# Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya — Mumbai, India

> Formerly the Prince of Wales Museum — Mumbai's premier museum in an Indo-Saracenic building near the Gateway of India, with Indian miniature paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts.

## Visitor facts
- Opening hours: Daily: 10:15 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed some public holidays)
- Admission: ₹500 foreign visitors · ₹85 Indian nationals
- Free entry: Free for Indian nationals on select heritage days
- Address: 159-161 Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Fort, Mumbai 400023, India
- Time needed: 2 hours
- Official website: https://www.csmvs.in/
- Facts verified: 2026-06-30

## Highlights
- Indus Valley Dancing Girl — Mohenjo-daro · c. 2500 BCE
- Gandharan Buddha Head — Gandhara school · c. 2nd–3rd century CE
- Mughal Miniature — Shah Jahan on Horseback — Mughal court workshop · c. 17th century
- Hanging Miniature Paintings Ceiling — Various Rajasthani schools · 18th–19th century

## FAQ
**What is CSMVS in Mumbai?**
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya — formerly the Prince of Wales Museum — is Mumbai's largest museum, combining Indian art, archaeology, and a natural history section in a landmark domed building.

**How long should I spend at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya?**
Plan 2 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.

**What is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya best known for?**
Formerly the Prince of Wales Museum — Mumbai's premier museum in an Indo-Saracenic building near the Gateway of India, with Indian miniature paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts. Key highlights include Indus Valley and prehistoric archaeology, Gandharan Buddhist sculpture, Mughal and Rajasthani miniature paintings.

**How do I get tickets for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya?**
₹500 foreign visitors · ₹85 Indian nationals Free for Indian nationals on select heritage days. Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://www.csmvs.in/

**Is CSMVS the same as the Prince of Wales Museum?**
Yes — the museum was renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya in 1998, but locals and guidebooks still often call it the Prince of Wales Museum. The building and collections are the same institution.

**Can I combine CSMVS with the Gateway of India?**
Absolutely — the museum is a 5-minute walk from the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace. Most visitors see both in a single morning in the Fort district.

**Does CSMVS have a natural history section?**
Yes — a separate wing holds taxidermy dioramas, geological specimens, and ethnographic displays. It is included in the standard admission ticket.


Source: https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/chhatrapati-shivaji-maharaj-vastu-sangrahalaya/ — World Museum Guide, independent and ad-free.