gallery, which exhibits weapons and armour from different regions and periods of India, such as swords, daggers, shields, helmets and guns.
- The Maritime Heritage Gallery, which explores the maritime history of India and its trade relations with other countries.
- The Natural History Dioramas, which recreate the habitats of various animals and plants in realistic settings.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Tips:
- Plan your visit in advance and check the museum website for the latest information on timings, fees and events.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes as the museum is spread over a large area and involves walking and climbing stairs.
- Carry a water bottle and snacks as there are no food outlets inside the museum premises.
- Respect the rules and regulations of the museum and do not touch or damage any exhibits.
- Enjoy your visit and learn something new!
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Prohibitions:
- Photography is not allowed inside the museum galleries without prior permission.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the museum premises.
- Pets are not allowed inside the museum premises.
- Bags, umbrellas and other bulky items are not allowed inside the museum galleries. They can be deposited at the cloakroom near the entrance.
