10 Popular Museums in Mumbai for a Memorable Kids Day Out
Children are always full of questions of why, how, when and where! Sometimes as adults it is magical to see how innocently a child seeks answers to everything in their environment; but as we grow up, the ability to question fades away. To fascinate and encourage the young minds to seek knowledge, museums provide an ocean of knowledge related to subjects like science, art, history, warfare and trade and commerce.
Celebrating the grandeur of the past
Museums are a treasure of the rich cultural history of the bygone era. The museums in Mumbai are another world all together, which give you a sneak-peek into the grand past. You can be guaranteed mammoth amounts of information when your children return from these museums.
To ensure that your kids are fascinated with the knowledge about India, we have hand-picked the best museums in Mumbai that you must visit with your children:
1. Nehru Science Centre
The Nehru Science Centre is the largest science centre in India, spread over an area of approximately 8 acres. It was opened to the public on 11 November 1985, although the first science exhibition, called ‘Light and Sight’ was held in 1977.
This museum is a treasure for our little science enthusiasts as they get to learn various science concepts through hands-on interactive science exhibits along with explanations. To help children develop their scientific temper, the Nehru Science Centre organises educational programmes and activities throughout the year.
- Location: Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400018
- Timings:
9 AM to 6 PM from Monday to Friday
9 AM to 8 PM from Saturday and Sunday
Closed on Diwali and Holi only - Cost of Tickets:
₹ 70 per person for general visitors
₹ 50 per person for general visitors of a group of more than 25
₹ 20 per person for students in an organised group with authority letter
₹ 10 per person for students from government and municipal schools with authority letter
₹ 5 per person for BPL cardholders on producing the card
2. Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum
This museum is one of the museums in Mumbai that was established during the British reign in India in the year 1872. It showcases the cultural heritage of Mumbai from the late eighteenth century to the early twentieth century through a collection of rare photographs, lithographs and books.
In 2005, Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum was recognised for Cultural Conservation by UNESCO with the 2005 Award of Excellence. Since the past few years it has collaborated with various institutes and museums from across the globe to promote cultural education through performances, exhibitions and workshops.
Please read the Museum and Photography Guidelines of the museum before visiting the museum.
- Location: 91 A, Rani Baug, Veer Mata Jijbai Bhonsle Udyan, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Rd, Byculla East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400027
- Timings: 10 AM to 5:30 PM. Closed on Wednesday
- Cost of Tickets:
Indian visitors:
₹ 10 per person for Adults (above the age of 13 years)
₹ 5 per person for Children (between 6 and 12 years)
₹ 2 per person for Students under 12 years (in school groups or valid ID)
₹ 5 per person for Students above 12 years (in school/ college groups or valid ID)
International visitors:
₹ 100 per person for Adults (above the age of 13 years)
₹ 50 per person for Children (between 6 and 12 years)
₹ 30 per person for Students (in school groups or valid ID)
Free Entry:
Children below the age of 5 years
MCGM employees (with valid ID card)
MCGM school children
NGOs
Specially-abled visitors
3. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
It is popularly known as the Prince of Wales Museum and is said to be one of the finest museums in India and most visited tourist destination in Mumbai, with a vast collection of over 5000 artefacts. Some of these artefacts date back to the Indus Valley Civilisation while other antiques belong to different parts of the world like Japan and Europe. The foundation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya began in the early twentieth century and by 1914, the construction of the grand facade was completed. It was used as a military hospital and an exhibition area for Children’s Welfare before being open to the public as a museum on 10th January 1922.
- Location: 159-161, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400023
- Timings: 10:15 AM to 6:30 PM
- Cost of Tickets:
₹ 100 per person for Adults (Indians above 12 years)
₹ 600 per person for Adults (Foreigners above 12 years)
₹ 30 per person for Children (Between 5 and 12 years of age)
₹ 30 per person for School Students (through school)
₹ 50 per person for College student (with valid ID cards)
₹ 75 per person for Senior Citizens (with valid ID cards)
₹ 75 per person for Defense Personnels (with valid ID cards)
₹ 75 per person for Group of minimum 15 visitors (Indians)
4. Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya
The Mani Bhawan held an important place in the life of Mahatma Gandhi. It was from Mani Bawan that Mahatma Gandhi initiated various movements from like Non-Cooperation, Khilafat and Satyagraha against the British.
