In Mumbai’s Byculla area, within the grounds of Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan, stands a building that looks like a British mansion dropped into India. Its exterior is painted a deep turquoise, and inside it holds some of the city’s oldest treasures. That building is the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, the oldest museum in Mumbai, and it traces its history back to the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London.
The museum opened in 1857, and it was originally known as the Victoria and Albert Museum. The idea of putting together a museum in Mumbai came up during the preparations for the Great Exhibition of 1851, which was held in London. The building itself is historically important because it was the first colonial building built specifically to house a museum.
From Victoria and Albert to Bhau Daji Lad
The museum’s name changed in 1975, when it was renamed in honour of Dr. Bhau Daji Lad. He was an eminent scholar, surgeon, philanthropist and social reformer, and he served as the first Indian Sheriff of Mumbai in the 19th century. His work played an important role in the construction of the museum building, as well as in the making of modern Mumbai.
The building’s history spans two centuries and two names, and its current title reflects the man who helped shape the city itself.
What the Museum Holds
The collection is vast and varied. Old statues, paintings, maps, historical artifacts and weapons fill the galleries. One of the highlights is a model of Bombay Castle, which was one of the first buildings to be constructed in the city. It served as the historical nucleus around which the city was eventually built.
There are also old maps showing the original seven islands of Mumbai, before they were merged into a single landmass. Models of old boats and ships that were used for trade and naval purposes round out the display.
A Building Built for a Museum
The museum’s building is its own attraction. The turquoise exterior is beautiful, and the grand interior matches it. The building was the first colonial structure in Mumbai built specifically for a museum, which makes it historically significant in addition to being architecturally striking.
Why This Museum Matters
The museum’s collection tells the story of Mumbai’s founding. The model of Bombay Castle shows where the city began. The maps of the seven islands show how the city grew from separate landmasses into one. The artifacts and paintings trace the city’s development over time.
Dr. Bhau Daji Lad himself is central to the story. His work as a surgeon, his public service, and his role in building the museum all point to a man who cared about his city deeply. The museum now carries his name, and it stands as a tribute to his contributions.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum |
| Former name | Victoria and Albert Museum |
| Established | 1857 |
| Renamed | 1975 |
| Location | Byculla, Mumbai |
| Key exhibit | Model of Bombay Castle |
The museum’s longevity is remarkable. It opened in 1857, and it has stood since then.
- It is the oldest museum in Mumbai, established in 1857.
- It was the first colonial building built specifically for a museum.
- Its collection includes the model of Bombay Castle, the city’s original nucleus.
- The museum honours Dr. Bhau Daji Lad, a surgeon and civic leader.
- It preserves the history of Mumbai’s founding, from seven islands to one city.
The museum’s focus on the city’s founding means visitors leave with a better sense of how Mumbai became what it is today.
The museum’s history is tied to the Great Exhibition of 1851, to the construction of Bombay Castle, and to the man whose name it now bears. Each of those threads adds depth to the experience of walking through its galleries.
Source material: “Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Mumbai, India,” Atlas Obscura.
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