The argument between Delhi v/s Mumbai could go on forever but in the hearts, nobody cannot not like Mumbai. Is it the simplicity that is perfectly blended with the modernity? Is it the serenity of the Marine Drive in the night? Is it the mad hustle bustle of the city that grows on you? For me, it is this and everything else about Mumbai that makes me fall in love with it. Mumbai gives you the freedom to dream big and power to make it happen.

The financial capital of the country has more than just high rise corporate buildings. Particularly, for the history and art buffs, the city has a lot to offer. Here’s a list of museums in Mumbai one must visit:

National Gallery of Modern Art | Among the Best Museums in Mumbai

National Gallery of Modern Art | Among the Best Museums in Mumbai

The National Gallery of Modern Art is a repository of richest assortment of modern art. Showcasing works of some of the renowned art maestros such as Maqbool Fida Husain, Rabindranath Tagore, Homi Bhabha, Raja Ravi Verma and the likes. The Gallery treads across the art journey of India’s biggest art hubs highlighting cultural and regional differences, yet aligning as one. It encapsulates the art transition that has taken place over the years.

  • Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM (Closed on Mondays)
  • Ticket: INR 20
  • Location: Sir Cowasji Jahangir Public Hall, MG Road, Fort, Mumbai

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2. Mani Bhavan, Mumbai

Mani Bhavan | Among the Best Museums in Mumbai

Mani Bhavan | Among the Best Museums in Mumbai

A place that sheltered Gandhi once is now among the most loved museums in Mumbai. This place has been a pivotal point for many historical movements started by Mahatma Gandhi such as the Satyagraha and Civil Disobedience Movement. The Bhavan captures the life and death of Gandhi and also showcases the life in Mumbai under the British rule.

  • Timings: 9.30 AM – 6.00 PM (Closed on 2nd and 4th Saturday)
  • Ticket: Free entry
  • Location: Laburnum Road, Gamdevi, Mumbai

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3. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai

Bhau Daji Lad Museum | Among the Best Museums in Mumbai

Bhau Daji Lad Museum | Among the Best Museums in Mumbai

One of the most beautifully designed colonial building that will make you time-travel to the Mumbai as it was 100 years back. Named after Bhau Daji Lad given his significant support in art and heritage, this museum is among the oldest in Mumbai and was once known as Victoria and Albert Museum. It showcases the rich culture of Mumbai and preserves art relics from all across the world.

  • Timings: 10.00 AM – 6.00 PM (Closed on Wednesdays) 
  • Ticket: INR 10
  • Location: Rani Baug, Veer Mata Jijbai Bhonsle Udyan, Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Rd, Byculla East, Mumbai

4. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

With an aim to generate awareness towards India’s rich heritage, Chattrapati Shivaji Sangrahalaya is serving a great purpose in educating and entertaining people with art. Initially known as the Prince of Wales Museum, it houses relics and artworks from the era of the Mughal empire and exhibits relating to Mumbai’s trade relations with other continents. The museum has a beautiful architecture designed by George Willet. It is a key attraction in the entire artistic lane of Kala Ghoda.

  • Timings: 10.15 AM – 6.00 PM (Monday to Sunday)
  • Ticket: INR 70 (Adults); INR 35 (College Students); INR 20 (Children & Students)
  • Location: MG Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai
CST Heritage Gallery & Railway Museum

CST Heritage Gallery & Railway Museum

Local trains are the heart and soul of Mumbai and the CST Railway Station is one of the most iconic buildings of Mumbai. Among the first cities to get trains in India was Mumbai and the CST Gallery and Railway Museum has showcased this evolution beautifully through model trains, various structures and old train tickets. For the undying love of trains, this place to visit in Mumbai is must.

  • Timings: 3 PM – 5 PM (Monday – Friday)
  • Ticket: INR 100 for students; INR 200 for others
  • Location: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Fort, Mumbai

6. RBI Monetary Museum, Mumbai

RBI Monetary Museum | Among the Best Museums in Mumbai

RBI Monetary Museum | Among the Best Museums in Mumbai

If coin collection forms an important part of your hobby column in resume, this place will be a paradise for you. It is intriguing to understand the concept of money and how it all started and there’s no better way to understand this better than visiting this museum established by the biggest financial institution of our country. It was inaugurated by former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in 2004. The museum traces the evolution of money from barter days to the current plastic currency. They have preserved coins and paper currency from various eras.

  • Timings: 10:30 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Mondays)
  • Ticket: INR 10
  • Location: Amar Building, Sir Phirozshah Mehta Road, Fort, Mumbai

7. BEST Transport Museum, Mumbai

BEST Transport Museum | Among the Best Museums in Mumbai

BEST Transport Museum | Among the Best Museums in Mumbai

Mumbai’s red buses are the eternal lifelines of the residents. Much like the trains, Best buses were one of the first means of public transport in Mumbai. The museum houses mini-models of BEST vintage buses. From old tickets to double-decker buses and the current ones are all showcased in this one-of-a-kind museum.

  • Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Monday & Tuesday)
  • Ticket: Free entry
  • Location: Anik Bus Depot, Sion

It is heartening to see how Mumbai retains its culture and historical significance through these museums. So, here’s a plan for all the art-lovers to spend your evenings in Mumbai devouring in the rich art also you can check hotels in Mumbai during your visit.