Prince Of Wales Museum Information :
Location : 159-161, M.G. Road Fort Mumbai - 400023
How to reach : Get a cab, auto or board a bus
Specialty : Art, Archeology and Natural History
Time : Tuesday to Sunday between 10.30 am and 6 pm
Prince Of Wales Museum in Mumbai :
Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, Bombay The Prince of Wales Museum was established to commemorate the Crown Prince's visit to Bombay in 1905. The future George V laid the foundation stone and work began on the building which was designed and built to represent the ancient and medieval architectural styles of western India.
The basalt stone structure with its large central dome inspired by the Bijapur domes and beautiful gardens are set in a crescent shaped piece of land. The major endeavour of the Art section at the museum was to develop its collection of Indian paintings so that it represents the different styles and phases. Consequently the collection presents the evolution of painting in India, ranging between 11th and 12th century illustrated palm leaf manuscripts to early 19th century Pahari paintings.
Exquisite examples of all the main schools of miniature painting are on view, Rajput, Mughal, Pahari, and Deccani Each school with its characteristic style has its own delicacy of form and colour. Looking at the different paintings it is obvious that the fine excellence of the Mughal and Rajasthani schools, from 16th to 19th century, only emerged out of past influences, indigenous Indian as well as Persian, Turkish and central Asian. This has been conceived according to the Museum's policy, to make it an important cultural and educational centre.
Architecture :
A classic work of artist, the museum is the epitome of the hybrid Indo-Saracenic style, it is said to be an “educated” interpretation of fifteenth and sixteenth-century Gujarati architecture. The building is topped by a massive Moghul-style dome. The central hall, overlooked by a carved wooden balcony, provides a snapshot of the collection inside. There are beautiful Moghul paintings, Jade work, weapons, miniature clay figures from the Mauryan and Kushana periods. Two sculpture gallieries on either side of the hall open onto the front garden. The one on the right side houses the museum’s natural history, which contains a large collection of stuffed birds, fish and animals.
Rich Collection :
The main sculpture room on the ground floor displays some excellent fourth-and-fifth century heads and figures from the Buddhist state of Gandhara. There are vital Hindu sculptures like seventh century Chalukyan bas-relief, sensuously carved torso of Mahisasuramaraini, the goddess Durga with tripod. There are mysterious seal moulds and antique Jewellery. The main attraction however is the sperb collection of Indian paintings including that of Gita Govinda. On the second floor, there is a huge collection of porcelain, jade and ivory items. There is also a collection of weapons like swords, daggers belonging to Mughal Warriors. Textile room showcases brocaded saris, turbans, shawls etc.
Visiting Hours: 10.15 am to 6.00 pm
Closed On: Mondays
