Bhau Daji Lad Museum / Victoria & Albert Museum - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 4.5 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, formerly the Victoria and Albert Museum, is ancient museum situated inside the Jijamata Udyan in Byculla East, Mumbai. The museum earns recognition as the oldest museum in Mumbai and the third oldest across India. It is also one of the best tourist places in Mumbai.

The Victoria and Albert Museum was originally established in 1855 CE as a treasure house of the decorative and industrial arts. The present site of this museum came into existence in 1872 CE, when it was known as Victoria & Albert Museum. It was renamed as Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum in 1975 CE to honour the visionary who significantly contributed to its formation. After an extensive restoration process by Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), this museum was opened in 2008.

There are six main sections in this museum, namely Origins of Mumbai, 19th Century Paintings, Industrial Arts, Kamalnayan Bajaj Special Exhibitions Gallery, Kamalnayan Bajaj Mumbai Gallery and Founders' Gallery. Highlights of these galleries are Indian art and craft pieces that were in huge demand across European markets. Paintings made during early workshops by Sir J.J. School of Art are also preserved here.

This museum houses a large number of archaeological finds, maps and historical photographs of Mumbai, clay models, silver and copper ware and costumes. Its significant collections include a 17th-century manuscript of Hatim Tai. Outside the museum is the installation of the monolithic basalt elephant sculpture recovered from the sea, which originated from Elephanta Island. Over 4000 manuscripts and reference books are preserved neatly inside the museum. It also serves as a venue of art exhibitions, cultural workshops and educational seminars. Owing to its sincere efforts in the direction of heritage preservation, it received the UNESCO Award for Excellence in the related field.

Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for Adults, Rs. 5 for Children and Rs. 100 for Foreigners.

Timings: 10.30 AM to 4.30 PM on all days except Wednesday and on public holidays.