In the 1860s, the island of Bombay (now known as “the city of Mumbai”) underwent a metamorphosis from being a fortified town to becoming a center for administrative control and commercial prosperity. The following decades witnessed the surfacing of magnificent structures which acted as institutions of trade, communication, civilization, education, finance and much more for the city. These towering structures became the harbingers of hope, befitting the zeal and aspirations of the city. One such body established at the time was the Bombay Municipal Corporation (now known as the “Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation”) for the purpose of local civic administration.
The colossal heritage structure of the BMC Headquarters is opening its doors for the first time in about 100 years for tourists. This heritage structure has several stories to narrate. Enticing historians and architects alike, it will intrigue anyone with a penchant for cultural knowledge as well as indigenous people who connect with the city. At the time, Mumbai was the Urbs Prima of India – India’s foremost city and the BMC building embodies that fully.
Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is the tourism arm of the state government of Maharashtra that has been running a number of resorts, adventure activities, etc. MTDC signed an MoU with the BMC to open its doors for the first time in history for tourists and enable people to experience it from the inside. MTDC has officially empaneled Khaki Tours for the UrbsPrima curation. Khaki Tours has been conducting heritage walks, tours and experiences in Mumbai since 2015, in more than 40 city neighborhoods with a belief that history lies in our backyard, and not just in textbooks
On #UrbsPrima – the tour of the building – we take you through the stories of the city’s growth, the rich history of the corporation and the grand architecture of the building itself.
You can book your ticket from here:
https://in.bookmyshow.com/activities/urbsprima-inside-the-bmc-headquarters/ET00305112
Highlights
- The Father of the Corporation
- Mayors without an office
- The unique fountain of ducks
- 18 headgears of Mumbai
- The gilded dome
- A hidden source of water
- Lions from Italy
- A floating staircase
FAQ’S
Are we allowed to click pictures during the tour?
Ans: Yes. You will need to purchase the camera add-on to take your DSLR camera with you. Camera phones do not require one to purchase the add on. There are designated spots where one can take photos, these will be highlighted through the walk.
Is there a minimum/maximum age restriction to be a part of the tour?
Ans: No
What ID proofs one needs to carry in case of domestic as well as foreign tourists?
Ans: Foreigners – Passport. Indian citizens – Driving license/Aadhar/Passport.
Is parking available?
Ans: Paid parking available near Sterling cinema
Photos:
