The Museum offers a rich selection of learning and outreach programmes focused on providing stimulating, participatory experiences that respond to different age, interest and language groups, and recognize a diversity of backgrounds. These experiences are aimed at creatively engaging with the Museum’s collection of artworks and exhibitions, encouraging critical engagement with Mumbai’s history, and artistic and cultural developments.
Going forward, the Museum will continue to offer online as well as select on-site programmes.
Fri, Sep 29, 2023 | 7 pm - 8 pm
Join us online for an interactive storytelling session as we share the story of a librarian of Basra and how she guards this palace of knowledge on the ground!
Age: 6 - 14 | Language: Hindi | Free and open to all
Register Here
Sat, 23 Sep, 2023 |11 am – 12:30 pm
In the late 19th century, a unique kind of ceramics known as 'Wonderland Art Pottery' gained popularity in the international market. This pottery style was developed by the students from the Sir JJ School of Art, who adorned the pots with designs and motifs inspired by the frescoes found in the renowned Ajanta caves.
Join us as we explore these histories and connections and get inspired to paint your own unique designs on clay dishes!
Charges: Rs.100 per participant. All materials will be provided.
Limited Spots. Registration is mandatory.
Venue: Museum Plaza, Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum
Register Here
Sunday, 17th Sep, 2023 9:30 am - 11:00 am
In celebration of World Ozone Day, join us for an adventure with storyteller Katie Bagli as we explore Rani Baug's leafy residents. Hear 'tree-mendous' tales of the grandiose Baobab, the hospitable Guest tree, the wise old Silver Oak, and the friendly Ghost tree and discover their vital role in keeping our ecosystem healthy and happy. The walk will begin with an overview of the history of the botanical garden and its strong link with the Museum.
Language: English
Venue: Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan
Register Here
English: Friday, Sep 12, 2023
Hindi: Tuesday, Sep 15, 2023
In collaboration with STEAM Academy
Have you ever wondered about your carbon footprint? Everything you do in your daily routine, from commuting to using mobile phones, generates carbon emissions. These emissions contribute to the Earth's greenhouse effect and play a significant role in depleting the ozone layer. Join our session to explore greenhouse gases, understand their impact, and discover simple steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint and embark on your journey toward climate action.
Saturday, 9th September 2023 11 am to 12:30 pm
Join us for a fun workshop to craft your very own eco-friendly Ganesha idol! Celebrated with fervor in Maharashtra, the Ganapati Festival unites people of all ages.
Embrace the joy of molding clay and kickstart the festivities with us!
Venue: Museum Plaza, Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum
Free and Open to All. Adults can participate as well.
All materials will be provided.
Register Here
24th (Eng) & 25th (Hindi) Aug 2023 11 am - 12 pm
With the 'Manhattan Project' under J Robert Oppenheimer currently in the headlines, let’s learn more about nuclear science and its various environmental impacts. In the mid-20th century, this emerging branch of physics gained prominence in India with several renowned scientists including Homi Bhabha, Raja Ramanna, R. Chidambaram, and Anil Kakodkar working on atomic research. Join us as we delve into the science behind atomic power and understand the difference between nuclear fission and fusion.
Saturday, 26th Aug 2023 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
In collaboration with EkiBeki
With Raksha Bandhan around the corner, what would be a better gift for your sibling than a hand-made Rakhi! Join us at the Museum to create DIY Rakhis with a Patwa artist. Patwas are a community of jewelers and weavers who work mainly with silver and golden threads.
Saturday, 12th August, 2023 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
In collaboration with Story Circus
Folktales hold a wealth of wisdom, but they also tell us a lot about our indigenous cultural traditions and make us appreciate certain wisdom handed down through the ages.
Join us at the Museum for the storytelling performance 'Discovery of India through Folktales' by @ulkamayurofficial in celebration of Independence Day. These enriching and entertaining stories will transport children and adults alike through the length and breadth of India, unraveling the rich culture, diversity, and heritage of our country.
Age group: Adults and Children above 5+
Language: English & Hindi.
