Tomorrow Was Here Yesterday (2011) by Jitish KallatDr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum
The Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum is Mumbai's oldest museum, and part of the institution of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM). It was formerly known as the Victoria & Albert Museum, Bombay with the building first opening to public in 1872.
People of Mumbai (1931)Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum
The Museum collection aims to showcase the rich history and diverse culture of the city. However, by the late 1990s the museum had fallen into disrepair. Thankfully, in the early years of this century, a public-private partnership between the MCGM, the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation and INTACH established the 'Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum Trust' and set out to restore it to its former glory.
Museum exterior during restoration (2003/2008) by Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum TrustDr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum
After five years of restoration it was re-opened to the public on 4 January 2008. The project even won the 2005 UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Conservation Award of Excellence. Below, you can take a look around and discover a few of the museum's many treasures.
A Figure of Surya or Sun (1911)Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum
A Figure of Surya or Sun
People have worshipped Surya, or the Sun, as far back as the early Vedic Age, about 1500 BC. It was commonly believed that the Sun was carried across the sky on a chariot pulled by a seven-headed horse. This clay model is based on the description of Surya in the ancient Puranas.
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This model dates from 1911. Here it is on display. Click and drag to explore.
Bust of David Sassoon (1865) by Thomas WoolnerDr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum
Bust of David Sassoon
Created in 1865 by Thomas Woolner, this white marble bust of David Sassoon commemorated his donation towards the construction of the museum. Sassoon settled in Mumbai (then called Bombay) in the 1830s and became one of the most successful merchants in the city.
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Spot this regal bust amongst the collections as you explore.
Model of a Dredger, Kuphus (1914) by Bombay Port TrustDr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum
Model of a Dredger, Kuphus
This model of a dredger was presented by the Bombay Port Trust Authorities in 1914. Dredgers were often used to gather sediment from the seabed and were employed for reclamation work in Mumbai. This allowed stretches of land to be recovered.
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See the model dredger in all its glory, here, and explore the other model boats on show.
Kettle (1931)Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum
Kettle
Different parts of India produced silver objects, each with their own distinct styles. Kutch in Gujarat was famous for its graceful and intricate floral designs, which are in abundant evidence on this kettle. The spout is shaped like an elephant’s trunk, a popular motif.
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See if you can spot this elephantine spout in amongst the other silver treasures.
Statue of the Prince Consort (1864) by Mathew NobleDr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum
Want to see more?
If you would like to see more of the extensive collection from the The Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, then you can discover more here.
