Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya in Mumbai (formerly Bombay) was earlier known as Prince of Wales Museum of Western India. This museum was formed to honour the Prince of Wales by some of the famous citizens in Mumbai.

Apart from the conventional architectural styles like Mughal and Jains it is a blend of indo-saracenic architecture. The building is surrounded by a garden filled with palm trees. Since it is located in the heart of Mumbai city, near the Gateway of India it is a famous tourist destination.

The museum exclusively displays Indian history as well as something from foreign locations. The foundation stone was laid by the Prince himself on November 11, 1905.

The museum now stands at the “crescent site” which was given by the then Government of Bombay presidency in 1907. The architect behind this museum was George Wittet who was commissioned for this in 1909 who later worked on Mumbai’s prestigious destinations like Genaral Post Office and Gateway of India.

The work of the museum became completed in 1915 and then turned into a Child Welfare Centre and a Military Hospital during the First World War. The formal inauguration of this museum was by Lady Lloyd, the wife of then Bombay Governor George Lloyd, on January 10, 1922.