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The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) was founded in 1984 to preserve India's tangible and intangible heritage.

The INTACH Mumbai Chapter has been involved with a number of important projects, including the preparation of a comprehensive development plan for Elephanta caves and island, preparing the document for World Heritage status for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the restoration of the fire damaged Municipal Corporation Hall, the restoration of the Afghan Church, the refurbishment of the Gateway of India plaza and the restoration and adaptive reuse of Jinnah House as a South Asia Cultural Centre. It has been involved in various efforts to protect, restore and promote heritage in the city. The INTACH Art Conservation Centre, established in 2004, has restored and conserved over 4000 artefacts, rare books and manuscripts at the museum.

22/09/2026

BJPCI: Through the Eyes of Conservation Architect Vikas Dilawari

Educational institutions began to flourish in the city in the mid-19th century with the founding of the University of Bombay. Schools such as Cathedral and JB Petit catered to the city’s elite, while schools like Wilson served the city’s native population.

In 1890, the Honourable Seth Byramjee Jeejeebhoy C.S.I. (1822–1890) created the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Parsee Charitable Institution (BJPCI) Trust, setting aside the munificent sum of Rs. 3,50,000 to establish a school for poor Parsee boys. He chose a prime site facing the sea, on the city’s main arterial road and adjacent to an Atash Behram. He also chose one of the finest Indian architects of his time, Khan Bahadur Muncherji Cowasji Murzban, the largely unsung ‘native’ architect and superintendent associated with many of the city’s famous British landmarks of the late 19th century.

The BJPCI building was constructed in 1906 and completed in 1908. Although the Gothic Revival style, popular in the late 19th century, had begun to fade by the early 20th century, this building on Queens Road, facing the Arabian Sea, stands out as a landmark, crowned by a statue of Athena, the Greek Goddess of Learning and War. For many years, the statue was missing, and a 501 soap hoarding occupied its place. Even before heritage legislation and awareness had taken root in Mumbai, the Trustees decided to restore the building to its former glory and appointed conservation architect Vikas Dilawari to oversee the work. He has been involved with the building and its conservation for the past 35 years. The building received the Indian Heritage Society Award in 1993–94 for its conservation efforts, and in 2024 it was honoured with the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Merit.

The walk will explore the building, its context and architectural style, its interiors and materials, and offer a panoramic view of Mumbai’s evolving skyline. It will also briefly touch upon the conservation journey that has helped preserve this remarkable landmark.

Date: Saturday, 26th September
Time: 04.00PM – 05.30 PM
Members: Complimentary
Non- members: 300/-
To Register whatsapp on 8087773299

21/09/2026

Yet another beautiful and insightful Sunday morning spent ambling through the labyrinth of Girgaon with Mihir Vaidya and his lived experiences of Girgaon. This walk also couldn’t have been conducted at a better time — bringing together the chawls of Girgaon and their over a century-old Ganesh Utsav practices.

While the entire city is buzzing with the festivities, Girgaon too is celebrating, but in its own quiet ways — rooted in tradition and honouring the purpose with which the public celebration of this festival was initiated.

The walk took us through the numerous wadis of Girgaon, each with its own fascinating story of migration, ownership, community, enterprise and stories of their survival through the times. Together, these chawls also echo stories of the freedom struggle and the voices of prominent freedom fighters, literary and film personalities.

As things stand today, surrounding every chawl is a high-rise that literally dwarfs the chawls and wadis physically, but in no way does it dwarf the spirit, the aspirations and the culture of this community. How long before the remnants of this culture get swallowed by the ever-expanding city is perhaps just a matter of time.

And yet, Girgaon’s chawls — such an important part of the city’s history, culture and social fabric — we hope don't get relegated to only memory and archives!

Katyayani Agarwal Rajul Dhaimade Anita Yewale Adil Dholakia Asad Lalljee Nayana Kathpalia Kirtida Unwalla Utkarsh patel

14/09/2026

Let’s welcome & celebrate Ganpati together 🙏 May we also celebrate the traditions, stories and craftsmanship that make our cultural heritage so vibrant.
Wishing everyone a joyful and meaningful Ganesh Chaturthi.
INTACH Greater Mumbai team Katyayani Agarwal Rajul Dhaimade Anita Yewale Adil Dholakia Kirtida Unwalla Utkarsh patel Nayana Kathpalia Asad Lalljee

06/09/2026

Girgaon Chawls & Ganapatis with Mihir Vaidya

Located in South Mumbai, Girgaon is one of the city’s oldest chawl neighbourhoods. Once known as the ‘Native Town’, it has played a key role in shaping Mumbai’s social and cultural life. Its chawls and wadis embody a distinct way of life, shaped by shared spaces, everyday interactions, traditions and celebrations.

