mumbai museum
September 7, 2008
From: Mrityunjay Bose
Centre approves upgrading of Mumbai museum
MUMBAI: The Centre has given approval to the Rs 12.43 crore financial assistance for the upgradation and modernization of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, earlier known as Prince of Wales Museum.
The Ministry of Culture, Government of India will spent the amount during 2008-10.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly Prince of Wales Museum of Western India) situated in a heritage precinct known as the "Crescent Site" is one of the more important Museums of the country and a prime cultural institution of the city of Mumbai. The building is declared as an A grade heritage building by the Heritage Committee of Mumbai and is in itself an attraction for the visitors. The building is situated in an area of about 3 acres covering a built up area
of 12,142.23 sq.m.
The Museum began its modernization program seven years ago to keep pace with the changing needs and trends of the 21st century. This implied upgrading the Museum to international standards.
The history of the museum is rich. For a long time people felt the need for a good Museum in Bombay and finally the Museum was established by public contribution aided by the Government of Bombay Presidency. The Foundation Stone of the Museum was laid by the Prince of Wales on the 11th of November, 1905 and the Museum was named Prince of Wales Museum of Western India.
The architect of the building, George Wittet, was selected after an open competition in 1909. Wittet is known for the Indo Saracenic style of architecture of which this Museum is one of the best examples. The Indo-Saracenic style combines Hindu and Islamic elements while incorporating some elements of Western architecture.
The building was completed in 1914 but the Museum was only opened to the public on
the 10th of January, 1922. Till then it was used by the military as a hospital and for the Children's Welfare Exhibition.
Many things have changed since then, Bombay is now known as Mumbai and the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India has been renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. The Museum is set in a well laid out garden which retains it's original plan even today. The Museum is a Grade I Heritage Building of the city. It has bagged the 1st prize awarded by the Indian Heritage Society for heritage building maintenance.
The Collection:
The collection of the Museum started almost simultaneously with the foundation of the Museum building in 1905. The Museum acquired a well-known collection of Indian miniatures and other antiquities in 1915. The excavated artifacts from the Buddha stupa of Mirpurkhas were brought to the Museum in 1919. The art collection of Sir Ratan Tata and Sir Dorab Tata were bequeathed to this Museum in 1921 and 1933 respectively. The Tata collection comprises of two major collections: The European and the Far Eastern. Some outstanding Indian antiquities also form part of this magnanimous gift.
The Museum is an autonomous body unaided by the Government, so money was always a constraint. Despite this, the Museum has added several antiquities to its collection, particularly in the period after Independence.
From: Mrityunjay Bose
Centre approves upgrading of Mumbai museum
MUMBAI: The Centre has given approval to the Rs 12.43 crore financial assistance for the upgradation and modernization of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, earlier known as Prince of Wales Museum.
The Ministry of Culture, Government of India will spent the amount during 2008-10.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly Prince of Wales Museum of Western India) situated in a heritage precinct known as the "Crescent Site" is one of the more important Museums of the country and a prime cultural institution of the city of Mumbai. The building is declared as an A grade heritage building by the Heritage Committee of Mumbai and is in itself an attraction for the visitors. The building is situated in an area of about 3 acres covering a built up area
of 12,142.23 sq.m.
The Museum began its modernization program seven years ago to keep pace with the changing needs and trends of the 21st century. This implied upgrading the Museum to international standards.
The history of the museum is rich. For a long time people felt the need for a good Museum in Bombay and finally the Museum was established by public contribution aided by the Government of Bombay Presidency. The Foundation Stone of the Museum was laid by the Prince of Wales on the 11th of November, 1905 and the Museum was named Prince of Wales Museum of Western India.
The architect of the building, George Wittet, was selected after an open competition in 1909. Wittet is known for the Indo Saracenic style of architecture of which this Museum is one of the best examples. The Indo-Saracenic style combines Hindu and Islamic elements while incorporating some elements of Western architecture.
The building was completed in 1914 but the Museum was only opened to the public on
the 10th of January, 1922. Till then it was used by the military as a hospital and for the Children's Welfare Exhibition.
Many things have changed since then, Bombay is now known as Mumbai and the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India has been renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. The Museum is set in a well laid out garden which retains it's original plan even today. The Museum is a Grade I Heritage Building of the city. It has bagged the 1st prize awarded by the Indian Heritage Society for heritage building maintenance.
The Collection:
The collection of the Museum started almost simultaneously with the foundation of the Museum building in 1905. The Museum acquired a well-known collection of Indian miniatures and other antiquities in 1915. The excavated artifacts from the Buddha stupa of Mirpurkhas were brought to the Museum in 1919. The art collection of Sir Ratan Tata and Sir Dorab Tata were bequeathed to this Museum in 1921 and 1933 respectively. The Tata collection comprises of two major collections: The European and the Far Eastern. Some outstanding Indian antiquities also form part of this magnanimous gift.
The Museum is an autonomous body unaided by the Government, so money was always a constraint. Despite this, the Museum has added several antiquities to its collection, particularly in the period after Independence.
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