Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum 🇮🇳

You will find the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, the oldest museum in Mumbai, situated in the suburb of Byculla East near the Byculla Zoo. Dedicated to the city's rich history, art, and culture, this Grade II-B heritage structure originally opened in 1856 and moved to its present location in 1872. Renamed in 1975 to honor Dr.

Bhau Daji Lad—a physician, surgeon, historian, and philanthropist—the building itself is a restored marvel that earned a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Excellence for Cultural Conservation. When you visit, you can explore fascinating decorative and industrial arts originally collected to showcase local craftsmanship at 19th-century international exhibitions. The collections invite you to admire archaeological finds, historical photographs, maps of Mumbai, clay models, silver and copper ware, and traditional costumes. Don't miss the 17th-century manuscript of Hatim Tai or the iconic Kala Ghoda statue housed inside.

Outside, you can stand before a remarkable monolithic basalt elephant sculpture that was recovered from the sea after originating on Elephanta Island. Managed through a pioneering public-private partnership, this institution offers you an authentic window into Mumbai’s artistic heritage and historical evolution.

What to see at Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum

• Monolithic basalt elephant sculpture originating from Elephanta Island
• The iconic Kala Ghoda statue housed within the museum
• A rare 17th-century manuscript of Hatim Tai
• Extensive collection of historical Mumbai maps, clay models, and photos

Visiting tips

Be sure to walk outside the museum building to view the monolithic basalt elephant sculpture that was salvaged from the sea.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum is easy to reach on Mumbai’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya and EsselWorld. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Mumbai travel guide.