Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum

Overview

The Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum is Mumbai's oldest museum, founded in 1872. After a meticulous restoration completed in 2008, it showcases the decorative arts and cultural history of Mumbai in exquisitely renovated Victorian interiors with gilded columns, ornate ceilings, and chandeliers.

Highlights

• Victorian Interiors: The restored interiors feature original Minton tile floors, wrought-iron columns, and elaborate plasterwork — a living example of 19th-century museum design.
• Mumbai Maps Collection: Rare historical maps showing the transformation of Mumbai from seven islands into a unified peninsula.
• Clay Models: Detailed clay dioramas from the 1880s depicting traditional Indian trades and customs.

History

Originally called the Victoria and Albert Museum, it was renamed after Dr. Bhau Daji Lad, a prominent Mumbai physician and scholar. The UNESCO Award-winning restoration in 2003–2008 brought the building back from decades of neglect.

Visitor Tips

• Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Zoo: The museum is inside the Byculla Zoo complex, so combine both visits.
• Gift Shop: The museum shop sells excellent reproductions and craft items.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.