Constructed somewhere near 1830, Town Hall (Colloquially Called Tondal in the 19th Century) has been profoundly influenced by Greek and Roman styles of architecture. Comprising a portico with eight Doric pillars, the building can be reached by taking a flight of 30 steps. In praise of this grand structure, Sir John Malcolm – the Governor of Bombay said “It is the most magnificent structure that taste and munificence combined have as yet erected in India”.
Town Hall is conceivably the most imperial structure amongst the heritage buildings of Mumbai. Housing the Asiatic Society of Bombay, Town Hall is located in the Fort area of South Mumbai. Colonel Thomas Cowper, one of the Bombay Engineers, was the designer of the Town Hall, which is 200 feet long and 100 feet deep. Its entrance stands adorned with Ionic columns. The material for its construction was brought from England and the total cost of building came to somewhere about 500,000 pounds in the year1830. Designed as per the neo-classical style. The pillared monument is even more significant for its exquisite edifice that has old wooden floor, spiral staircases, wrought iron loggias and superb marble statues of late benefactors of the Island City of India. The Asiatic Society consists of city’s largest library with a collection of 8,00,000 antique volumes. The main aim of Town Hall-Asiatic Library is to encourage research and sustain oriental arts, sciences and literatures.

Amongst the anthology, Dante’s first edition copy of “Inferno” is one of the inestimable reserves. The Society’s museum has a remarkable numismatic compilation of above 1,000 ancient coins and a rare gold coin belonging to Akbar – the Mughal Emperor. Permission is required to take a glance of these treasures. However, the public library is open to everyone and generally attracts scores of senior citizens, who come to read the local newspapers.
The Asiatic Society of Mumbai, a learned society in the field of Asian studies, is based in Mumbai, India. It can trace its origin to the Literary Society of Bombay which first met in Mumbai on November 26, 1804, and was founded by Sir James Mackintosh. It was formed with the intention of “promoting useful knowledge, particularly such as is now immediately connected with India”. After the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland was established in London in 1823, the Literary Society of Bombay became affiliated with it and was known as the Bombay Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (BBRAS) since 1830. The Bombay Geographical Society merged with it in 1873, followed by the Anthropological Society of Bombay in 1896. In 1954, it was separated from the Royal Asiatic Society and renamed the Asiatic Society of Bombay. In 2002, it acquired its present name. It is funded by an annual grant from the Central Government of India.
Are there any membership charges?

Its one of the paid membership libraries in Mumbai  with Annual membership fees of Rs. 1000 to 1500 and Rs.10,000 to 15,000 for life time membership with a refundable security deposit of Rs.500/- only. Members are allowed to borrow total of fifteen books and three magazines.

Where is it located?

Housing the Asiatic Society of Bombay, Town Hall is located in the Fort area of Horniman Circle, near reserve bank of india, South Mumbai.

Contact information
Tel. +912222660956
http://http://asiaticsociety.org

What are the timings?

10:30am- 5:30pm from Monday to Saturday.