Mumbai’s first textile museum project is finally on track

The museum will come up at the 10-acre heritage precinct of the India United Mills compound.

More than eight years after the textile museum was proposed, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has floated a tender worth Rs25 crore for the first phase at Kalachowki in Chinchpokli.

The project aims to document, archive and represent Mumbai’s textile legacy. (HT Photo)

The museum will come up at the 10-acre heritage precinct of the India United Mills compound. The project aims to document, archive and represent Mumbai’s textile legacy.

The first phase will cover an area of approximately one acre or 7,000sqm. The area has three ring and spinning structures, a chimney, a semi-automatic loom and a pond. All individual structures in the compound have heritage status.

The first phase includes reconstruction of seven structures, landscaping and rejuvenation of a pond, restoration of an old chimney, sitting area overlooking the lake, eating kiosks and an amphitheatre.

The BMC is also planning a light and sound show.“We plan to retain as many old structures as possible. The show will also celebrate the legacy of mills and chawls,” said IA Kundan, additional municipal commissioner.

The second phase includes Indian textile galleries, exhibition spaces, a showcase of generations of mill workers, different machines and other historical aspects.