Information on Prince of Wales Museum (Mumbai, Maharashtra) - History & Architecture

The Prince of Wales Museum is considered as the most significant museum present in the Western part of India. It is situated at the centre of the beautiful city of Mumbai just in front of the Gateway of India. It was originated in the late nineteenth century by some of the well-known citizens and the local government of this city. During the late 1990's the name of this museum was changed after the name of Shivaji. He was the creator of this great Maratha kingdom. The present name of this museum is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. It is a huge structural monument that stores not less than 50,000 demonstrations of the great architectural history of India. All of these were classified under three main categories namely, the Art, Archaeology and Natural History.

Prince of Wales Museum Architecture

The total area covered by this historical structure is a massive 3 acres (12,000 square metres) of land with a total building area of about 12,142 square metres. George Wittet was the architect of this huge monument. His other constructions in India include the Fort of Golconda and some of the attractive architectural designs of the Gol Gumbaz situated in Bijapur. The exterior part is covered by a garden of flower beds and palm trees. The three storey museum building is rectangular in shape and the dome shape in the centre of the building makes it look like a four storied structure. The combined architectural styles of Western Indian along with the Indo-Saracenic style are implemented for the preparation of this monument. The main materials needed for the preparation of this enormous monument are the stones of basalt and kurla. There is a porch at the entrance of the building which adds beauty to the museum. The dome situated right at the top of the porch is fitted with white and blue coloured tiles. The building was also inspired by the Mughal style of architecture. The speciality of that style of architecture is the overhanging balconies and the beautifully decorated floors along with a dome of the Islam. Moreover, the structure of the museum balconies and railings are taken from another architectural monument of the 18th century named the Wada. It was a Maratha mansion which comprises the style Jain interiors.

Recently in 2008, the museum has established another 30,000 square feet of land for the establishment of some galleries, an exhibition gallery, a room for conducting seminars and many more. Thus its architectural phenomenon is of typical style, which is quite renowned and are truly a part to see and relish.

Prince of Wales Museum History

The inhabitant of Mumbai in the year 1904 expressed their strong-will towards establishing a museum to honor Prince of Wales visit. In 1905, the first stone was laid by the Prince and hence the museum was recognized as "Prince of Wales Museum of Western India". The land where the museum is located was provided by the government to the community people and is known as "Crescent Site". George Wittet the architect of the museum was selected for designing the historical monument in the year 1909 through a competition. Moreover, the fund for the museum was provided by the Royal visit memorial fund. For the completion of the museum enormous fund was collected from various sources. The contributions of Sir Currimbhoy Ibrahim, municipality, government and many more in this regard is worth mentioning. In the present day, the regular fund from the government is used for maintaining the museum. In the year 1915, the construction of the museum was completed. However, this museum was used for the welfare of the children and acted as a military hospital during the world war. As per the history is concerned the historical museum of was awarded the first prize as it was recognized as a Grade I Heritage Building in Mumbai. In 1995, Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya" was the new name offered to this historical museum.

Prince of Wales Museum Tourism Importance

This place provides several galleries for the art and textile lovers. The tourist visiting this historical monument will be able to enjoy not only the beauty but also be able to understand the significance of designers along with fabricators. Its unique and heritage attractions makes it a must see while in Mumbai.