David Sassoon Library & Reading Room Mumbai
About
A beautiful Victorian library in the heart of the Kala Ghoda arts district. The David Sassoon Library is a peaceful haven with a reading room, garden, and stunning Venetian Gothic architecture.
Basic Information
Timings
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Mon-Sat)
Entry Fee
Free (membership for borrowing)
Best Time to Visit
Year-round
Place Type
Heritage
How to Reach
Walk from CST or Churchgate station. Near Kala Ghoda.
By Metro:
The nearest metro station is Hutatma Chowk (0.3 km away) on the Line 3.
By Local Train:
The nearest local train station is Churchgate (0.5 km away) on the Western Line.
Nearby Metro Stations
Metro stations within 5 km of David Sassoon Library & Reading Room
Nearby Local Train Stations
Local train stations within 3 km of David Sassoon Library & Reading Room
History
Founded in 1847 by philanthropist David Sassoon, the library building was designed in Venetian Gothic style. It has served as a public library for over 175 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Opening Hours
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Mon-Sat)
Entry Fee
Free (membership for borrowing)
Type
Heritage
Best Time to Visit
Year-round
How to Reach
Accessible via local trains to Malad station, short taxi or auto-rickshaw ride
The library has over 40,000 books
The garden is a popular reading and relaxation spot
The building is a Grade I heritage structure
Temporary membership available for visitors
The garden is a peaceful escape from the busy Fort area
Combine with a Kala Ghoda art walk
Nearby Attractions
Other popular places to visit near David Sassoon Library & Reading Room
Fashion Street
Shopping
Watson's Hotel (Esplanade Mansion), Kala Ghoda
Heritage

Trishna, Kala Ghoda (Fort)
Restaurant
Victorian Gothic & Art Deco Ensemble (UNESCO Site)
Heritage
Flora Fountain (Hutatma Chowk), Fort
Landmark
Flora Fountain (Hutatma Chowk)
Monument
Mumbai's Victorian & Art Deco Heritage Trail (Full Route)
Heritage

Bollywood Film Location Heritage Walk
Experience
St. Thomas Cathedral, Fort
Religious
St. Thomas Cathedral
Religious