Why did you choose Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum for the ‘Ocean Drive to Marine Drive: Mapping a Century of Deco | Miami Beach–Mumbai (1925–2025)’ exhibition?
It’s the oldest museum in the city. We wanted to take people back to places they belong but may not have revisited — mentally, physically, or emotionally. It’s such a beautiful, quiet space, yet most Mumbaikars haven’t been there.
To bring in younger audiences, we designed the show to be interactive and Instagram-friendly. A lot of thought went into making it visually engaging — something not always prioritised in Indian museum design.
The goal was simple: for every visitor to have fun. Come on a Sunday, bring your kids, discover something new, engage however you like, and leave with a memory.
What can visitors expect from the exhibition?
The exhibit is layered and accessible at multiple levels. A child might enjoy the photographs; an adult might dive deeper into the text. Some sections are interactive — you can flip panels or explore iPads. There’s also a lifestyle section.
We’ve had incredible contributions — original pieces loaned by Murthy’s, Godrej, Kamdar, and Milaya. Gayatri Khanna Sabarmal created a stunning Deco embroidery panel exclusively for us. The detailing — the hues, stones, metals, embroidery — captures the essence of Deco beautifully.
The museum store has been curated to complete the experience, featuring Bombay Deco books, stationery, and locally made products.
We wanted the visit to feel holistic: explore the exhibit, sit in the plaza with an iced latte while your kids enjoy the breeze, pick up a postcard, take photos — that’s the energy we envisioned.
Beyond restaurants and special menus, what else is part of the citywide celebration?
We’ve created a retail edit featuring jewellery, furniture, and fashion stores with Deco-inspired reinterpretations. There’s a digital map for people to explore these collections. The restaurant menus run over weekends, while the retail edit continues throughout the festival.
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