Waquar Habib
The UNESCO-listed Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai displays remarkable architecture along a peninsula in the Arabian Sea. It includes the 19th-century High Court of Bombay, Brabourne Stadium, the University of Mumbai, and casual eateries.
Once developed into a major trading centre, Bombay saw the upcoming of ambitious urban projects in the second half of 19th century. In this, first comes the Victorian Neo-Gothic marked by Indian elements suited to the climate, including balconies and verandas.
The Bombay High Court is an impressive neo-Gothic building with pointed arches and intricate details evoking grandeur. It functions as the high court of Mumbai, where justice is served beneath its lofty ceilings.
The Mumbai University building, with its grand facade, contains a rich academic heritage. The Victorian elements, such as the lancet windows and ornamental friezes, reflect a bygone era when education symbolised progress.
The Old Secretariat, a historic administrative centre, emanates Gothic charm. Its turrets, spires, and arched entrances transport visitors to a time when paperwork was conducted with quills and inkwells.
The NGMA seamlessly blends Victorian architecture with Indian sensibilities. It is situated in the Cowasji Jehangir Hall, near Regal Cinema in Colaba.
The Elphinstone College building, with its pointed gables and bay windows, has seen generations of scholars. Within its walls, knowledge flows like a steady stream, reflecting the aspirations of young minds.
The David Sassoon Library attracts book lovers with its Gothic arches and stained glass windows, where literary treasures await discovery by those seeking solace in words.
The Museum, a fusion of Gothic and Indian design, cradles artefacts from diverse cultures. Its facade, adorned with sculptures and friezes, narrates tales of art, history, and humanity.
The WR Headquarters stands as a testament to Mumbai’s rail heritage. Its Victorian facade conceals bustling offices where timetables are meticulously planned and journeys unfold.
The Art Deco Ensemble in Mumbai blends Indian design with Art Deco imagery to create a unique style known as Indo-Deco. These ensembles testify to Mumbai's modernisation in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Regal Cinema and its Art Deco contours evoke memories of silver screens and celluloid dreams. Neon signs beckon moviegoers, promising escape into fictional worlds where heroes triumph and love conquers all. Another notable art deco cinema is Eros Cinema.
Along the Marine Drive seafront, Art Deco residential structures stand like guardians of elegance. Some examples are Motabhoy Mansion, Soona Mahal, and Keval Mahal.
Art Deco offices and commercial spaces buzz with business activities. Their facades, adorned with zigzag patterns and stylised motifs, symbolise progress, reflecting the hopes of a growing city.
The Marine Drive promenade bordering Art Deco buildings is perfect for strolls. At sunset, their silhouettes cast against the Arabian Sea create a picturesque scene of urban romance—a tribute to Mumbai’s resilience and beauty.