Charges: Free
Friday, 21 & 28 July 2023 11 am - 12 pm
In collaboration with STEAM Academy
Before the manufacture of synthetic dyes, humans used natural colours obtained from plants, animals, or minerals. Throughout history, these natural dyes were not only used in textiles and paintings but also in the coloration of food and medicine. With the invention of synthetic dyes in 1856, the use of natural dyes declined. Join our upcoming session to learn more about the science of colours and the current trend toward sustainable dyes.
This session is presented by the BDL Museum in collaboration with STEAM Academy of Sciences, conceptualized & founded by Dr. A.P. Jayaraman. The talk will be delivered by Jasvinder Kaur with an introduction by the Museum's education team.
English: Fri, 21 July, 2023
Hindi: Fri, 28 July, 2023
Time: 11 am - 12 pm | Age: Grade 5 - 7 | Charges: Free
Session will be via Zoom.
Saturday, 15th July 11 am
Once upon a time, Museum objects were regarded as 'curiosities'. Take a closer look at a few such 'curious' objects from the Museum's collection - what clues are they hiding about their stories? Who made these objects? What was their purpose? And how did they reach the Museum?
Do you have such curious objects in your own home? The workshop will guide participants to read object histories and tell their stories through a miniature matchbox zine!
Free, open to all above 8 years
Venue: Museum Plaza, Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum
Friday, July 14, 2023 7 pm - 8 pm
In collaboration with Goshtarang
Performed by Mahendra Walunj and Ruchika Khot
Join us online for an interactive storytelling session as we share the story of a humble wolf! One fine day, the wolf tried to strike up a conversation with a lamb. As soon as the lamb saw the wolf's sharp teeth, it bolted! What happens next? Will the lamb and the wolf become friends, or will the wolf be judged based on how he looks? To find out, connect with us and join Mahendra Walunj and Radhika Khot as they read Quentin Greban's fun story, "Why Do They Say Wolves Are Bad?!"
Age: 6 - 14 | Language: Hindi
Saturday, 8th July 2023 11 am - 12:30 pm
Ragamala miniature paintings are a unique amalgamation of painting, poetry, and music that once thrived in the royal courts of India. Join us for a creative workshop that will take the participants through the Museum's collection of Ragamala miniatures and understand them through an audio-visual presentation of the paintings and the ragas they depict and the moods portrayed. Then try your hand at creating your own contemporary ragamala miniature!
Age: 8 years and above
Language: English
Thursday, 29th June 2023 | 6 pm
Join Tasneem Zakaria Mehta, Director, BDL Museum as she discusses her latest book 'Mumbai: A City Through Objects, 101 Stories from the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum', at the upcoming Literature Live! at the NCPA Mumbai. Published to commemorate the Museum's 150th anniversary in 2022, the book gives an in-depth and insightful account of the historical and cultural evolution of Mumbai and tells the lesser-known stories of our city through the unique objects from the Museum's collection and the people who made them.
Tasneem Zakaria Mehta will be in conversation with Reema Gehi Desai an arts writer, researcher, and cultural facilitator. A copy of the book will be available for purchase at the venue.
Co-published with Harper Collins' new design imprint Harper Design. the book has won several awards in the field of design and art publications.
Venue: Little Theatre, NCPA
Please note that seating is on a first come, first serve basis.
Saturday, June 17, 2023 10:30 am - 1:00 pm
Mumbai's cityscape is incomplete without its coastline, skyscrapers, flyovers and green open spaces. Join us with Sunday Bricks to build the Mumbai City Skyline with LEGO bricks and blocks.
Age: 6+ | open to children and adults.
Charges: Rs.100 per participant. All materials will be provided.
Venue: Museum plaza, Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum.
Saturday, 10th June, 2023 11 am - 12.30 pm
Join author and journalist, Fiona Fernandez as she takes you on a storytelling adventure across Mumbai! She will share humorous episodes and forgotten footnotes from her new children's book 'H for Heritage Mumbai', published by HarperCollins Children's Books.
The conversation will be moderated by the Museum Director, Tasneem Zakaria Mehta.
Age: 10 years and above | Charges: Free
Venue: Education Centre, Museum Plaza, Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum.
