7 Best Museums of Mumbai: Discover The City’s Cultural Heritage - Updated 2024

1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

Formerly known as Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, this museum was renamed after the Maratha warrior in 1998. Known as one of the largest museums in the city, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya showcases Indo-Saracenic architecture designed by George Wittet. It has over 50,000 artifacts and several galleries where you can find Indian sculptures, textiles, Himalayan art, and more.

I was always intrigued by the sculptures dating back to the Harappan Civilization whenever I visited here during my school field trip.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

Address: 159-161, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400023, Maharashtra, India

Website: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

Opening hours: 10:15am - 6pm (daily)

Price: From 0.42 USD

2. Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum

The next time you’re planning to visit Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo in Mumbai’s Buyculla, make sure to stop by Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, as both are in the same compound. Formerly known as Victoria and Albert Museum, this building is around 151 years old and houses clay models, maps, and manuscripts showcasing the city life during the late 18th to early 20th centuries.

I recommend exploring the Industrial Arts Gallery to admire the sweet amalgamation of local tradition with European touch, which can be seen in the decorative objects on display. Note that the museum was temporarily closed for maintenance in 2023, so be sure to check the website for details and plan your visit accordingly.

Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum

Address: Veer Mata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan (Rani Baug), 91/A, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road Byculla East, Mumbai 400027, Maharashtra, India

Website: Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum

Price: From 0.12 USD

3. Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya

Mani Bhavan, located in a quiet neighborhood in Gamdevi, was Mahatma Gandhi’s residence during his visits to Mumbai. Between 1917 and 1934, it was the launching pad of various freedom struggles, the most significant of which was the Satyagraha movement.

If you’re a history buff, I suggest visiting the Library, which has a vast collection of around 40,000 books. You can also view the life Gandhiji used to live here through the exhibitions on the second floor.

Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya

Address: 19 Laburnum Road, Gamdevi, Mumbai - 400 007, India

Website: Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya

Opening hours: 9:30am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 0.24 USD for adults and 0.12 USD for children

4. B.E.S.T. Undertaking Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you wish to learn about the old life of Bombay, the former name of Mumbai, head to B.E.S.T. Undertaking Museum. It’s located on the third floor of Anik Bus Depot in Wadala, around 3.8 km (2.36 mi) away from Sion train station.

Embark on a nostalgic journey of the evolution of the city’s transportation from 1947 to the present day. My favorite part is the collection of old bus tickets displayed here. If you’re a fan of the classic red double-decker buses like me, be sure to check out the iconic 1938 Daimler bus.

B.E.S.T. Undertaking Museum

Address: Third Floor, Anik Bus Depot, Municipal Kamgar Vasahat, Sion East, Sion, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400022, India

Website: B.E.S.T. Undertaking Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 7am - 5pm; Sun: 9am - 5pm; Mon: 7am - 3:30pm

Price: Free

5. National Gallery of Modern Art

The National Gallery of Modern Art opened its doors in 1996 and has since become a haven for art enthusiasts from all over the world. Currently, the museum houses around 1,456 artworks, which include sculptures, paintings, and photographs from national and international artists. So, be sure to view some exemplary works of renowned artists such as M. F. Husain and S. H. Raza from its unique horse-shoe style balcony.

National Gallery of Modern Art

Address: Sir Cowasji Jahangir Public Hall, M G Road, Fort Mumbai - 400032, India

Website: National Gallery of Modern Art

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 11am - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 8pm (closed on Mon)

Price: From 0.24 USD

6. RBI Monetary Museum

Did you know that India holds the distinction of being one of the pioneers in issuing coinage globally?

I have been fond of collecting coins since childhood, and if you share a similar passion, be sure to visit RBI Monetary Museum in Mumbai’s Fort area. This institute has successfully preserved the country’s rich heritage and displays paper currency, coinage, financial instruments, and gold bars of various eras.

RBI Monetary Museum

Address: Amar Building RBI, Ground Floor, Sir Phirozshah Mehta Rd, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, India

Website: RBI Monetary Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10:45am - 5:15pm (closed on Mon)

Price: Free

7. Nehru Science Center

Nehru Science Center, located in Mumbai’s Worli, is one of the best museums for kids and adults. It houses more than 500 interactive exhibits on kinematics, sound, transport, etc., across different galleries.

I visited here almost two decades ago and was absolutely stunned by the exhibits. My favorite section was “The Mirror - Reflecting Surface Gallery,” which now boasts 42 exhibits and offers a delightful experience of watching our distorted reflections and fascinating kaleidoscopic patterns. Since I was in school at that time, it was fun to watch and understand the scientific concepts in real.

Here, you can also view various shows on science and astronomy for an additional charge. Note that paid parking is available here.

Nehru Science Center

Address: Dr. E.Moses Road, Worli, Mumbai – 400 018, India

Website: Nehru Science Center

Opening hours: 9:30am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 0.84 USD for Science Centre and 0.24 USD for Science Park

Explore the rich heritage of Mumbai

The rich heritage of Mumbai is vividly showcased through its several museums and galleries. So, embark on a cultural tour and visit these historic repositories to learn more about the city’s past!