In 1925, a landmark architecture exhibition held in Paris unveiled a bold new design movement that would come to define an era: Art Deco. Over the past century, this glamorous architectural style has grown from its initial emergence into a global phenomenon, celebrated for its distinctive motifs and its embodiment of the optimism and modernity of the early 20th century. Evocative of neon-lit jazz bars and the golden age of cinema, Art Deco rapidly spread across continents, influencing not only buildings but also interior design, furniture, typography, jewelry, and the aesthetic of iconic movie theaters.
Art Deco’s signature features include geometric patterns such as ziggurats—step-like tower forms—along with sweeping curves, sunburst motifs, nautical elements, and circular or turreted rooftops. This style represented a clear break from the ornate, historicist architectural styles of the past, such as Victorian Gothic. Instead, it celebrated a new era defined by speed, progress, and technological innovation. The rise of the automobile and the introduction of concrete as a versatile, cost-effective building material helped fuel the rapid adoption of Art Deco. Concrete could be shaped and constructed far faster and cheaper than traditional stone, making it ideal for the modern age.
Atul Kumar, founder of the Art Deco Mumbai Trust and curator of a new exhibition at the Art Deco Alive festival, explains that Art Deco was “not elaborate like Victorian Gothic design that preceded it” but rather offered a classicism and simplicity that has endured through the decades. It was a style that symbolized hope and optimism, perfectly capturing the spirit of the post-war 20th century, when societies worldwide were eager to embrace progress and innovation.
While Art Deco made impressive marks around the globe—from the pastel-colored hotel facades of Miami’s South Beach to the sprawling mansion apartments along Mumbai’s Marine Drive—nowhere has the style been more thoroughly embraced than in Mumbai. The city is home to what is widely considered the world’s largest documented collection of Art Deco buildings, though some sources place Miami just ahead. What sets Mumbai apart is the sheer variety and pervasiveness of Art Deco architecture across the city.
Unlike Miami, where Art Deco was primarily a symbol of leisure and spectacle, Mumbai’s adoption of the style was deeply integrated into the city’s fabric. The buildings were not restricted to glamorous hotels or entertainment venues; they included schools, cinemas, bungalows, petrol stations, and banks. This all-encompassing embrace of Art Deco reflected Mumbai’s identity as a bustling, modern mercantile port city undergoing dramatic economic and social transformation in the early 20th century.
Despite their prominence, many of Mumbai’s Art Deco buildings remain hidden in plain sight. Often, their residents and occupants are unaware of the cultural and historical significance of the architecture that surrounds them. Yet, the style’s pervasive presence has seeped into the public consciousness, becoming a vital part of Mumbai’s emotional and cultural identity.
The story of how Art Deco came to Mumbai is intertwined with the city’s colonial past. During British rule, a generation of India’s first home-grown architects—such as Chimanlal Master, Laxman Vishnu Sathe, and Gopalji Mulji Bhuta—returned from studying at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London inspired by European design sensibilities. These architects sought to move beyond the Victorian-era buildings imposed by colonial rulers, which were often seen as symbols of foreign domination.
Instead of simply replicating European Art Deco, these architects adapted it to local contexts and tastes. They integrated native design elements and drew inspiration from a variety of local sources, including Mughal architectural features like intricate lattice screens and the sleek lines of ocean liners docked in Mumbai’s bustling port. This vernacular adaptation gave Mumbai’s Art Deco buildings a unique character, blending international modernism with indigenous heritage.
Initially, the British colonial authorities were dismissive of Art Deco, labeling it “lesser architecture.” However, this attitude likely stemmed from a sense of threat, as the style signaled the emergence of new Indian identities and a break from colonial architectural traditions. Over time, Mumbai’s skyline became a dynamic confluence of diverse architectural styles, including Indo-Saracenic, Gothic, and Art Deco, reflecting the city’s complex and evolving character.
Today, Mumbai faces a new set of challenges as it undergoes rapid urban transformation. The city’s building regulations, heavily influenced by real estate developers prioritizing maximum floor space and profitability, have led to the demolition of