Bhakti D
In a city known for its towering skyscrapers, chaotic traffic, and unstoppable energy, it’s rare to find a place that allows you to slow down and breathe — to step away from the present and walk into the past. But nestled in the heart of South Mumbai is a cultural oasis that does just that — the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS).
Formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum, this grand edifice is more than just a museum — it is a living repository of India’s vibrant history, art, and tradition. And my recent visit there was nothing short of magical.
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A Regal First Glance
Even before entering the museum, you’re greeted by a visual spectacle. The building itself is a work of art — designed in the Indo-Saracenic style, a fascinating fusion of Islamic, Hindu, and British Gothic architectural elements. The central dome, inspired by the Gol Gumbaz of Bijapur, rises above lush green gardens, surrounded by stone sculptures and shady pathways. As you walk through the gates, a sense of calm washes over you, like stepping into another era.
It’s hard not to pause for a moment and take it all in — the intricate balconies, arched doorways, and carved motifs. There’s a feeling of reverence in the air, the kind you usually experience in places of worship.
Exploring the Galleries — Where History Whispers
The museum is thoughtfully divided into various galleries, each one transporting you into a different dimension of India’s cultural timeline.
1. The Art Gallery:
This was my first stop — and what a breathtaking start. Rows of miniature paintings from the Mughal, Rajput, and Pahari schools light up the gallery walls in vibrant hues. Each painting is a detailed story in itself, portraying courtly life, spiritual journeys, and mythical tales. The brushwork is so delicate that I found myself leaning in close to catch every nuance.
2. The Archaeology Section:
This gallery offers a fascinating look at the Indus Valley Civilisation. Clay figurines, pottery, beads, and stone tools dating back to 2500 BCE speak volumes about how advanced our ancestors were. One terracotta sculpture of a dancing girl caught my eye — graceful, confident, and eerily modern in her poise.
3. Himalayan and Tibetan Art Gallery:
Stepping into this space felt like entering a tranquil Buddhist monastery. The walls are adorned with Thangka paintings, and the display includes ritual objects, masks, and bronze sculptures from the regions of Tibet, Nepal, and Ladakh. The spiritual energy in this room was palpable — silent, still, and profound.
4. Decorative Arts and European Paintings:
The museum’s reach goes beyond the subcontinent. A section dedicated to European paintings and decorative arts showcases Indo-European cross-cultural influences from the colonial era. Intricate porcelain, stained glass, and oil paintings add a global dimension to the experience.
Architecture as a Storyteller
While the galleries are captivating, I found myself equally drawn to the museum’s interiors — high ceilings adorned with stained glass, mosaic floors, and teakwood staircases. The play of natural light filtering through old windows adds a warm, golden glow that changes with the time of day. It’s almost poetic, how the building itself becomes part of the narrative.
A Pause in the Courtyard
After hours of wandering through history, I took a break in the museum’s serene courtyard café. Surrounded by flowering trees, stone benches, and the soft chirping of birds, I enjoyed a cup of coffee that somehow tasted richer in such an elegant setting. Here, time slows down. People read, sketch, or simply sit in silence, absorbing the beauty around them.
More Than a Museum
What impressed me the most about CSMVS was its contemporary vision. The museum regularly hosts workshops, lectures, temporary exhibitions, and interactive programs for children. It’s not just preserving history — it’s engaging with the present and inspiring future generations.
From ancient civilisations to modern interpretations, from local artisans to international collaborations, the museum offers a panoramic view of the ever-evolving Indian identity.
This inscription states that Basavayya-Nayaka reposes near the Panchalinga , after having felled three persons in the battle that he fought against thirty persons on the road of Sagala . The deceased hero is described as belonging to the household of Rayarajaguru Mandal Acharya Samaya Chakravarti Ishanyadavgru.
Final Reflections
As I walked out of the gates and back into the hum of Mumbai traffic, I felt a deep sense of connection — not only to the past but to the richness of our shared cultural heritage. A visit to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is not merely an outing. It is an experience of introspection, appreciation, and awakening.
Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, a curious traveler, or someone simply looking for a peaceful afternoon escape, this museum offers a rare blend of intellect, beauty, and serenity.
In a city that never stops, CSMVS reminds us why it’s sometimes important to pause, and listen to the stories of those who came before us.
Today, this building is listed as a Grade I Heritage Building and is the recipient of the ‘2022 Award of Excellence of the UNESCO Asia Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation’. In 2018, the Museum was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, part of the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensemble in Mumbai, and in 2019, the Museum received the highest (Platinum) rating from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for global leadership in environment management. CSMVS is probably the first Museum located in a heritage building and in a heritage precinct to achieve such a distinction