The museum houses some of the personal belongings of Mahatma Gandhi along with books and two spinning chakras. The photo galleries consist of photographs and press clippings that take you through the life of Gandhi from his childhood to his death.
The collection of books and photographs throws light on the philosophies and thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi that inspired great leaders from across the globe like Dalai Lama, Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandella. Educational programmes like workshops, seminars and Youth campus are held throughout the year.
- Location: 9, Laburnum Road, near Police Station, Babulnath, Gamdevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400007
- Timings: 9:30 to 6 PM
- Cost of Tickets: Free of cost
5. RBI Monetary Museum
India is said to be one of the earliest countries in the world to adopt the monetary system. The first coins in India were made of silver and copper around the 6th century. The RBI Monetary Museum aims to show the rich and diverse monetary heritage of India along with contemporary Indian currency notes and coins. The museum houses some of the rarest coins from the ancient, medieval and colonial era, which provide an insight into the monetary system of each of the period in Indian history.
- Location: Amar Building, Ground Floor, Sir Phirozshah Mehta Road, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
- Timings: 10:45 AM to 5:15 PM
- Cost of Tickets: Free of cost
6. National Gallery of Modern Art
The National Gallery of Modern Art has two branches, one in Kolkata and the other in Mumbai. It aims to educate and inspire people through Modern Art. The modern and contemporary art exhibits are not pleasing to the eyes but also are a valuable source of inspiration for artists. The National Gallery of Modern Art showcases the ever evolving scenario of art in India from 1857.
- Location: Sir Cowasji Jahangir Public Hall, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400032
- Timings: 11 AM to 6 PM. Closed on Monday and National Holidays.
- Cost of Tickets:
₹ 20 per person for Indians
₹ 500 per person for Foreigners
Free entry for students (till Class XII with ID card)
7. National Museum of Indian Cinema
The National Museum of Indian Cinema is one of a kind museum in India for all the film lovers. It is a new addition to the list of the best museums in India that was inaugurated on 19th January 2019. The vast collections of short films, animation films and documentaries are very helpful to film makers, students, enthusiasts and critics who want to explore the rich artistic legacy of Indian films.
- Location: Gulshan Mahal, 24, Pedder Rd, Cumballa Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400026
- Timings: 11 Am to 6 PM. Closed on Monday
- Cost of Tickets:
₹ 20 per person for Adults (Indians above 12 years)
₹ 500 per person for Foreigners
Free entry for Children (below 12 years)
Free entry for Students with ID Cards
8. Bombay High Court Museum
Churchgate Bombay High Court Museum
As intriguing as the courtrooms of Bollywood movies, this Museum resembles a Court and is situated within the premises of the Bombay High Court. This is another relatively new addition to the long list of museums that are located in Mumbai as it was inaugurated in 2015. The rich collection of documents and rare books consists of applications, certificates, advocate’s roll, attorney’s roll, old judgements and Law Reports.
- Location: HSBC Bank Building, Dr Kane Rd, Mantralaya, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400032
- Timings: 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM from Monday to Friday. Closed on Saturday and Sunday.
- Cost of Tickets: Free of cost
9. Jehangir Art Gallery
This prestigious art gallery was established in the heart of the city at Kala Ghoda in the year 1952. The lavish art gallery consists of seven exhibition halls for visual arts and photography. It seeks to spread the knowledge about various artforms through lectures, workshops and exhibitions that are held all around the year.
Art Plaza Gallery and Natesan, one of the earliest antique dealers of India are located within the premises of Jehangir Art Gallery.
- Location: 161B, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
- Timings: 11 AM to 7 PM
- Cost of Tickets: Free of cost
10. Taraporewala Aquarium
Watching aquatic flora and fauna undisturbed in their habitat is always a sublime experience, especially for kids. The Taraporewala Aquarium will provide you and your little one with the opportunity to get close to some rare and some popular freshwater as well as marine creatures.
- Location: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, Marine Drive, near Charni Road, Railway Station, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400002
- Timings: 10 AM to 8 PM. Closed on Monday.
- Cost of Tickets:
₹ 60 per person for Adults
₹ 30 per person for Children below 12 years
₹ 30 per person for Government Officials
Conclusion
I hope that by visiting the above-mentioned museums you can spend some quality time with your kids. A visit to such museums will also create an interest on the subject matter, encouraging them to look beyond academic books.
If you have visited any of these museums before, then please share your experience in the comment section below. Also, if you know any other museums in Mumbai that are perfect for kids, then do let us know by commenting below.
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