Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai Overview

Situated in the Byculla neighborhood in Mumbai, in close vicinity to the Byculla Zoo, Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum is the oldest museum in town. First opened to the public in 1872 under the name of Victoria and Albert Museum, the new name was given to it in 1975. It showcases the rich culture and heritage of the city through a collection of Fine and Decorative Arts. Among the permanent and most prominent collections in the museum are dioramas, clay models, lithographs, photographs and books that document the life and times of olden days Bombay from the late eighteenth to the early twentieth century.

There are six basic divisions within the museum- Origins of Mumbai, Industrial Arts, Century Paintings, Founder’s Gallery, Kamalnayan Bajaj Mumbai Gallery and Kamalnayan Special Exhibitions Gallery. Currently, the museum hosts frequent exhibitions and workshops, and also promotes contemporary art and culture. Managed by a public- private partnership, Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum has won several awards and accolades for its contribution and collection including the Unesco’s Asia-Pacific Award of Excellence in Cultural Conservation in 2005.

Things to Do at Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum

The backyard of Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum has a few cafes, bookstores and stone sculptures which is a popular hangout space in and around the spot.
Aside from the various exhibitions and workshops organized at the museum, one of the popular one is the ‘Treasure Hunt’ which is especially loved by the kids.
The museum is also open for educational excursions and school trips.

Tours at Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum

Public Tours
There are free public tours available for one and all, available every weekend. The tours encourage visitors from diverse backgrounds to participate and indulge. There are no prior bookings or registrations required. They are conducted every Saturday and Sunday- 11:30 AM in English and 12:30 PM in Hindi and Marathi.
Private Tours
There are also private tours which can be booked on special requests. There are themed tours for history, development and cultural heritage, and also on exhibitions.

Tips

Film cameras and video cameras are strictly prohibited.
The museum is wheelchair friendly.
The museum also have the availability of guides.
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the campus.
Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside the premises.

How to Reach

The nearest train station to the museum is Byculla (East) Station which falls on the Central Line. The museum is barely a 2 min walk from here. Other stations which are around 10 min ride from here are Mahalaxmi Station on the Western Line and Reay Road on the Harbour Line. You can also reach here in public buses, any of which are headed towards Veer Mata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan (Rani Baug) - 1, 3, 5, 6 Ltd, 7 Ltd, 8 Ltd, 9, 11 Ltd, 15, 18, 19 Ltd, 21 Ltd, 22 Ltd, 25 Ltd, 50, 51, 64, 67, 69, 126, 134, 168, 50 Ltd.