Register Here Queries: education@bdlmuseum.org
Saturday, June 3, 2023 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
In the 19th century, a unique kind of ceramics known as 'Wonderland Art Pottery' was popular in the international market. This pottery style was created by the students of the Sir JJ School of Art who painted them with designs and motifs copied from frescoes seen in the famous Ajanta caves. Join us as we explore these histories and connections and get inspired to paint your own unique designs on clay pots!
The workshop will begin with an introduction to the Museum's collection of pottery from the Sir J J School of Art.
Age: 10+ | Charges: Rs 100.
All materials will be provided.
Venue: Museum Plaza, Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum
17 & 24 Mar 2022 11 am – 12 pm
In collaboration with STEAM Academy
Have you ever noticed the massive ornamented gas lamps as you wander around the city? Have you ever wondered how the streets were lit up before electricity arrived in India and how it was being generated? Join us as we learn the evolution of lighting from coal, gas, kerosene, and electricity to LED and gradually towards solar energy today. e.
English: Friday, 17 Mar, 2023 | 11 am - 12 pm
Hindi: Friday, 24 Mar, 2023 | 11 am - 12 pm
2
Age: Grade 6 - 8 | Charges: Free
Session will be via Zoom. Limited spots available.
16th Nov, 2022 11 am – 12 pm
In collaboration with STEAM Academy
Did you know that microbes in the soil can either make or break your gardens? The relationship between plants and microorganisms, which has evolved over millions of years, is a fundamental element of the terrestrial ecosystems on earth. Join us as we discover more about these microorganisms, which play a significant role in the development and health of plants, as well as how human actions can upset this balance.
English: Wednesday, December 7, 2022
Hindi: Monday, December 12, 2022
11 am - 12 pm | Age: Grade 7 - 9
Charges: Free | Session will be via Zoom. Limited spots available.
In collaboration with Goethe-Institut
Join us this December, as we look at some entertaining, creative, exciting - and always enriching films on science followed up by fun experiments. The international festival, a celebration of science communication, aims to make science accessible to everyone.
This year’s theme is 'Equal Opportunities in Science' seeks to support recognizing gender stereotypes and dynamics that limit young people in their career and study choices and to reflect on them together with students. The goal is to show young people the entire range of career perspectives and encourage them to follow their individual strengths and interests.
Free and open to all above 8 years
All sessions will be via Zoom
Language: English
Register Here
- Mind the Gap - (No) Role Models
- What is Bionics? - When researchers take a leaf out of nature's book!
16th Nov, 2022 11 am – 12 pm
In collaboration with STEAM Academy
Did you know that Mumbai's iconic Marine Drive is located on land that was reclaimed from the sea in the 1920s? Special mechanised boats, known as dredgers, are employed to excavate underwater sediments and thus deepen the channels and harbour. The excavated sediments can be used for land reclamation. Explore the basic science of sedimentation, hydraulics, and the mechanics of dredging with us!
English: Wednesday, 16th Nov, 2022
Hindi: Monday, 24th Nov, 2022
11 am - 12.30 pm | Age: Grade 6 - 8
Charges: Free | Session will be via Zoom. Limited spots available.
Register : education@bdlmuseum.org
16 & 22 Sept 2022 11 am – 12 pm
In collaboration with STEAM Academy
Did you know that it takes between 50,000 and 300,000 lac bugs to manufacture 1 kilogram of shellac, an insect-derived resin? Shellac is used in producing glazed paper, wax crayons, jewellery, bangles, cosmetics, furniture, and decorative objects. Insects are an essential element of our ecology. Come along as we discover more about the Lac insect and other useful insects like bees and silkworms.
English: Friday, Oct 14, 2022
Hindi: Friday, Oct 28, 2022
11 am - 12 pm
Age: Grade 6 - 8 | Charges: Free
Session will be via Zoom. Limited spots available.
16 & 22 Sept 2022 11 am – 12 pm
In collaboration with STEAM Academy
The ozone layer is a shield of gas that protects the Earth from the harmful rays of the Sun and helps in preserving life on the planet. However, beginning in the 1970s, scientific evidence showed that the ozone shield was being depleted far more rapidly than naturally. Learn some fascinating ozone-related facts as we observe World Ozone Day and focus on preserving this important layer.
