Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, is one of the premier art and history museums in India. It is a not-for-profit organisation established by Act III of 1909 of the Bombay Legislation by the then Bombay
Presidency, called the Prince of Wales Museum Act (now known as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Act).
The museum is an autonomous institution un-aided by the government, but supported by public–private partnerships. Situated on the southern tip of Mumbai on the 'Crescent Site', the Museum building is a fine example of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture.
The CSMVS Museum has a collection of 70,000 historic and artistic works of various materials and techniques. These objects reflect the history of the human race from the stone age to contemporary times. The Museum has played an important role in creating awareness and sensitivity towards its rich collection through a range of visitor-friendly education programmes and academic activities. It has also rendered a larger contribution by creating exemplars in the field of preservation of heritage.
