The History Of The Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum In 1 Minute

Near the historic Jijamata Udyan botanical garden and zoo in Byculla, you find the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum, a unique custodian of the city’s cultural heritage and history. Established in 1855, this grand Palladian building is the oldest museum in Mumbai and the third-oldest in India.

The museum wasn’t open to the public when first established in 1855 as the Central Museum of Natural History, Economy, Geology, Industry and Arts. It housed a collection of duplicates of arts and crafts pieces from India, which had been created to be presented at the first Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of all Nations – an exhibition reflecting Britain’s colonies – in London. After a spirited drive by prominent citizens to launch a museum as the first major public institution in the city, it opened to the public as the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1872.

The museum committee that oversaw the construction and fundraising was led by Dr George Birdwood, who conceptualised much of the museum’s design, and by Dr Bhau Daji Lad, a prominent physician, historian and philanthropist after whom the museum was renamed in 1975. The committee also included prominent Hindu, Muslim, Parsi and Christian leaders from cosmopolitan Bombay.

Much like the vision of its founders, the museum served as an important institution, highlighting the arts and crafts practices of Bombay residents and greatly interested the public – many of whom hadn’t been to a museum before. Today, the museum’s permanent collection includes historical artefacts, maps, photographs, manuscripts and rare books that document and showcase life in Bombay during the 19th and 20th centuries. Dioramas and clay models – of the city’s earliest boats, textile mills, housing complexes etc. – tell the story of the city’s evolution over the years. The museum has been updating its collections continually, particularly since its renovation in 2008, with contemporary art and other acquisitions, furthering the museum’s relevance in the study of contemporary Mumbai as well.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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