This walk takes us through some of Girgaon’s historic chawls, exploring their architecture and the living culture fondly known as ‘Chawl Culture’. With Ganeshotsav underway, the neighbourhood's festive atmosphere and numerous Sarvajanik Ganpati pandals add another dimension to the experience. The walk invites us to experience Girgaon through its chawls, discover the stories embedded within them, and reflect on a historic neighbourhood whose distinctive fabric is gradually disappearing.

About the Expert:
Mihir Vaidya is an architect and urban designer from Girgaon. Born and brought up in the neighbourhood, he has witnessed its chawls evolve and transform over the years. Drawing on his lived experience and academic research, he hopes to share stories and insights into Girgaon that often remain beyond its more familiar narratives.

* Sunday, September 20
* 09.00 am – 11.00 am
* Members: 900/- Non - members: 1100/-
* To Register whatsapp on 8087773299

* DISCLAIMER:
•⁠ ⁠No refunds
•⁠ ⁠No adjustments for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the walk
•⁠ ⁠Cancellations 48–72 hours in advance with a valid reason may be adjusted against a future walk (conditions apply)
•⁠ ⁠If the adjusted walk costs less, no refund is issued. If it costs more, the difference must be paid.

01/09/2026

A landmark collaboration for India’s artistic heritage.

INTACH Greater Mumbai Chapter is delighted and honoured to announce the signing of an MOU with LIC for the conservation and restoration of two monumental early works by M.F. Husain and K.K. Hebbar, each measuring almost 13 x 16 feet.

We are deeply grateful to LIC for recognising the value and significance of these national treasures and entrusting us with their preservation. The journey to this signing spanned nine months, with both teams working closely together to define the methodology, refine techniques and arrive at realistic timelines for a restoration project of this scale and significance.

Our sincere thanks to Mr. Pradeep Shenoy, ED (CC), Ms.Roselata Kerkatta, ED (Estates), and Mr. P.K.J. Dungdung, ED (Engineering), LIC, for their support in making this important collaboration possible.

A privilege, a responsibility, and a commitment to ensure that the vision of these two masters lives on for generations to come.

Katyayani Agarwal Rajul Dhaimade Anita Yewale Adil Dholakia Kirtida Unwalla Nayana Kathpalia Utkarsh patel Asad Lalljee

31/08/2026

The only Opera House in the country, with its classical exteriors and Baroque interiors, eclectic ornamentation suited to the function of the edifice, and even touches of nautical imagery, stands on the periphery of what was once the cultural and entertainment hub of the city. The entire precinct of Grant Road, with the Opera House at its heart, was once known as the Times Square of Mumbai.

From its foundation in 1909, to its takeover by the Royal Family of Gondal in 1952, and finally its restoration in 2010, the Opera House has witnessed an array of significant social, cultural and political activities, preserving fascinating stories from the lives of some of the most prominent families of our country’s entertainment industry, such as the Mangeshkars, Kapoors, and many others. It has seen the era of vernacular theatre, movie screenings and even tamasha. Today, it continues to serve as a multi-purpose facility, keeping alive the rich legacy of this iconic monument.

It still retains its opulence and grandeur through its original chandeliers from the house of David Sassoon and the palace of the Gondal Royals, its painted artworks, pieces of furniture, original royal boxes and rich woodwork.

A walk through this iconic theatre with Kruti Garg from the conservation team of Abha Narain Lambah, on a warm Sunday morning, brought alive not only the entire history of entertainment in the city, but also the history of the Opera House and the painstaking process of its conservation.

Thank you Avid Learning Kruti Garg and Royal Opera House, Mumbai for putting this together for INTACH.

Katyayani Agarwal Rajul Dhaimade Anita Yewale Adil Dholakia Nayana Kathpalia Kirtida Unwalla Utkarsh patel Asad Lalljee

30/08/2026

No potholes in this journey, only a flyover to the top!

Thrilled that Flyovers & Potholes, our Mumbai based board game, inspired by Snakes and Ladders, has won the IBDA Award for Best Design in India!

More than just a game, Flyovers & Potholes takes players on a journey through Mumbai, educating, informing and sensitising them to the city’s tangible and intangible heritage, all while having fun!

Rajul took forward the idea suggested by Katyayani Agarwal, Convener of INTACH Greater Mumbai Chapter giving it a contemporary twist. She received the award for her excellent design for ‘Love and Faith', followed by a proud shared trophy moment together for INTACH Greater Mumbai chapter.

Who knew navigating Mumbai’s flyovers and potholes could lead to an award winning destination!

Katyayani Agarwal Rajul Dhaimade Anita Yewale Adil Dholakia Nayana Kathpalia Asad Lalljee Utkarsh patel Kirtida Unwalla

20/08/2026

FilmIt Orientation Workshop | INTACH Greater Mumbai Chapter

What does it take to tell a story through film?

