Town Hall (Asiatic Society Library)

The Town Hall, now home to the Asiatic Society Library, is a stunning neoclassical building in the heart of South Mumbai. Completed in 1833, it was originally built as the town hall for the British colonial administration. The grand facade features a portico with Doric columns, while inside, the main hall boasts a high coffered ceiling, marble floors, and a sweeping staircase. The library holds over 100,000 books, including rare manuscripts and ancient texts. Visitors can explore the reading rooms, view exhibits of historical artifacts, and admire the architecture. The building is surrounded by the lush Horniman Circle Gardens, offering a peaceful retreat from the city's bustle.

Don't miss

• The grand staircase and main hall with its ornate ceiling
• Rare manuscripts, including the 14th-century 'Arthashastra'
• Horniman Circle Gardens outside for a relaxing stroll
• Exhibits of ancient coins, sculptures, and maps
• The library's reading room with original wooden furniture

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Town Hall (Asiatic Society Library)

Cheapest way inCultural & Heritage Trails of Old Town Mumbai Guided Walking Tour4.2★ · 23 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$12 per personSee dates →Best full dayHighlights of Mumbai Sightseeing Tour: TRAVELLERS CHOICE AWARDED4.9★ · 963 travelers5–6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$45 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleMumbai By Night: Lights & Luminance4.9★ · 299 travelers3–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$38 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Open Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM. Closed Sundays and public holidays.
• Photography inside the library may be restricted; ask permission.
• You can read books in the reading room but cannot borrow without membership.
• Guided tours are sometimes available; inquire at the reception.

A bit of history

Constructed between 1820 and 1833, the Town Hall was designed by British architect Colonel Thomas Cowper. It served as the venue for social gatherings and official functions during the British Raj. In 1830, the Asiatic Society of Bombay moved in, and the building has since been a center for scholarly research.