Watson's Hotel (Esplanade Mansion) Mumbai
About
One of the oldest cast-iron buildings in the world, predating even the Eiffel Tower. This five-storey structure was once Mumbai's grandest hotel. Now in disrepair but still an architectural marvel.
Basic Information
Timings
Open for external viewing
Entry Fee
Free (external viewing only)
Best Time to Visit
Year-round
Place Type
Historical
How to Reach
Walk from Churchgate or CST station, located near Kala Ghoda
By Metro:
The nearest metro station is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (0.4 km away) on the Line 3.
By Local Train:
The nearest local train station is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (0.3 km away) on the Central Line, Harbour Line.
Nearby Metro Stations
Metro stations within 5 km of Watson's Hotel (Esplanade Mansion)
Nearby Local Train Stations
Local train stations within 3 km of Watson's Hotel (Esplanade Mansion)
History
Built in 1869 by British engineer Rowland Mason Ordish. It was the first building in India where the Lumière Brothers screened their films in 1896, marking the birth of Indian cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions
Opening Hours
Open for external viewing
Entry Fee
Free (external viewing only)
Type
Historical
Best Time to Visit
Year-round
How to Reach
Accessible via local trains to Malad station, short taxi or auto-rickshaw ride
Where cinema was first shown in India in 1896
One of the world's oldest surviving cast-iron buildings
Predates the Eiffel Tower's cast-iron construction
Only external viewing possible as the building is in poor condition
A significant piece of cinema history
Best combined with a Kala Ghoda heritage walk
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Watson's Hotel (Esplanade Mansion)
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