The best museums in Mumbai

What is it? An architectural marvel of a museum doubling as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, best suited to those who love history, archaeology, and art

Why go: The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya – a mouthful, honestly – is the keystone of museums in the country.  Opened in 1922, the museum houses over 70,000 historic and artistic works. Highlights include galleries on the Indus Valley civilisation, particularly the Harappan terracotta pottery and figurines, sculptural artifacts from various historical Indian periods, and a natural history section, which features taxidermied birds, mammals and other wildlife. Audio guides and disability access available if needed. 

Timings: Mon-Sun. 10:15am-6pm. 

Price: ₹200 for standard entry 

Address: 159-161, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001

What is it? The oldest museum in Mumbai, originally named Victoria and Albert Museum, with a stunning repository of art and craftsmanship from the 19th and 20th centuries

Why go: What’s interesting about this one is how it doesn’t shy away from exploring the deeply complicated impact of British colonisation on the city and nation and the cultural ties severed and tethered between Britain and India to this day. Established in 1857, the museum’s been painstakingly, beautifully restored, and the galleries focus on Mumbai specifically. It’s great for locals who want to rediscover a city they’ve lived in their whole lives, especially for insights on the origin and development of Mumbai. 

The museum’s also exceptionally well known for bringing Indian heritage to an international stage, and vice versa. Previous collections that have been especially captivating here include a mapping of a century of Art Deco in the city, as well as a display of Caravaggio’s Magdalene in Ecstasy. The museum also does weekly free public tours with a curatorial team – great for students. 

Timings: Thur-Tues. Wednesdays closed. 10am-5:30pm. 

Price: ₹20 for standard entry 

Address: 91A, Rani Baug, Veer Mata Jijbai Bhonsle Udyan, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Rd, Byculla East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400027

What is it? A modest two-storey building in Gamdevi, once Mahatma Gandhi’s home in the city between 1917 and 1934

Why go: Despite humble appearances, Mani Bhavan carries immense historical weight. It was from here that Gandhi launched the non-violent Satyagraha movement in 1919. It was here that he undertook his famous fast in 1921. It’s an intimate close-up into his life – from his living quarters, which are still preserved in their original setting, to a collection of 40,000 books, his mementoes, a photo gallery, and an auditorium screening films on him. It’s always a rare delight to look into someone’s home. Even more special when that someone is Gandhi.  

Timings: Daily. 9:30am-5:30 pm. 

Price: ₹20 standard entry, ₹10 for students 

Address: Mani Bhavan, 19, Laburnum Rd, Babulnath, Gamdevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400007

What is it? India’s largest interactive science museum, first opened in 1977, known mostly for its galleries on sound, light and energy

Why go? For science nerds, the Nehru Science Centre literally has an ‘I<3 Science’ sign welcoming visitors. The Nehru Planetarium, while an entirely separate institution, is minutes away and equally fascinating, particularly for families and children. The museum has an outdoor science park and fascinating dome shows. Permanent exhibits include an aviation and space gallery, a hall of evolution, a human and machine gallery, and much more. Both the Science Centre and the Planetarium can be easily covered in half a day. They’re playful and fun, perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the exhibitions and galleries instead of just observing. 

Timings: Mon-Sun; 10:15 am - 6 pm

Price: ₹80 standard entry 

Address: Jijamata Nagar, Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400018

What is it? A relatively new museum that’s an ode to India’s film industry 

Why go? In a city known for being the heart and soul of cinema, it would be borderline offensive to miss one. It’s gone relatively unnoticed since its opening in 2019, and is split between two buildings – a heritage building called Gulshan Mahal, and a newer building next door. It’s a much-needed spotlight on film and artistry in India: there’s archival footage, film technology and texts tracing the origin of film in India right from the Lumiere brothers’ initial screening of the first film ever in India, in Mumbai of course. The museum itself is relatively quiet and uncrowded, and highly recommended for solo visitors. You can deeply cover both sections of the museums in just under three hours, making it great for a quiet afternoon. 

Timings: Tues-Sun. Closed on Mondays and public holidays. 10am-6pm. 

Price: ₹165 for Indian adults above 13 years 

Location: 24, Dr. G.Deshmukh Marg, Cumballa Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400026

What is it? Adjoining the Reserve Bank of India’s main building, this small museum takes you through the history of money, banking and monetary systems in India

Why go? It’s understated and simple, with great intellectual payoff that lends insight into economic structures that frame authority and power, particularly into how currency debasement impacted India pre- and post-Colonialism. The museum’s compact but intellectually dense, and you’re bound to walk away a few factoids richer. You’ll spot exhibits on India’s contemporary currency, coinage, and precious signatures, some for an additional entry fee.

Timings: Tue-Sun. Mondays closed. 10:45am-5:15pm.

Price: Free entry

Address: Ground Floor, Sir Phirozshah Mehta Rd, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001

What is it? This one’s classic illusory fun. Optical illusions, great photo ops, and an overall fun time, no matter what age

Why go? Fifty-five paradox-themed exhibits. Fifteen immersive rooms. You’re not really here to learn – just to have a fun time with a really trippy and interactive museum experience. The Paradox museum, while on the pricier side, is great for a group of friends, birthdays, kids’ playdates. You can personalise the experience through their group bookings. It’s an entertaining, silly and great way to kill an hour and a half of free time. Highlights include a paradox tunnel, reverse room, and infinity well. 

Timings: 11am-8pm (Mon-Fri); 11am-8.30pm (Sat-Sun). 

Price: ₹590 for adults  

Address: Shreeniwas House, 27, H Somani Marg, Fort, Mumbai 400001