Page 43 - BBC Knowledge - October 2017 IN

10 REASONS TO LOVE THE
DR BHAU DAJI LAD MUMBAI CITY MUSEUM 6. IT SCREENS MOVIES!
The Movies at the Museum series hosts
1. IT’S HOUSED IN A BEAUTIFUL BUILDING includes miniature clay models, dioramas, public screenings of art movies, documentaries,
The oldest museum in Mumbai, the Dr Bhau maps, lithographs, rare documents and books and animation movies in association with the
Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum (formerly the that capture life in the erstwhile city of Bombay Alliance Francais of Mumbai and the Consulate
Victoria & Albert Museum) cocoons collections in the 19th century. General of Canada.
that showcase the city’s cultural and industrial
heritage within an impressive edifice on the city 4. IT’S GOT GREAT WORKSHOPS FOR 7. IT HOSTS INTERESTING
zoo grounds. This two-storey structure, with CHILDREN AND ADULTS TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS
its Palladian exterior, high Victorian interior, The museum organises workshops for children There’s always a great photography or natural
Corinthian columns, detailed woodwork, etched thrice a month, designed around the permanent history exhibition or some other installation
glass and gold ceiling, along with Minton tiled collections, at which young enthusiasts could awaiting your attention.
floors, is a well-preserved testament to learn the art of raagmala painting or how to
19th century architecture. throw a pot. Pre-registration is a must. 8. IT’S GOT COOL MERCH
Adults can also sign up to learn to make The revamped Museum Shop is, happily,
2. IT OFFERS FREE PUBLIC TOURS terrariums, films on their phone, or go on a trove of wares you’ll want to take home.
The museum organises free public tours on a photo walk around the Byculla neighbourhood. Inspired by many of the historical items on
weekends. The tours are conducted in English display, you’ll find calendars, notepads and tote
and Hindi or Marathi. 5. IT ORGANISES SCAVENGER HUNTS! bags engraved with images of old Bombay,
In a bid to open up the museum space to boxes with enamel paintings and filigree work
3. IT’S GOT RARE TREASURES a younger demographic, the museum puts and, of course, postcards and envelopes with
The curated repertoire includes a vast collection together scavenger hunts for children, with clues designs harking back to a rich past.
of archaeological finds, maps and historical revolving around the building’s collections. Other
photographs of Mumbai, clay and silver models, activities include the Byculla for Kids Walks, 9. IT OFFERS INTERNSHIPS AND
pottery and paintings. Its permanent collection and story-writing sessions for kids and adults. DOCENT COURSES
Don’t be surprised if your tour guide looks a
TRAVEL WITH FOOD little young. The museum offers internships and
docent courses to young adults and adults with
BUNNY CHOW an interest in history, art history and design,
and in the workings of a museum. The year-long
South Africa courses offer them a chance to participate in
research activities and curation, and lead
Iconic and eye-catching, bunny chow a museum tour for the public.
is bread bowls filled with curry, a dish
invented by the Indian community in 10. IT’S GOT AN INFORMATIVE WEBSITE
Durban in South Africa. They were and The website of the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai
continue to be great portable meals on City Museum (www.bdlmuseum.org) is a great
a budget. The ‘bunny’ comes from the place at which to plan your visit and make
word ‘bania’, Hindi for merchant. the most of your time in this cool place.
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