Mumbai has a rich artistic and architectural heritage which is reflected in the various stately buildings that are spread across the city. The city has had the privilege of being artistically molded by various rulers over the centuries. Each of them has left a distinct mark of their own in terms of architecture.

These buildings are the rich heritage of the former Bombay to the present Mumbai. There are lots of visitors who come to visit the city to study these amazing masterpieces of architectures and their distinctive styles.

Some of the most visited heritage buildings in the city include:

Prince of Wales Museum: The Prince of Wales museum was set up in 1905 to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales. Some prominent citizens came out with this idea and on March 1, 1907, the Government of Bombay allocated a spot of land known as the Crescent Site to the museum committee.

The museum is located near the Bombay Yacht Club. It is built in blue basalt and yellow sandstone brought in from Kurla and has a vast concrete tiled dome. The museum was designed by George Wittet and the foundation stone was laid by the Prince of Wales who was to later become King George V.

It was completed in 1914 and houses many rare artifacts. During the World War I it was converted into a hospital and was reopened in 1923 by Lady Lloyd, the wife of Sir George Lloyd, the then Governor of Bombay.

University Hall & Library with Rajabai Tower: The Rajabai Clock Tower is one of the most outstanding landmarks of the city. It was built by Seth Premchand Raichand in fond memory of his mother, Rajabai. He was a famous banker and merchant of the 19th century.

The tower was designed by Sir Gilbert Scot and is a mix of Gothic and early ornamental French Style. The tower consists of 5 elaborately decorated stories which rise to a height of 280 feet. The top of the cupola is ornamented with 16 statues that depict the various Indian castes.

The University Hall is designed in the early 15th century French style and has an air of sanctity about it. It was funded by Sir Cowasjee Jehangir Readymoney.

Bombay Municipal Corporation: The foundation stone of Bombay Municipal Corporation was laid on December9, 1884 by the Viceroy, Lord Ripon. The Gothic structure was designed by F W Stevens and it was completed in 1893.

The beautiful building has a 255 feet tall tower, has a huge office complex and stands at the apex of two roads opposite the Terminus. The winged figure crowning the central gable is the Urbs Prima in Indis, a representation of the most significant city of the country.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus: This site is popularly known as Bori Bunder and was also called the Victoria Terminus. It was the new terminus for the Great Indian Peninsula Railways and was the largest and most extensive architectural work in the country in that period. This magnificent building was built in 1888 and represents the Italian Gothic style. It is the terminating point and starting point for the Central Railway trains now.

Hotel Taj Mahal Palace: This hotel was built by Jamshedji Nusserwanji Tata in 1903 and symbolizes the inherent Indian hospitality and warmth. It is located adjacent to the Bombay Yacht Club and faces the Arabian Sea giving it a more beautiful and soothing look. The hotel was designed by W Chambers and was considered to be one of the most significant places in the British Empire.

It suffered a mighty blow at the hands of anti-social elements a few years back but it has now been renovated and opened for public again in all its glory and splendor.

Gateway of India: The other name for the Gateway of India is the Apollo Pier. It was built in the memory of King George V and Queen Mary and was to correspond with their visit to India in December 1911. The grand arch was designed by George Wittet who was the consulting architect for the city. This was the last great buildings of the British Rule in India. The Gateway of India was intended as a triumphal arch to honor the visit of King George V and Queen Mary enroute to the Delhi Durbar.