Prince Of Wales Museum In the British Era, Bombay, 1920 Photo
A 1920 photograph of the Prince of Wales Museum during the British era in Bombay. The museum was conceived in 1904 by prominent citizens of Bombay (Mumbai) as a memorial to the Prince of Wales’s visit. On 11 November 1905, the Prince of Wales (later King George V) laid the foundation stone. And the institution was named the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India.
Architect George Wittet was commissioned (around 1909) to design the building in the Indo-Saracenic style. A fusion of Hindu, Islamic, and Western architectural elements. Construction was completed by 1914/1915. But due to World War I, it served as a military hospital and children’s welfare center.
Finally, the museum opened on 10 January 1922, inaugurated by Lady Lloyd. It was renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) around 1998. The building is a Grade I Heritage Building. Honored with the Urban Heritage Award in 1990 and part of Mumbai’s UNESCO-listed Victorian Gothic and Art Deco ensemble. Click on photo to enlarge.
Did you know – it’s one of the rare museums in India to display relics from the Indus Valley Civilization.
Past posts – M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal Art On Paper (#8)., Watson’s Hotel Annexe Now Dhanraj Mahal Bombay, 1900 PC., British Monarchs The Dead & New, Glimpse of British India In 1910., Nilgiri Railway, Ooty Toy Train Locomotive’s Blueprint 1890.
