There’s much to see in Mumbai and it is virtually impossible to behold all its beauty in the span of a day or a week. Even a lifetime, they say, is not enough. But we’ve done the hard work here, and whittled down Mumbai’s beauty into ten essential must-see places. Whether you’re a first time visitor or a Mumbaikar for life, consider yourself a Mumbai pro if you’ve seen these ten gorgeous sites. Some of these are heritage structures, others are public areas, and still others are spaces that have been converted into works of art courtesy initiatives by St+art and Asian Paints.
1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus: Built in 1887, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, better known among locals as CST is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The structure features a fusion of influences from Victorian Gothic Revival architecture to classical Indian architecture. On special occasions, the building is lit up making it all the more beautiful. A favourite among photo hunters.
2. Love Mumbai: Designed by Hitesh Malaviya (Rocky) and Hanif Kureshi for an initiative by the art collective St+art India and Asian Paint, Love Mumbai is an iconic typography installation that wows everyone who visits Bandra Reclamation.
3. Jehangir Art Gallery: Art aficionados have sworn by the charms of Jehangir art gallery for many years. It is an artist’s art gallery, frequented, supported and loved by some of the foremost artists of the country.
4. Carter Road: Mumbai is a city of seaside promenades and there is perhaps none more picturesque than Carter road. A 1.25 km stretch, famous for being the home of celebrities, “Carter’s” as it is affectionately called, comes alive in the evening as the sun sets into the ocean.
5. Churchgate station: While it is a busy hub for local commuters, Churchgate station is also known for its 25-metre long and 8-metre wide mural of Mahatma Gandhi designed by celebrated Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra in collaboration with St+art and Asian Paints.
6. Prithvi Theatre: The original home of the performing arts in Mumbai, Prithvi theatre has earned a reputation for nurturing some of India’s brightest actors and actresses. Modelled on the great theatres of Europe, Prithvi has a charm that few theatres have in India. Attend a show. Who knows? You may be seeing India’s next biggest star.
7. Sassoon Dock: Once a thriving dock and marketplace, Sassoon Dock is now heralding a sea change in the art world. Asian Paints along with St+art India in collaboration with artists, illustrators, and designers from Indian, France, Singapore, Australia came together to convert the dock into a unique experiential exhibition with installations, murals, screenings and AV experiences that people can visit and interact with. It’s art like you’ve never seen before, at a destination you never imagined it could exist.
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8. Asiatic society library: Built in 1804, the Asiatic society library is an imposing structure built in the tradition of Greek and Roman architecture. Once described as the most magnificent structure ever erected in India, the building still inspires awe in passersby and visitors.
9. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya: Another structure in the Indo-Saracenic style that graces some of Mumbai’s best known monuments, this museum also incorporates Mughal, Maratha and Jain styles of architecture that make it a visual treat. There are more wonders inside the museum though, with over 50,000 ancient Indian artefacts on display.
10. Gateway of India: An arch monument built in the Indo-Saracenic style to commemorate the visit of King George V to India, the Gateway is perhaps Mumbai’s most well known and easily recognised monuments. An essential item on your Mumbai bucket list.
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