Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Byculla, Mumbai, is the city’s first museum, with collections documenting its people, history and craftsmanship. You can pair a visit to the galleries with time in the surrounding Veer Mata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan, also known as Rani Baug.
- Location: Rani Baug, Byculla East, Mumbai.
- Typical visit: allow 1–2 hours.
- Hours and tickets: Open Thursday to Tuesday; closed Wednesday
What is Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum known for?
Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum is known for documenting Mumbai’s history and the craftsmanship of communities in the former Bombay Presidency. It is managed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
The museum opened to the public in 1857 as the Victoria and Albert Museum, Bombay. Its present building opened in 1872, and the museum received its current name in 1975 in honour of Dr. Bhau Daji Lad.
Which collections and galleries should you look for?
The permanent collection brings together objects and records that tell the story of Mumbai from the late 18th century to the early 20th century. Look for miniature clay models and dioramas alongside maps, lithographs, photographs and rare books.
Fine and decorative arts in the collection connect the museum’s historical material with the skills and traditions of communities from the Bombay Presidency. The varied formats offer different ways to explore the city’s past, from visual records to crafted objects.
What are the tickets, hours and visitor rules?
Check the museum’s official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday, Tuesday and Thursday to Sunday: 10:00–17:30
- Wednesday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Ticket prices also vary between published sources. The museum’s online booking form asks you to select a preferred visit date and states that a ticket is valid only for that selected date. Confirm the current price and booking requirements directly with the museum before setting out.
Follow the museum’s visitor rules: single-use plastic items are banned, and visitors are asked to keep the atmosphere quiet and respectful. Flash photography is prohibited; tripods and commercial filming need approval. Large bags, weapons and hazardous materials are not allowed.
How do you get to the museum from the hotel area?
The museum is at Rani Baug, 91/A, Dr. Ambedkar Road, Byculla (East), Mumbai 400027, within Veer Mata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan. Byculla is the nearest railway station, according to the Museum of India listing.
From Hotel Ripon Palace, the museum is about a 25-minute walk or a 10-minute drive.
How much time should you plan for a museum visit?
Allow 1–2 hours for an average visit, according to the Museum of India listing. That gives you time to move through the permanent collection without treating the museum as a quick stop; you can also make time for the surrounding garden, where the museum is located. The museum can also be part of a South Mumbai day itinerary.
The museum listing describes the site as wheelchair friendly and identifies parking, a café, a museum shop, restrooms, drinking water and lockers among its facilities.
FAQs
Where is Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum?
It is inside Veer Mata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan, also called Rani Baug, in Byculla East, Mumbai. Byculla is the nearest railway station.
How long does a visit take?
The Museum of India listing estimates an average visit at 1–2 hours.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Museum listings describe it as wheelchair friendly or wheelchair accessible.
Can you take photographs inside?
Flash photography is prohibited. Tripods and commercial filming require approval.