In a bid to give impetus to tourism, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is planning to start guided tours inside its headquarters near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) on weekends, holidays and after office hours. The tourists will also be shown a light and sound show wherein Mumbai's culture and history will be depicted.
Built in 1893 by architect and engineer Fredrick William Stevens, the BMC Headquarters is an epitome of Gothic architecture in South Mumbai. As stated in Hindustan Times, a civic official said that the heritage building has beautiful interiors and exteriors. BMC wants to organise guided tours for visitors to see the heritage dome of the main building, the staircase and other architecture of the building such as its many corridors, arched doorways, windows etc. There will also be a light and sound show.
Also Read: MMRDA receives no bids for 630-feet tall 'Mumbai Eye' at Bandra Reclamation
Apart from that, BMC’s efforts on conservation of the heritage sites and the history of various man-made or natural landmarks such as the Gilbert Hill, Flora Fountain, CSMT, Gateway of India, Taj Mahal Palace etc., will be displayed
The BMC building is known for its 255 ft (77.7 m) tall tower. The chief architectural feature is the central dome that rises to a height of 71.5 m (234.6 ft). The gable has a huge winged allegorical figure representing the 'urbs prima in Indis', the first city of India as it was formerly known. The richly moulded and panelled Council Chamber has a ceiling of unpolished teak. At the entrance of the BMC building, there is a bronze statue of Sir Pherozeshah Mehta, a prominent Indian lawyer. He was knighted by the British Government in India for his service to the law. He became the Municipal commissioner of Bombay Municipality in 1873 and its President four times – 1884, 1885, 1905 and 1911.
Also Read: BMC allows residents of old buildings to park on roadside, announces changes in 'No Parking' policy