Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum is Mumbai’s oldest museum, in Byculla next to Byculla Zoo. Its collections document the city’s history through fine and decorative arts, miniature models, maps, photographs and rare books; from Hotel Happyland, a three-star hotel in Mumbai, it is about 4.2 km away.
- Location: Rani Baug, Byculla East, next to Byculla Zoo.
- Collections: Art, clay models, dioramas and historical documents about Mumbai.
- Typical visit: Allow 1–2 hours.
- Hours: Open Thursday to Tuesday; closed Wednesday
The museum and its collections
The museum’s permanent collection tells the story of Mumbai through objects and records spanning several centuries. Fine and decorative arts sit alongside miniature clay models and dioramas depicting city life and history in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
For a documentary view of the city, look to the maps, lithographs, photographs and rare books. These materials cover Mumbai from the late 18th century to the early 20th century. The museum also presents contemporary art and culture alongside its permanent collection, with exhibitions held throughout the year.
Plan for an average visit of 1–2 hours. For a broader look at museums in Mumbai, consider how this city-history collection fits with other museum visits.
The building and its setting
The museum stands within Veer Mata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo, also known as Rani Baug, and is next to Byculla Zoo. Its address is 91A Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, Rani Baug, Byculla East, Mumbai 400027.
The institution opened to the public in 1857 as the Victoria and Albert Museum, Bombay. The present building at this site dates to 1872, and the museum took its current name in 1975. The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai manages it.
How do you get to the museum from Dadar?
Byculla is the nearest railway station, according to Museums of India. The museum is in Byculla East, so use its full address to identify the destination when planning your journey from Dadar.
For another cultural outing from Dadar, the Nehru Science Centre visitor guide covers a different kind of museum experience. Plan it as a separate stop rather than assuming it is on the way to Byculla.
Admission, hours and visitor facilities
Published hours range from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and published closure days differ. Check the 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.
The museum is a plastic-free zone, and single-use plastic items are prohibited. Keep a quiet, respectful atmosphere. Flash photography is prohibited; tripods and commercial filming require approval. Large bags, weapons and hazardous materials are not allowed, and tickets are valid only for the selected visit date and cannot be changed.
The museum is wheelchair friendly, with restrooms, drinking water, lockers, parking, a cafeteria and a museum shop. Guided tours and audio/visual guides are also available.
Pairing the museum with another stop
The museum’s position within Rani Baug makes the surrounding garden and zoo part of the same setting. You can plan time for the museum’s collections and then consider the wider grounds, keeping the 1–2-hour average visit duration in mind.
FAQs
What is Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum known for?
It is Mumbai’s oldest museum, with collections that document the city through art, models, maps, lithographs, photographs and rare books.
Which railway station is closest to the museum?
Byculla is the nearest railway station.
How long should you allow for a visit?
An average visit takes 1–2 hours.
Can you take photographs inside?
Flash photography is prohibited. Tripods and commercial filming require approval.