A day at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Tucked away in one corner of Kala Ghoda stands Mumbai’s CSVMS Museum. The premises of the museum encompass a huge open space with lush green gardens drenched in calmness and green lawns surrounding the main building. It offers a stark contrast to the city’s usual fast-paced vibe.
The main building which was completed in 1914 boasts of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture and is considered a Grade I Heritage Building of the city. Once you step inside, you are greeted by the large Key Gallery, which you may have seen in a lot of photos on the internet.
The foyer connects to multiple doorways leading to rooms and sections dedicated to various types of artifacts. On the ground floor you will find sections on sculptures, stone inscriptions and vintage art pieces.
The first floor features a plethora of galleries like the Himalayan Art Gallery, Indian Miniature Paintings Gallery, the Money and Jewellery Galleries andmy favourite of all, the Prints & Drawings Gallery. One can walk around the extended parts of the building to explore the many sections the Museum has to offer. There’s a piece of history everywhere — even in the pillars of the building!
The museum compound also houses the Natural History Section, Mumbai’s first Children’s Museum and a small amphitheater.
Conversations with people around me made me realise that we live in an era where museums are considered outdated and boring. The fact that they can be educational and recreational at the same time is sidelined. While stepping out of this museum that recently celebrated its centenary, the thought that struck me was how unfortunate it is that we have forgotten these culturally enriching sites, becoming strangers to them in our hometowns.
