Origins of Mumbai Gallery

Post restoration, a new curatorial strategy was evolved for the display to enable a better understanding of the collection. The display cases had to be reorganised and the collection represented in light of this new research. Detailed planning for each case involved understanding the storyline being presented and optimising its visual character. The Origins of Mumbai Gallery showcases the evolution of Mumbai from a swampy group of islands, known as Heptanesia during Roman times, into a gracious and elegant 19th century city. Maps, lithographs, water colours and photographs from the Museum’s rare glass negative collection take you on a journey of discovery back to the 19th century when the city was built to demonstrate Mumbai’s importance as Ubrs Prima in Indis. Beautiful old bungalows, unobstructed views of the sea, wide tree lined roads and grand institutional buildings highlight the importance of Mumbai’s urban architecture.