Bombay’s Prince Of Wales Museum Once Served as a Military Hospital, 1920 Photo
A remarkable 1920 photograph of the Prince of Wales Museum in British-era Bombay (Mumbai). It captures one of the city’s finest architectural landmarks. The idea for the museum emerged in 1904 when leading citizens of Bombay proposed a grand memorial to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales, who later became King George V. The Prince, on 11 November 1905, personally laid the foundation stone. Marking the beginning of an institution that would become one of India’s most celebrated museums. Designed by renowned Scottish architect George Wittet, the museum showcases the magnificent Indo-Saracenic architectural style.
Although construction was completed by 1914–1915, the outbreak of World War I delayed its intended purpose, and the building temporarily served as a military hospital and children’s welfare centre. The museum finally opened its doors to the public on 10 January 1922, inaugurated by Lady Lloyd. In 1998 it was renamed the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS). It is today part of Mumbai’s UNESCO-listed Victorian Gothic and Art Deco heritage precinct. Click image to enlarge.
Did you know – architect George Wittet also designed several of Bombay’s best-known landmarks, including the Gateway of India.
