In Mumbai's bustling Kala Ghoda Art District, the David Sassoon Library and Reading Room is a beautiful Grade I Heritage structure. Constructed in 1867, this architectural wonder is not only one of the city's oldest educational establishments, but also an essential component of the UNESCO World Heritage site honouring the magnificent Victorian Gothic and Art Deco legacy. The outstanding library provides a singular window into Mumbai's rich cultural heritage and history.
Built between 1867 and 1870, the David Sassoon building is an impressive Grade I heritage edifice. The people and government contributed to the construction of this famous landmark, which was made possible by the generosity of Baghdadi Jew and philanthropist David Sassoon. Its exquisite fusion of Victorian Gothic and Art Deco styles was created by the gifted architects J Campbell and DE Costling. The Bombay Mechanics Institution, which has enhanced the city since 1847, was first housed in this majestic structure. In 1873, it was dubbed the Sassoon Mechanics Institute and its place in society was further cemented in 1923 when it changed its name to the prestigious David Sassoon Library.
The library’s historical and architectural significance is underscored by the fact that it is one of the oldest educational establishments amid the magnificent Victorian Gothic and Art Deco ensembles of the Mumbai UNESCO World Heritage Site. Students, academics, bankers, and traders can spend a lot of time learning here, thanks to its vast collection of books and manuscripts. In addition, individuals read newspapers on the balcony while taking in the tranquil surroundings. The reading room particularly becomes a vibrant hub for literary debates during the vibrant Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, fusing the tranquilly of reading with the passion of art.
After 16 months of closure for repairs, the library reopened to the public on June 3, 2023. Antique switches, chandeliers, and most of the original Minton tile flooring from the Victorian era have all been preserved in the library. Minton carpet patterns have been expertly replicated in each room. Rehousing some 30,000 volumes in five languages—English, Marathi, Gujarati, Hindi, and Kannada—was an essential part of this enormous repair. The library has a number of old volumes that date back many years. Reminiscent of the famous university libraries of Cambridge and Princeton, they now line the floor-to-ceiling shelves in the reading area on the first floor.
With its lovely windows, book stacks and reading desks, the building has an air of old-world elegance. The third-floor reading room is still in the same condition as it was 150 years ago. This Neo-Gothic library has a charming decor, arches, and old tiles. There is also a sizable garden where visitors can unwind and eat. The ground floor and garden of the David Sassoon Library and Reading Room in Mumbai are open to guests. However, members are the only ones allowed access. The cost of membership varies between ₹5,000 and ₹30,000. Daily hours are 8am to 9pm. Do plan your visit to this iconic library!
Imgae source: Architectural Digest, LBB, Wikimedia