Timeless Architecture Of Mumbai

After Miami, Mumbai has the second largest number of art deco buildings in the world. The style of architecture blends Gothic, Victorian and contemporary architectural styles. Many buildings, structures and historical monuments remain from the colonial era. ‘City of Dreams’ is home of some magnificent architecture. Apart from main tourist attraction like Gateway of India, Taj mahal Hotel here I have compiled a list of most offbeat and iconic buildings of Mumbai with some unknown facts about each.

Cama hospital

The Cama & Albless Hospital is a hospital for women and children. The building was designed in Medieval Gothic style. The building is made from stone obtained from Porbander.

Horniman Circle

Horniman circle is made up of a strong sweep of stately building facades, it is basically a semi-circle. It was constructed in 1860 opposite to town hall where live music was played every evening after sunset. It was tribute to Mr.B.G. Horniman, Editor of The Bombay Chronical. There’s an ancient banyan tree within the circle which acted as venue for India’s first stock exchange.

Dhanraj Mahal

Dhanraj Mahal is an iconic architecture of Mumbai which have design style that originated in Paris in the early 20th century. The building has an interesting history. It was acquired by Ministry of Defence during II world war.

CSMVS

The foundation for chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu sanghrahalaya was laid in 1905 by Prince of Wales therefore it is also known as Prince of Wales Museum of Western India. The building is made of Mixed styles of architecture like Mughal, Jain and Maratha.

BrihanMumbai Municipal corporation Building.

BMC building is Gothic Revival style of architecture which was build in 1884 by Frederick William Stevens. It is made of Golden-beige basalt rock. The chief architectural feature is The central dome that has height of 71.5 m.

Taj Mahal hotel

The most recognized of Jamshedji Tata contributes to his beloved city Mumbai remains the Taj mahal hotel. The Taj hotel is India’s first harbour landmark. There has been a rumour that hotel was constructed back side front but the reality is Jamshedji Tata wanted the rooms to face sea, practice that was unheard of In India at that time. This is probably why people believe that Taj hotel is accidentally built backwards. The dome of Taj hotel was the first clear marker of Bombay harbour.

Gateway of India

The gateway of India has built during British rule and inaugurated in 1924. It is combination of India and Islamic architecture with hints of Gujarati style influences. It was built in honour of King George V and Queen Mary’s visiting India. 21 lakhs were spent for building. The structure is an adaption of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The last British ships were set to sail to leave the country from the Gateway of India making it legend.

Picture credit : Amatulla challawala

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