English: Friday, September 16, 2022
Hindi: Thursday, September 22, 2022
11 am - 12.30 pm
Age: Grade 6 - 8
Charges: Free
Session will be via Zoom. Limited spots available.
Register : education@bdlmuseum.org
Monday, 15th August, 2022 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
This Independence Day, join us for a special tour of the BDL Museum! As India celebrates 75 years of Independence, the Museum celebrates 150 years since it opened to the public in 1872. Explore the Museum's journey, stories behind the objects and get an insight into how the Museum collection evolved through a span of 150 years right from its early days, through the Independence movement, to contemporary times!
English: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Marathi: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Age: 10 years and above
Charges: Museum Entry Ticket Applicable
Saturday, 13th August, 2022 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
In collaboration with Story Circus
In celebration of 75th Independence Day, join us at the Museum with Ulka Mayur as she brings back some new stories in her performance 'Discovery of India with Folktales'. The stories will transport children and adults alike through the length and breadth of India with handpicked folklores from the country.
Age group: 5 to 12 years. Parents can accompany children.
Language: English & Hindi. No prior registration needed.
Seating will be on first come first serve basis.
Friday, 12th August, 2022 11 am - 12 pm
In collaboration with STEAM Academy
Cotton played a crucial role in the struggle for India’s Independence and in building the city of Mumbai. In the late 19th century, the Museum also won several medals at international and domestic exhibitions for sending the best examples of raw cotton. But do you know how exactly the fluffy cotton balls are converted into smooth fibres? Join us as we learn more about this natural fibre that once formed the backbone of Mumbai's socio-economic history!
Sunday, 07 August 2022 11 am - 12 pm
Presented in collaboration with Canada in India (High Commission of Canada)
The Museum is delighted to present 'Children’s Film Festival' featuring exciting Canadian animated stories about children and their freedom, rights, and values. Join us for this fun and educational monthly film screenings!
Age: 5 years +
Venue: Education Centre, Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum
Museum entry ticket applicable
Limited Seating on first come first basis.
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to revisit our past talks by
eminent scholars.
Know More
Solve riddles inspired by the Museum's permanent collection and
win prizes!
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Join us as we explore our past exhibitions and discuss their
continuing relevance.
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Share your artworks inspired by the Museum objects!
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Established in 1857, the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad is the oldest Museum
in Mumbai. It is a treasure house of decorative & industrial art
objects. The richly designed interiors of the Museum include the
encaustic Minton tiles, imported for the Museum in the late 19th
century. These patterns, found on the Grand Staircase & the
Mumbai Gallery, are a treat for our visitors and are an
important part of the city's history.
Know More
Piece-by-piece, make a Masterpiece!
How long does it take you to solve this jigsaw puzzle?
Share a screenshot and tag us @bdlmuseum on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.
BDL Museum is now on Spotify!
Tune into our curated playlist inspired by the BDL Museum's collection of Ragamala miniature paintings! The Ragamalas in the Museum’s collection are from the Jaipur school of miniatures. Ragamala, meaning 'garland of ragas', is a set of miniature paintings that depict personified ragas of Indian classical music. A raga is a melodic framework in Indian classical music with symbolic associations such as seasons, time, and mood. It is meant to evoke certain emotions among the listeners. Ragas also provide room for improvisation to musicians and singers.
The playlist features some of the most celebrated artists in Indian classical music. It begins with spirited morning ragas, progressing into soulful evening ragas.
Tune into our new playlist dedicated to the city of dreams -
Mumbai. From 'Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan' to 'Gully Boy', the
playlist tries to capture the essence of the city. The playlist
features songs of various musical styles that developed against
the backdrop of the city, ranging from classic Bhendi Bazaar
Gharana that developed in the city in the 1890s to contemporary
Bollywood music. The songs selected for the playlist draw
inspiration from the city and its people
The Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai City Museum seeks to serve the community as an Institution dedicated to excellence in cultural education through exhibitions and unique visual and intellectual media
An Institution of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai. Supported by the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation. Restored by INTACH, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage
Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum
Veer Mata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan (Rani Baug),
91/A, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road,
Byculla East Mumbai 400027 India
Temporarily Closed
T: +91 22 23741234
