National Museum of Indian Cinema

The National Museum of Indian Cinema is a museum located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, dedicated to the history and development of Indian cinema.

History and architecture

The museum complex consists of two buildings:

Gulshan Mahal - A restored 19th century Victorian-Gothic heritage bungalow, which was originally built in 1875.
Modern Glass Galleries - A contemporary building with state-of-the-art exhibition spaces, designed by architect Raj Rewal.
Exhibition galleries

Gulshan Mahal

The heritage building chronicles early Indian cinema, featuring:

The arrival of cinema in India in 1896, with the first film screening by the Lumière brothers.
India's first feature film, Raja Harishchandra, released in 1913.
The transition from silent to talkie films in the 1930s.
The evolution of Indian cinema through the first half of the 20th century, including the rise of Bollywood.
Glass Building Galleries

The modern structure showcases:

Regional cinema across India, including films from Tollywood, Mollywood, and Kollywood.
Technological innovations in filmmaking, including the use of special effects and animation.
The evolution of contemporary Indian cinema, including the rise of independent films and digital platforms.
A special gallery dedicated to Satyajit Ray, featuring his Academy Award and contributions to cinema.
Collection

The museum houses an extensive collection, including:

Vintage cameras, lights, and filmmaking equipment, such as the Arriflex camera used by Satyajit Ray.
Interactive technology demonstrations, including a virtual reality experience of a film set.
A timeline displaying landmark films across 100 years of Indian cinema.
Memorabilia from iconic Bollywood films, including costumes and props.
Historic artifacts from Mumbai's film industry, including vintage film posters and photographs.
Visitor experience

The museum offers an immersive journey through Indian cinema, using:

Storytelling presentations, including audio guides and interactive displays.
Interactive galleries, including a gallery on film editing and sound design.
Multimedia displays, including video installations and virtual reality experiences.
Musical exhibits, including a gallery on film music and composers.
Hands-on technology demonstrations, including a workshop on film-making techniques.