Must-See Museums in Mumbai

While most people associate Mumbai with glitz and Bollywood, India’s beloved city by the sea also has a thriving art scene, with local galleries and an annual celebration of all things art, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival. The city also is home to some of the finest museums in all of India. Here are a few favorites.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

Formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, this museum houses a collection of art and artifacts from across the Indian Subcontinent, some dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. The museum also hosts regular educational programs and lectures for kids and adults alike.

Jehangir Art Gallery

For contemporary Indian art, the Jehangir Art Gallery is not to be missed. This large gallery was established in 1952 and has since become the most celebrated center for contemporary art in all of India, boasting six exhibition halls, a photography gallery, and a regular schedule of cultural and educational events.

Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum

Situated in a old house once occupied by the Mahatma himself, the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum is full of memorabilia from Gandhi’s life, from old photos and letters to one of his famous spinning wheels. The museum includes a number of multimedia exhibits, as well as a large library that is free to use.

National Gallery of Modern Art

The National Gallery of Modern Art Mumbai opened in 1996 and quickly established itself as one of the foremost modern art museums in the country. Here you'll find a huge selection of modern art from across India along with a regular calendar of events ranging from lectures to book launches.