Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum

Prince of Wales Museum showing a garden and heritage architecture
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum
Prince of Wales Museum showing a statue or sculpture and a park
Prince of Wales Museum featuring heritage architecture
Prince of Wales Museum which includes signage


Exhibits of Asian artifacts, decorative arts, paintings, sculptures and taxidermy are housed within the halls of a beautiful Indo-Saracenic palace.

Visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), a magnificent museum showcasing art, archaeology and natural history from across India and Asia. Among the museum’s 50,000 artifacts are ancient ceramics, decorative arts, figurines, paintings and sculptures. The site opened in 1922 as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India. It was renamed to honour Shivaji, founder in the 1600s of the Maratha kingdom.

As you arrive, notice the museum’s striking Indo-Saracenic style building. Designed by British architect George Wittet, it blends British, Hindu and Islamic architectural features. Check out the arches, domes and spires. The finial atop the largest dome is modelled after that on Agra’s Taj Mahal. Take a moment to admire the tall palm trees and pristine lawns.

Inside, explore nearly 20 large and well-presented galleries with objects from India, China, Japan, Nepal and Tibet. Spot centuries-old sculptures from the Elephanta Caves and other Indian archaeological sites. See relics that originate from the Indus Valley Civilization, Gupta and Mauryas periods and displays of Asian birds, mammals and reptiles, including a white tiger.

Admire the collection of decorative arts made from ivory, metal and wood, among other materials. Check out Chinese and Japanese antiquities and a fascinating gallery of Indian weaponry. Don’t miss the oil paintings by European artists such as Daniel Maclise and William Strang. Browse galleries dedicated to antique coins, miniature paintings and textiles.

CSMVS is on the southern edge of Mumbai’s Kala Ghoda district. Use public buses, tuk-tuks or taxis for easy access to the museum. It’s just a short walk from major city attractions such as the Bombay High Court, Gateway of India and National Gallery of Modern Art. The bustling clothing, handicraft, jewellery and book stalls of Colaba Market are also less than a 10-minute drive away.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is open daily, except select public holidays, and has an admission fee. Pay an additional fee if you wish to take photographs. Rent an audio guide, free for international visitors, which provides commentary on the museum’s exhibits. Visit the excellent shop and outdoor café. For full details, see the museum’s official website.

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Things to do near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum

Near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum, visitors can indulge in various activities, including exploring local art. For those seeking adventure, the Brahmagiri trek offers a refreshing experience, while a three-day trip to Mahabaleshwar provides a delightful escape into nature, complete with stunning landscapes and serene surroundings. These activities, combined with the museum's rich cultural offerings, make for an enriching visit to Mumbai.

Shopping

Nearby Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum, you can explore Wankhede Stadium, just 1.4km away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family vibes. Crawford Market, located 1.6km away, provides a bustling atmosphere for local goods, while Fashion Street Market, only 966m away, is perfect for trendy finds.

Recreation

The Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association offers a vibrant sports atmosphere, perfect for tennis enthusiasts, located 644m from the museum. For a touch of luxury, the United Services Golf Club, situated 4.8km away, provides an exclusive golfing experience. Kharghar Valley Golf Course, 29.0km distant, invites outdoor sports lovers to enjoy its scenic greens.

Adventure

For an adventurous experience near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum, visit Snow Kingdom, located 20.9km away for frosty fun. Alternatively, enjoy Water Kingdom, a vibrant waterpark 33.8km away, or embark on a scenic hike at Malshej Ghat, situated 48.3km away, offering breathtaking landscapes.

Nightlife

In Mumbai, the Eros Theater offers a romantic cinematic experience just 805m away, while the National Centre for the Performing Arts, 1.3km away, showcases vibrant cultural performances. For a unique outing, the Nehru Planetarium, located 8.0km away, provides entertaining stargazing experiences.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum

Whether you're a culture enthusiast or travelling with family, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of attractions. Explore the vibrant streets, visit stunning temples, and admire historical monuments that reflect the rich heritage of Mumbai. This diverse array of places of interest ensures a delightful experience for every type of traveller, making your visit truly memorable.

  • Gateway of India: This iconic monument offers a glimpse into Mumbai's rich culture and history. Standing majestically by the waterfront, it's a perfect spot for photographs and immersing yourself in the local atmosphere.
  • Marine Drive: Known as the 'Queen's Necklace', this stunning promenade is lined with palm trees, offering a vibrant mix of friendly locals, luxury boutiques, and trendy eateries. It's an ideal place for leisurely strolls and enjoying breathtaking sunsets.
  • Colaba Causeway: A bustling street market, Colaba Causeway is filled with eclectic shops and street vendors. Experience the lively city vibe as you explore unique souvenirs, fashion, and local delicacies.

Best time to go to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum

The best time to visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum falls in May, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January77.5°F (25.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
February79.5°F (26.4°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March82.9°F (28.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
April85.5°F (29.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May86.5°F (30.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June84.2°F (29.0°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
July81.5°F (27.5°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
August81.0°F (27.2°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
September81.3°F (27.4°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October83.7°F (28.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November82.8°F (28.2°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
December79.7°F (26.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum

To save money on your visit to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum, consider travelling between June and August, when accommodation prices are lower. Saturdays are the least expensive days for stays, while Wednesdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to filter options by budget and eco-certification for more sustainable hotels. For additional savings, book your hotel, flights, and activities as a package. Lastly, utilise public transport or explore on foot to cut down on travel costs while enjoying free activities around the museum.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum are June to August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February and November to December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the most economical options and special offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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