Sign up for a walk to discover two distinct genres of architecture — Art Deo and Victorian Neo-Gothic — separated by the iconic Oval Maidan
The cluster of buildings, starting from Eros Cinema, which overlook the Oval Maidan, catch your eye for their symmetrical facade patterns, rounded balconies and interesting motifs. The Maidan separates these striking Art Deco buildings of the 20th century from the 19th-century public buildings, including the Bombay High Court and the University of Mumbai campus, which were constructed in the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture. Last month, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) concluded the inspection of this precinct, which had been nominated by the Centre for a UNESCO World Heritage Site tag earlier this year.
A view of the Art Deco and Victorian Neo-Gothic buildings around the Oval Maidan
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While the city awaits the results of the inspection, which should be out in six months, you can discover this architecturally rich sub-precinct by signing up for a walk titled, The Oval Contrast, organised by Awestrich. "The idea is to acknowledge the characteristics of the precinct and support the efforts by experts to declare it a heritage site," says Siddhartha Fondekar, a 25-year-old heritage enthusiast, who will lead the walk. It starts from Churchgate and covers both sides of the Oval Maidan.
The Bombay High Court
The one-and-a-half hour evening walk will be peppered with the history of the area and narratives surrounding the public buildings. "We won't go within the Bombay High Court premises but I will discuss the stories behind the statues of Mercy and Justice that flank the building, along with its motifs like a monkey judge wearing an eye-patch," informs Fondekar, who has been conducting this weekly trail for a month.
Art Deco landmark Eros Cinema
An interesting stopover in the trail is a children's traffic park near Cooperage ground, featuring models of signals and walking tracks to teach traffic rules to kids. "A traffic cop explains every feature in the park, and it's best if you book in advance."
Siddhartha Fondekar
ON: October 20, 5.30 pm to 7 pm
MEETING POINT: Churchgate Station.
CALL: 7710082844
COST: Rs 500
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