The Rise of Art Deco in Oval Maidan, Mumbai

Pictured here is the water coloured rendering on paper of Eros Cinema.

Situated on a prominent corner plot, Eros Cinema was the only mixed-use building in the Art Deco development at Oval Maidan. With a commanding, V-shaped, form, its name displayed in distinct, Deco lettering and lit up in neon, Eros opened in 1938 as the city's most glamorous cinema hall.

Designed by Sohrabji Bhedwar, the building was partially clad with red Agra sandstone which contrasts with the light cream painted finish on the overall facade. With its dual colour scheme and stepped profile, Eros is reminiscent of a tiered cake. Its iconic, ziggurat-like tower continues to mark the beginning of the Deco development at Oval.

At Rajjab Mahal, the flamboyant, 'Jazz Queen' of the city, the facade is a celebration of geometric motifs in wood, metal and coloured cement.

Particular highlights include the angled grill work in the windows, and a unique decorative rising sun motif, which drew inspiration from the geometry of Ancient Egyptian art!

A top down view of the stunning oval shaped teak wood staircase at Empress Court.

At Shiv Shanti Bhavan, the vertical banding, chajjas, cantilevered balconies and geometric motifs are defined and highlighted with the use of a bright, dual colour tone. With its distinct chajjas protecting the interiors from the harsh glare of the sun the building is referred to as the 'Eyebrow Queen' of Mumbai!

Court View's gorgeous interiors sport silver metal grills as staircase bannisters and colourful terrazzo tile flooring on each floor landing.

The first floor of Court View welcomes you with a beautiful customised terrazzo flooring in bold and vibrant colours and clean geometric lines. Notice the alphabet R introduced into this abstract artwork. Orginally called Rusi Court this personalisation pays an ode to the original owner of this building.

Belvedere Court features a unique, frozen fountain motif in its window grills. Window grills in cement or metal offered privacy and ventilation, letting in light and air, but keeping out the sun's glare.

The frozen fountain is a defining feature in the building's ornamentation and showcased here in the window grill. Court View's window grills reflect harmony in design.

Empress Court was designed by Gajanan B. Mhatre, 20th century Bombay's most prolific, if under-recognised, Deco architect.

The structure's elongated form and curved contours were influenced by the sleek, streamlined designs of contemporary automobiles - indicative of speed, power and movement.

Empress Court's owners, now the fourth generation, still live in this building.

The ICOMOS Report on Victorian Gothic & Art Deco Ensembles for UNESCO's World Heritage Committee, June 2018 mentions, "The Art Deco buildings are one of the largest and most homogenous assemblages of Art Deco buildings in
Asia and the world."

The Deco at the Oval is part of the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A central focus of the inscription is the Oval (park), a unique site of contrast and conversation between the city's 19th century Victorian Gothic and 20th century Art Deco heritage.

This comprehensive map showcases each building within the World Heritage precinct, and further indicates Oval Maidan's central position (depicted in green). The distinct architectural styles are depicted in different colours.