“Did those marble columns always grace the Army And Navy Building?” a curious voice asked from the crowd. Ah, the Army And Navy Building! A grand dame of Mumbai, she stands before you, a testament to a fascinating past. Originally designed by Frederick William Stevens and David Gostling, this Grade II heritage structure opened its doors in 1894 as part of the Army & Navy Co-operative Society Ltd. Imagine, a society established in London in 1871, created by military officers to provide for their own at fair prices. This branch, like its counterparts in other Indian cities, became a haven for British officials. They found solace in “tropical provisions” and familiar comforts from home. But tragedy struck in 1896 when a fire ravaged the building. Rebuilt and standing tall today, it’s a blend of architectural styles, a testament to its resilience. No longer catering to homesick officers, today the Army And Navy Building houses companies under the Tata Group. Look closely, and you might just glimpse the ghosts of shoppers past, searching for a taste of home in this vibrant city.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to