Maharashtra CM Fadnavis to inaugurate Bhau Daji Lad Museum set to reopen tomorrow after 5 years

Civic officials said that the BMC spent Rs 2.8 crore for the restoration work. As part of the restoration process, waterproofing works were carried out inside the structure while the existing architectural decorations and carvings were polished in order to bring out details. Alongside this, the entire museum was painted and plaster repairs were carried out wherever necessary. Officials said that the railings and ramps were also refurbished to restore the structure’s vintage charm.

The museum is divided into six sections, which includes a dedicated section on Mumbai’s history, a founder’s gallery, an exhibition gallery, a gallery on 19th century paintings and a section on industrial art.

Situated inside the periphery or Ranibaug (Byculla Zoo), construction of the Bhau Daji Lad museum began in 1862 and was completed in 1871. It was opened for the public a year later.

In November 1975, the museum was renamed after scholar – Dr. Ramachandra Vitthal Lad – who was popularly known as Bhau Daji Lad, since he had played an important role behind the establishment of the museum.

The concept of building a museum in Mumbai emerged following the great exhibition that was held in London in 1851.

Between 2003 and 2008, the museum was kept shut for five years for carrying out restoration works. After its completion in 2008, the museum received the UNESCO award of excellence for cultural heritage conservation.