Gatehouse Navy Museum charts India’s naval history

Place: Ballard Bunder Gatehouse Navy Museum, 1 Ballard Estate, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Location: 18° 55′ 58.78″ N, 72° 48′ 21.62″ E

When to visit: First Sunday of every month, check with the Navy for timings. Entry: Free, open only to Indian citizens.

Dos and don’ts: You can take photos of the exhibits, the building itself, and the surrounding area. However, it is important to be respectful of the museum staff and other visitors. Do not use flash photography.

Ahoy there! If you are in Mumbai then a place that makes for a must-visit is Ballard Bunder Gatehouse Navy Museum. The story of the gatehouse is a journey through time and transformation; it was converted into a museum in 1920.

Significance in history

The museum is significant for several reasons. It is the oldest surviving building in Mumbai, and it has played an important role in the city’s history. The building was originally built as a gatehouse.

Architecture

It is a two-story structure with a crenelated roof and a verandah on all sides. The building is made of basalt and limestone, and it is decorated with several stained glass windows and murals. The architecture of the building is a mix of colonial and Indian styles.

There is a fascinating collection that takes you on a voyage through maritime history. There are intricately detailed scale models of ships from different epochs. You can’t miss the giant anchors, some towering up to six feet.

What to see

You’ll also encounter old maps and photographs of Mumbai. These treasures offer glimpses into the city’s past and its diverse communities, showcasing the evolution of the Mumbai dockyard. It’s a journey that connects the dots between the past and the present.

The museum is undergoing renovations in 2022. The renovations are expected to be completed in 2024. Hence, some exhibits may be closed or unavailable. The museum’s website and social media pages will be updated with the latest information on the renovations and what exhibits are available to view.

Interesting!

·         It was built in 1739 by the British East India Company as a gatehouse for the Ballard Estate, which was a British trading post.

·         The museum has a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the Navy’s history, from its humble beginnings to its present-day status as one of the most powerful navies in the world.

·         The museum is located on the waterfront and offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea.

·         The museum is a Grade I heritage building, which means that it is of exceptional importance and should be preserved.