The total area of Mumbai University along with its two campuses is huge. The University has a massive establishment ground of 381,000 square metres (approx. 1.25 million square feet). The classroom area of this University is about 6705.6 square metres. University campus has a laboratory the students, which also measures a massive of 25,603.2 square metres. Gilbert Scott, the architect of several world legendary monuments, was also the designer of this traditional university of Mumbai. The Gothic style of architecture is the prime feature of this wonderful monument. Other than that, the windows are of stained glass to add to architectural beauty. The entire structure of the University is similar to that of the Oxford University.
The two campuses, namely the Kalina and the Fort campus have different operations. While the Kalina campus mainly concentrates on training for graduation and centres of research. On Contrary, the administrative aspects prevailing in the University is controlled by the Fort campus.
The historical significance of the Mumbai University is worth mentioning. The Mumbai University at its initial stages had selected the building of Elphinstone collage for their campus premise. Dr. John Wilson was the founder of this great historical and architectural structure in India in 1857. Therefore, he was chosen as the first Vice-Chancellor of this University. He along with his wife served greatly for the educational aspect in India. Margaret Bayne Wilson, the wife of Dr. John Wilson had single-handedly established a total number of 16 schools in India especially for girls. Wilson collage of Mumbai (which was named after Dr. Wilson) and St. Columbia High School were among the famous ones established by them. The University was mainly focused on the examinations of the under graduate courses in their primary stages. Soon afterwards, the University started the courses of post-graduate students and highly organized and disciplined researches. After that it was just a cakewalk for the institution as they step closer and closer to improved version of education facilities in India. Several schools relating to the department of Sociology, Civics, Politics and many more were established by the end of 1900. However, the passing of the Bombay University Act in 1953 changed the whole complexion relating to the educational aspect of it. The Mumbai University got a boost in the power and function after the aforementioned act was passed. A gazette represented by the Maharashtra Government on the 4th September of 1996 altered the name of Bombay University to Mumbai University.
Due to some security reasons this historical monument of India is closed for the tourist. However, it is one of the greatest architectural structures, which maintains the heritage of the beautiful city of Mumbai and India. The Mumbai University preserves the rich cultural heritage of the country with a strong history.