Must-See Museums in Mumbai

Mumbai is a buzzing cultural hub of India. Here’s the best of its museums.

2 min read•Apr 12, 2019•By Margot Bigg

Old meets new in the buzzing city of Mumbai in India

Hi, I'm Margot!

Margot Bigg is a journalist who has lived in the UK, the US, France, and India. She’s the author of Moon Living Abroad in India and Moon Taj Mahal, Delhi & Jaipur and a co-author of Fodor's Essential India and Fodor's Pacific Northwest. Her stories have appeared in Rolling Stone India, National Geographic Traveler, Sunset, and VICE.

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.

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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya among the palm trees. | Photo Credit: Damian Pankowiec / Shutterstock

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

Jehangir Art Gallery is a cultural hub. | Photo Credit: CRS PHOTO / Shutterstock

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

Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum sits on a leafy street. | Photo Credit: 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 Mumbai

Exterior of The National Gallery, one of the foremost modern art museums in the country, in Mumbai.

The National Gallery is one of the country's most important galleries. | Photo Credit: AnilD / Shutterstock

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.