Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Museum Mumbai

Formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) is must visit for all the history lovers. The cornerstone of the museum was laid by the Prince of Wales when he visited the city in 1905. During World War I, the museum served as the military hospital. Later in 1923, it was formally inaugurated by Lady Llyod, wife of Governer General Llyod. The museum, now renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya has galleries spread over three floors, which displays more than 50,000 exhibits: Indus Valley Civilization artifacts, and other relics from the time of the Guptas, Mauryas, Chalukyas, and Rashtrakuta. But it's not only the exhibits that capture the attention of tourists the most but the Indo-Saracenic museum building, which was designed by George Witter.

The vast collection of the museum is divided into different galleries: Sculptures, Pre and Proto-History, European Paintings, Natural History, Miniature Paintings, Jehangir Nicholson Collection, Chinese and Japanese Antiquities, Numismatics, Textiles, Decorative Art and Prints Gallery. On the ground floor, one can see sculpture, Pre and Proto-History Gallery and Natural History section. The first floor houses miniature paintings, decorative arts, Nepalese and Tibetian art and Premchand and Roychand galleries. The second floor has European paintings, arm, and armors.

Jewellery Box of Mughal rulers, Indian miniature painting, terracotta figurines from the Indus Valley, Folios from a set of Ramayana, Coin of Chandragupta II, Snuff bottles, Gandhara sculpture from 3rd century AD, Bronze statue of Maitreya Buddha, and Personal armour of emperor Akbar are amongst the recommended things to see in the museum. For the better understanding of all these galleries, different Kiosks are installed that facilitates complete information about the gallery in two languages: English and Hindi. Even the audio guides in seven different languages are available. Every now and then, the museum hosts seminars, workshops and temporary exhibitions for visitors

If tired after a long tour of the museum, tourists can relax in the cafeteria and enjoy some peeping hot snacks. Also make a point to visit the museum shop, where greeting cards, posters, brochures, folders, letter-paper sets,