Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum

It’s interesting that Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum – the first, oldest museum of the city – is so very meta in its conception. It’s a museum dedicated to tracing the origin of the seven islands that ultimately came to be joined and known as Mumbai, while itself being an integral part of the city’s history. 

First established in 1855 as the Victoria and Albert Museum, the building itself’s a marvel.  Think Gilded Age parapets, opulently decorated ceilings and floor tiles and large imposing chandeliers. Spending 2-3 hours in this museum is a treat. The gallery on the second floor celebrates the cultural and historical heritage of the city through a collection of dioramas, old maps, and other artefacts, all housed in a 170 year old heritage Mumbai landmark building.

The museum’s curator, Tasneem Zakaria Mehta, does an incredible job of picking consistently eclectic and engaging exhibits. Her dedication to showcasing local artists who explore difficult themes is what makes the museum the pride of the city. 

Something else the museum must be lauded for is accessibility. Where else could you see a centuries-lost Caravaggio for a tenth of a British pound? Tickets are incredibly cheap, far cheaper than any other museum in the city, with free public tours led by the curatorial team every Saturday in THREE languages: English, Hindi, and Marathi. 

If you visit, it’ll be an easy two or three hours before you walk out. There’s loads to do, including workshops, film screenings and music and theatre events throughout the year, including kid-friendly stuff. If you want to make a day out of it, the museum also exits right into the Botanical Gardens and Zoo, making for a peaceful post-museum aimless loiter. 

Time Out tip: A personal favourite of mine is the back grounds, a long-time repository for many rejected colonial-era traffic junction statues. It’s also home to the famous Elephanta Island’s namesake: the elephant statue which used to welcome visitors to the island.