Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) is Mumbai's foremost art, archaeology, and natural history museum, housed in a UNESCO-listed Indo-Saracenic landmark near the Gateway of India. Founded in 1922, it holds tens of thousands of artefacts spanning Indus Valley civilisation to Mughal miniatures, European paintings, and Tibetan art.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 10:15–18:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Hutatma Chowk Metro Station (Line 3, ~0.5 km); Churchgate local train station (~0.9 km, Western Line); ~10-min walk from either |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours to cover all galleries |
| Best time to go | Weekday mornings (10:15–12:00) for smaller crowds; avoid Friday–Sunday afternoons which are busiest |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Locals Score
- Value8.0
- Freshness5.9
- Crowd level7.0
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility8.0
Frequently asked questions
- Is photography allowed inside CSMVS?
- Personal smartphone photography is permitted with a fee. Cameras without a tripod incur a charge, and cameras with a tripod attract a significantly higher fee. Commercial photography and professional video require prior permission from the museum.
- How do I get to CSMVS by public transport?
- The nearest metro station is Hutatma Chowk on Metro Line 3, about 0.5 km away. The nearest suburban rail station is Churchgate (Western Line), roughly 0.9 km away — both are about a 10-minute walk. Taxis and ride-shares (Uber/Ola) drop off directly at the entrance.
- What is the entry fee at CSMVS for Indian and foreign visitors?
- As of 2025–26, Indian adults pay ₹200, college students ₹100, and children (5–15 years) ₹40. Foreign adults are charged ₹700 and foreign children ₹200. Audio guides are complimentary for foreign visitors and cost extra for Indian visitors.
- What are CSMVS museum timings and is it open every day?
- CSMVS is open Monday to Sunday, 10:15 am to 6:00 pm. The ticket counter closes at 5:45 pm. The museum is closed on certain public holidays — check the official website (csmvs.in) before visiting.
- Is CSMVS accessible for visitors with disabilities?
- Yes, the museum is wheelchair-accessible and loaner wheelchairs are available at the information desk. Tactile tours for visually impaired visitors can be arranged with at least one month's advance booking, and entry is free for differently-abled citizens.
- Is CSMVS a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
- Yes. The CSMVS building was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018 as part of the 'Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai.' The Indo-Saracenic structure, designed by Scottish architect George Wittet, blends Mughal, Maratha, and Jain architectural elements and is also a Grade I Heritage listed building.
- What are the must-see collections at CSMVS?
- Highlights include Indus Valley Civilisation artefacts, Gandharan Buddhist sculptures, Mughal miniature paintings, European paintings from the Sir Ratan Tata and Sir Dorab Tata galleries, Tibetan art, Chinese and Japanese antiquities, and the natural history section. The sculpture gallery and textile collection are considered the two strongest areas.
- Are audio guides available at CSMVS, and in which languages?
- Audio guides are available in Hindi, Marathi, English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. They are complimentary for international visitors and available at an additional charge for Indian visitors.
Nearby in Ask Mumbai
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (Prince of Wales Museum)Museum0.06 km · 1 min walk
- Jehangir Art GalleryMuseum0.1 km · 1 min walk
- National Gallery of Modern Art MumbaiMuseum0.13 km · 2 min walk
- TrishnaRestaurant0.15 km · 2 min walk
- Kala GhodaNeighborhood0.15 km · 2 min walk
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