The Prince of Wales Museum was built to commemorate King George V s first visit to India in 1905, though it did not open until 1923. Its collection includes impressive sculptures from Elephanta Island, Gujarat and Karnataka, terracotta figurines from the Indus Valley, Gandharan Buddhas, miniature paintings, porcelain and weaponry. There s a natural history section and a collection of second-rate European paintings, including a Gainsborough and three small Constables. The national Gallery of Modern art in the Sir Cowasji Jehangir Public Hall on MG Road is a dramatic exhibition space showcasing quality Indian modern art. The gallery is open daily expect Monday 11 am to 6 pm.
Entry is free.
It s lined with the grand 19th century edifices of British commercial firms, although the street s elegant arcades are now clogged by hawkers stalls-a favourite local metaphor for the Indianisation of British Bombay. This cherished but undistinguished fountain stands at the established business centre of Mumbai. Though named after the Roman goddess of abundance it was erected in 1869 in honour of Sir Bartle Frere, the governor of Bombay who was responsible for dismantling the fort and shaping much of modern Mumbai. This stately arcaded circle of buildings, laid out in the 1860 s around the sole surviving section of Bombay s original Cotton Green, was the result of a British attempt to stamp some discipline on the disorder of the fort. In a bid to clean up Mumbai s famous beach and to get rid of unsavoury elements, the authorities have dispersed the Koli fishing community and the roundabouts, Ferris wheels, shooting galleries and card games which gave Chowpatty so much of its charm at night.