The 7 best art deco buildings in Mumbai

South Bombay’s Oval Maidan is prime Art-Deco territory, locked in a heritage face-off with Victorian-Gothic architecture: a large green field lined by clock towers and colonial buildings on one side, and lived-in Deco residences on the other. Shiv Shanti Bhuvan’s the standout building, identifiable by a yellow and green facade and notable canopies or chhajjas – thanks to which Mumbaikars call it the ‘Eyebrow Queen of Bombay’. It’s just one of 18 in a line-up of magnificent Art Deco buildings located on a single stretch, and makes for a great starting point for a Bombay Deco crawl. 

Address: Shiv Shanti Bhavan, 146, Rd Number 3, opp. Oval Maidan, Churchgate, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400020

Just around the corner from Oval Maidan’s Eros Cinema – a newly-restored film theatre that’s probably Mumbai’s most authentic ode to Art Deco. It’s incredibly hard to miss, even if you’re not sure how to spot the trademark architectural style, with its red sandstone exterior and ziggurat towers that resemble a wedding cake. The building marries two great loves of the city – cinema and Art Deco. It’d be a crime not to catch the latest film here. It’s worth noting that in July 2025, Time Out published a list of the most striking Art Deco buildings around the world. This one was the only Asian building to make it to the list. 

Time Out tip:

If you’re a night owl and prefer a later show, you’re in luck, because the cinema lights up at night and looks even more impressive come darkness. 

You can book movie tickets here.

Address: Cambata Building, 42, Maharshi Karve Rd, Churchgate, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400020

Marine Drive (also known as The Queen’s Necklace) is perhaps Mumbai’s most well-known area, and Soona Mahal is its crown jewel, with red banded elements and zig-zag turrets. It’s also home to the iconic pizzeria Pizza By The Bay, which first opened in 1968. A perfect spot to eat a historic slice of pizza with a view of the sea. 

Time Out tip:

Walk along Marine Drive in the early evening to beat the heat and enjoy a panoramic view of the deco lineup, ending your evening at Pizza By the Bay for dinner (make your reservation in advance).

Address: Soona Mahal, 143, Marine Dr, Churchgate, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400020

Gaylord does a great job of encompassing the opulent nostalgia of Art Deco in a city that’s since moved on. Built in 1956, the walls are lined with hundreds of black and white photos that pay tribute to eras past – jazz nights at Gaylord, attended by politicians, celebrities and musicians alike (including Ravi Shankar and George Harrison). It remains one of Mumbai’s most coveted restaurants, and you’ll be quick to notice why: Great Gatsby-esque interiors, plush velvet seating, vintage chandeliers – the whole hog. 

Address: Mayfair Building, V N Rd, Churchgate, 400020

The filmiest of all of Bombay’s Art Deco has to be the Ambassador Hotel in Churchgate. Featuring a revolving rooftop restaurant called Sea View with 360-degree panoramic views of Marine Drive, the 4-star hotel was frequented by Bollywood stars for decades, and even featured its grand ballroom in the hit Bollywood film Om Shanti Om. The Ambassador still upholds the high-brow luxury Art Deco of Mumbai past, and is a fairly affordable stay too, with prices ranging from ₹7,500 to ₹21,000 per night.

Address: Plot 7, Block 1, Veer Nariman Rd, Churchgate, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400020

Built in 1937 to house the Indian insurance company’s offices, this many-storied building’s perhaps the best reminder of Indian influence on the French Art Deco. The facade’s lined with massive Egyptian-style carvings, but in an Indo Deco relief-work style, to pay homage to Indian-owned businesses and the backbone of the country – its working class – in a silent, yet imposing form of resistance, back when India was still under British rule. Motifs of lamps and birds coexist with traditional French grandeur, symbolising dreams of freedom.

Address: 87, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001

The beauty of Bombay Deco is that it exists in the form of imposing giants like the rest of the stuff on this list, but also tiny family-run establishments like the Karfule Petrol Pump, located on a quiet lane in Ballard Estate. Pronounced ‘car-fuel’, the pump looks inconspicuous, but was actually built by GB Mhatre, the master architect behind much of the city’s Art Deco landscape, including the Soona Mahal. Ballard Estate’s also one of the quieter neighbourhoods in Mumbai – a perfect place to take a gander without the incessant traffic jams and car horns. 

Address: 3, SS Ram Gulam Marg, next to Grand Hotel, Ballard Estate, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001