Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum

The Bhau Daji Lad Museum, formerly known as the Victoria and Albert Museum, is one of the oldest museums in Byculla East, Mumbai. It is inside the Jijamata Udyan. It is popular as the oldest museum in Mumbai and the third oldest museum in India. It's also one of the best places to visit in Mumbai.

Bhau Daji Lad Museum History

In its early years, the Victoria and Albert Museum, built in 1855, served as a great trove of artistic and industrial arts. Authorities established it at its current location in 1872 CE, naming it the Victoria & Albert Museum. In 1975 CE, they renamed the Dr. Bhau Daji Museum to honor the genius who helped make it possible. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) did a lot of work to fix up this museum before it opened in 2008.

Bhau Daji Lad Museum Architecture

The museum's organizers have divided it into six main areas: Art of the 19th Century, Industrial Arts, and Origins of Mumbai. It also includes the Kamalnayan Bajaj Special Exhibitions Gallery, Kamalnayan Bajaj Mumbai Gallery, and Founders' Gallery. These shops sell Indian art and craft items, which gained popularity across Europe. Visitors can explore paintings from the first classes put on by the Sir J.J. School of Art, which are also kept here as part of Mumbai tour packages.

Diverse Collections and Exhibits

•    The museum features archaeological finds, maps, historical photographs, clay models, silver and copperware, and costumes.

•    Notable collection includes a 17th-century manuscript of Hatim Tai.

•    The exterior displays a monolithic basalt elephant sculpture from Elephanta Island.

•    Houses over 4000 manuscripts and reference books.

•    Hosts art exhibitions, cultural workshops, and educational seminars.

•    Received UNESCO Award for Excellence in heritage preservation.

Things to do in Museum

•    People from all over the area like to hang out in the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum’s Garden, which has a few bars, bookstores, and stone sculptures.

•    Among the museums many events and classes, the "Treasure Hunt," especially popular with children, is among the most popular.

•    The museum is also open for field and school trips with teaching goals.

The best time to explore

Many people visit the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum in the winter, from October to February, because that's when Mumbai is at its best.