On Thursday, 13 August, the INTACH Greater Mumbai Chapter, in collaboration with the HECS Division, organised a FilmIt Orientation Workshop at the IESCOA Auditorium, bringing together more than 75 students from 11 schools.

The workshop conducted by flim maker Shikha Gupta, introduced young participants to the many elements that go into making a film, from developing an idea and framing a shot to understanding camera angles, composition, lighting and the use of natural light.

The students also learnt the nuts and bolts of filmmaking: shooting, editing, recording voice-overs and adding music to bring their stories to life. It was an engaging, hands on introduction to the creative and technical possibilities of filmmaking, encouraging students to look at the world around them with a more observant eye.

We were especially delighted to have Ms. Purnima Dutt travel from Delhi especially to conduct the workshop and share her knowledge and experience with the students.

A heartfelt thank you to IESCOA and Mr. Shripad Bhalerao for their generous support in making the workshop possible.

Here’s to encouraging the next generation of young storytellers one frame at a time!

Katyayani Agarwal Rajul Dhaimade Anita Yewale Adil Dholakia Asad Lalljee patel Kirtida Unwalla

18/08/2026

Visit to Royal Opera House with Kruti Garg

The walk begins by tracing the evolution of theatres and performance spaces in Mumbai, exploring how the city’s vibrant cultural landscape gave rise to iconic entertainment venues.

Participants will then journey through the remarkable history of the Royal Opera House—from its conception and architectural influences to its significance in the social and cultural life of Bombay. A key highlight of the walk is an insider’s perspective on the conservation of the Royal Opera House, documenting the extensive restoration work ,conservation philosophy, technical challenges, discoveries made during restoration, and the collaborative efforts that brought this landmark back to life.

About the Expert:
Kruti Garg is a conservation architect with over two decades of professional experience in conservation, restoration, adaptive reuse, and interpretation of historic buildings and cultural sites. As an Associate partner and Director at Abha Narain Lambah Associates, she has contributed and led many award-winning conservation, adaptive reuse and museum projects that have shaped the firm's national and international reputation combining rigorous conservation practice with design, research and heritage interpretation.
Beyond her architectural practice, Kruti is committed to making heritage more accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. She has conceptualized and led numerous heritage walks, public lectures, and educational initiatives that explore the history, architecture, and urban evolution of Mumbai. She also headed the Heritage Walks vertical at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival for a decade curating, creating and leading engaging public programs around the city's cultural heritage.

Date: Sunday, 30th August
Time: 10.00 am - 12.00 pm
₹800 members/ ₹1000 non-members
To Register whatsapp on 8087773299

DISCLAIMER:
•⁠ ⁠No refunds
•⁠ ⁠No adjustments for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the walk
•⁠ ⁠Cancellations 48–72 hours in advance with a valid reason may be adjusted against a future walk (conditions apply)
•⁠ ⁠If the adjusted walk costs less, no refund is issued. If it costs more, the difference must be paid.

13/08/2026

On World Elephant Day, 12 August 2026, INTACH Mumbai, in collaboration with NGMA Mumbai and Avid Learning, had the most wonderful opportunity to host an evening dedicated to one of the world’s most magnificent, intelligent and amiable creatures—the elephant.

The evening was graced by the presence of Bittu Sahgal, the renowned wildlife conservationist, and attended by people who share a love for elephants and a commitment to conserving and protecting them from the many threats they face today.

Passionately describing elephants as the “engineers and architects of the forests” in his opening remarks, Bittu Sahgal brought the evening alive with his delightful and deeply meaningful wildlife stories and teachings. His words not only enlightened the audience but also reminded us of the intricate role elephants play in sustaining the ecosystems they inhabit.

Loved, revered and respected by people and cultures across the world, particularly in India and Southeast Asia, the elephant holds a significance that extends far beyond the natural world. This was beautifully brought to life through a short presentation by Utkarsh and Arundhuti of the Mythology Project, who explored the many cultural and mythological associations of this magnificent creature.

The evening continued with the screening of GAJA LOK, a film that traces the elephant’s origins, journey and evolution through the ages and continents, while also turning its lens towards the conservation efforts being undertaken in India. The film brought into focus the urgent need to protect this remarkable species and work towards a harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants—a relationship that has existed since time immemorial.

An evening of stories, knowledge, mythology, film and, above all, a shared commitment to the elephant—an extraordinary creature that has walked alongside humankind for millennia.

Katyayani Agarwal Rajul Dhaimade Anita Yewale Adil Dholakia Utkarsh patel Asad Lalljee Kirtida Unwalla

Address

Mumbai

Telephone

6571-9211

Website

http://www.intach.org/

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