Bhau Daji Lad Museum: A Visit To The Oldest Museum In Mumbai

The peninsula of Mumbai is an abode for many museums that have preserved the history of several centuries. Some of these museums include Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), Mani Bhavan, the National Museum Of Indian Cinema, the National Gallery Of Modern Art, and the list goes on. 

It all started with the oldest museum in Mumbai famously known as Bhau Daji Lad Museum located in the vicinity of Jijamata Udyan. It is known for its magnificent architecture and is one of the historical landmarks of Mumbai.

So, without wasting any more time let’s take a seat and transmit back to the era of Indian history. 

About Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum In Mumbai

This museum has housed centuries-old art and artefacts some of the most iconic artefacts including the Kala Ghoda Statue, the sculpture of the elephant that has been excavated from the sea near Elephanta Caves from which the name of Elephanta Caves has been derived, the manuscript of Hatim Taj which are as old as 17th century. 

Apart from all the art and artefacts the architecture of the Bhau Daji Lad Museum is one of it’s kind. The architecture of this oldest museum is no less than a palace.

History of Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum

A committee was formed comprising  George Birdwood,  Bhau Daji Lad, and Jagannath Shunkersethto raise money for the construction of a new building for the museum. The foundation of the new building was laid in 1862. Many wealthy businessmen, historians, physicians, surgeons, secretaries, and philanthropists contributed to the building of the Bhau Daji Lad Museum.

The museum was finally opened on 2 May 1872 as The Victoria and Albert Museum, Bombay. After a century the museum was remanded the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum in honour of the man on whose vision the museum was built.

Fun Fact: Formerly Known as the Victoria and Albert Museum a palindrome of V and A is welded into the railing. 

Exploring Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum

The design element of the roof of the museum is an ode to the leader of the Jewish Community in Bombay, David Sassoon. Pottery installations were made by students of the School Of Art, Bombay in the 19th century. 

While visiting you could explore many arts international and national artists. The museum also has aboded various day-to-day artifacts of the royals and the common people. It has a magnificent collection of knives, daggers, and swords. The miniature idols of the people showcase their occupation, culture, and clothing style. 

This museum has housed centuries-old art and artefacts some of the most iconic artefacts including the Kala Ghoda Statue, the sculpture of the elephant that has been excavated from the sea near Elephanta Caves from which the name of Elephanta Caves has been derived, the manuscript of Hatim Taj which are as old as 17th century. 

How To Reach Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum

By Rail

The nearest railway station to Bhau Daji Lad Museum is Bycualla Railway Station (Central Line) around 850 m. If you are coming from the Western Line then Mahalaxmi Railway Station is the nearest Railway station, it is around 2.8 km from Jijamata Udyan Mumbai

Via Road

Located in Jijamata Udyan Zoo Bycualla the roads to Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum are well-connected with other parts of the city. It is on NM Joshi Marg Road. 

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Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum Timings

Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum timings are from 10:00 am to 05:30 pm. It is open on all days except Wednesday. However, the Bhau Daji Lad Museum is closed and is under construction. The estimated time for the opening of the museum is not yet clear.  

Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum Ticket Price

Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum ticket price is free of cost.

Hotels Near Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum

1. Treebo Trend Amber Imperial 
2. Hotel Plaza Byculla
3. Comfort Inn Heritage
4. ITC Grand Central
5. Itsy By Treebo
6. Hotel Sagar
7. Hotel Orient Regency

Restaurants Near Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum

Apart from that following are some of the curated restaurants near Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum

1. Burger King
2. Persian Darbar
3. Avenue 27 Kitchen and Bar
4. Hotel Ajay Palace
5. Lion Heart Lounge
6. Hotel Sadanand
7. New Sunrise Restaurant
8. Mumbai Darbar

Places To Visit Near Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum

1. Jija Mata Udyan

The latest attraction of this zoo is the Penguins. The total number of penguins in the zoo is 18, comprising nine male and nine female flightless birds. Here you could also see tigers, leopards, elephants, sloth bears, hippopotamus monkeys, deer, parrots, turtles, cranes, and so on.

2. Nehru Science Centre

Nehru Science Center is spread across 8 acres the center has five major parts including Science Centre, Science Odyssey Film, Science On A Sphear, 3-D Science Show, and Motion Simulator. 

3. Haji Ali Dargah

4. Marine Drive

It is the best location to experience stunning sunsets and to indulge in leisurely walks. Every day thousands of tourists assemble around the area to experience the exquisite views of the city’s skyline.

5. Mani Bhavan