Mumbai, formerly Bombay, is the capital of Maharashtra state, southwestern India. It is the country’s financial and commercial center and its principal port on the Arabian Sea.
Mumbai’s architecture is a mixture of florid Gothic Revival styles—characteristic of the United States and Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries—and contemporary designs. Many residential and commercial buildings constructed in the Gothic Victorian style during the period of British rule still stand today—most notably the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus), the city’s main train station and headquarters of India’s Central Railway company. The older administrative and commercial buildings are intermingled with skyscrapers and multistoried concrete-block buildings.
Mumbai is the famous city of India, it has a rich Maharashtrian culture and many places for architects to visit in the city itself.
1. Gateway of India
When someone mentions Mumbai there is always a mention of the gateway of India. It was constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the city. This is Indo-Saracenic architectural spectacle and it was built by Scottish architect George Wittet. It is inspired by Indo-Islamic, Indian and Roman architecture. Built from yellow basalt and reinforced concrete, with a stone foundation.
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
It is the most famous railway station in India and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a good example of Victorian Gothic Revival and Indian architectural styles – featuring turrets, pointed arches and a high central dome, with a gigantic female figure holding a torch pointing upwards in her right hand and a spoked wheel in the other.
3. Haji Ali Dargah
This is a traditional Indo-Islamic-style architectural wonder – featuring stunning white domes and minarets.
4. Mumbai High Court
It was designed in early English-Gothic styles designed by Colonel J.A. Fuller, R.E. With blue-basalt used as facing over walls made of rubble and chunam, this colonial British-style building features various architectural details that continue to amaze visitors.
5. Mount Mary’s Basilica
It is a church designed by architect Shapoorjee Chandabhoy in 1904 – the statue of Mother Mary at the church is said to have been brought to India by the Portuguese in the 16th century.
6. The Taj Mahal Palace
The Taj Mahal Palace was built before the gateway of India. It takes inspiration from around the world, showcasing striking Victorian Gothic, Romanesque and Edwardian elements. The palace is a true art of its own.
7. Knesset Eliyahoo Synagogue
It is one of the oldest synagogues in the city. The building stands out due to its sky blue color. It has a very elegant look to it dua its victorian stained glasses. It was designed by British architectural firm Gostling & Morris.
8. World Trade Centre
As much as there are iconic buildings representing Bombay history, there is an increasing number of contemporary landmark buildings springing up in the financial hub of Mumbai.
9. Phiroze Jeejeebhoy Towers
It is owned and operated by the BSE., the landmark building serves as a reminder of the financial significance embodied by the city, and particularly South Mumbai.
10. Royal Bombay Yacht Club
It is one of the oldest clubs in Mumbai. Designed by a British architect, John Adam. it is influenced by the Gothic style architecture.
11. Elphinstone College
The Elphinstone College building is among the finest Victorian structures in India. It was designed by Trubshaw and Khan Bahadur Muncherjee Murzban. The building has breathtaking Gothic architecture and is classified as a Grade I heritage structure.
12. Rajabai Clock Tower
The clock tower was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, an English architect. The clock tower’s interior is magnificently ornate, and its stone exterior is flanked by 24 statues depicting the various castes and communities of western India.
13. Metro INOX
Metro INOX Cinemas is an Art Deco Heritage grade IIA multiplex Movie theatre in Mumbai. Though the building facade is excellent the interior of the theatre is more fascinating.
14. Kanchanjunga apartment
Skyscraper multifamily housing apartment tower. Many of the units are duplex, and the building is orientated to use prevailing sea breezes to get as much natural cooling as possible. The architect of this apartment is Charles Correa. The ventilation in this apartment is really good.
15. Dhanraj Mahal
Dhanraj Mahal is an Art Deco building, a design style that originated in Paris in the early 20th century. It has an interesting history. Built-in the 1930s, it was the former palace of the Raja Dhanrajgir of Hyderabad, and once the largest and costliest building in Mumbai.
