Mani Bhavan Mahatma Gandhi Museum :-

Mani Bhavan is a simple old-style, two storied building on Laburnum Road, Mumbai. Whenever Gandhiji was in Mumbai between 1917 to 1934, he stayed here.It is now converted into a museum and research centre.

Mumbai and its inhabitants have played a very prominent part in India's unique struggle for freedom. Gandhiji was rightly proud of its patriotic and cosmopolitan citizens. Mani Bhavan is one of the few important places hallowed by Mahatma Gandhi's close association.
Mani Bhavan, a modest two-storied building on the Laburnum Road in the comparatively quiet locality called Gamdevi, served as Gandhiji's Bombay head-quarters for about seventeen long and eventful years (1917-1934). It belonged to Shri Revashankar Jagjeevan Jhaveri, who was Gandhi's friend and a host during that period. It was from Mani Bhavan that Gandhi initiated Civil Disobedience, Satyagraha, Swadeshi, Khadi and Khilafat movements. In 1955 the building was dedicated as a memorial to Gandhiji and to the very important activities of great significance he initiated from that place.

Mani Bhavan has a story to tell as it housed Gandhiji occasionally during the times when he grew in stature and strength, from a queer type of an agitator to a world figure by successfully introducing satyagraha (individual as well as mass) as a new and effective weapon to fight all evil and injustice.

PRINCE OF WALES MUSEUM OF WESTERN INDIA

The Prince of Wales Museum was designed and built to represent the ancient and medieval architectural styles of western India. The basalt stone structure with its large central dome inspired by the Bijapur domes and beautiful gardens are set in a crescent shaped piece of land.

The art section at the museum has a collection of Indian paintings representing its different styles and phases. The collection presents the evolution of painting in India, ranging from the 11th and 12th century illustrated palm leaf manuscripts to early 19th century Pahari paintings, Exquisite examples of all the main schools of miniature painting are on view; Rajpur, Mughal, Pahari, and Deccani. It is obvious that the fine excellence of the Mughal and Rajasthani schools, from 16th to 19th century, only emerged out of past influences, indigenous Indian as well as Persian, Turkish and central Asian.

Prince of Wales Museum of Western India
Mahatma Gandhi Road
Fort, Mumbai
Tel: 2844484 Fax: 2045430

Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum (Victoria & Albert Museum)
In the heart of the city are the Victoria Gardens, now renamed as the Rani Jijamata Udyan (Rani Bagh). This garden was laid out in 1861. The Bombay Zoo is also on the premises of the garden. Located in the Victoria Gardens is the Victoria and Albert Museum, now renamed Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum. The museum has articles that relate mainly industrial and agricultural interest. On display are the archaeological finds, maps and photographs connected with the history of Mumbai. On the east hand side of the gardens that surrounds the museum, is a huge statute of an elephant that was brought from Elephanta Caves. What is ironically about the present name of the museum is that Dr. Bhau Daji Lad, after whom it is presently named, was the person who suggested the original name "Victoria and Albert Museum". Dr. Lad devoted his life to this museum and it is in his honor that the museum bears his name. The museum is open to the public on all days expect some important public holidays from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm.

Bombay Natural History Society
The Bombay Natural History Society was founded in 1883, in order to discuss observations on natural history and for exhibiting interesting specimens. Today the BNHS is the biggest non-governmental organization in India undertaking conservation of nature and natural resources, education and research in natural history. The BNHS has more than 30 member countries. The Society's leading principle has been conservation based on scientific research. The Society is adjacent to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vaastu Sangrahalay. Nature lovers have been donating their prized specimens for more than a century now. The Society has a good collection of beetles, butterflies and embalmed reptiles. If you are interested you can become a temporary member of the Society for the duration of your stay in Mumbai. The membership will allow you access to the library of the Society and allow you to attend the various lectures and slide shows that are held weekly.