Sassoon Dock Art Project brings contemporary art into a 142-year-old working dock in Colaba, Mumbai. Murals, installations, photographs and audiovisual works explore the lives of the Koli, Banjara and Hindu Maratha communities, alongside the dock’s fishing trade and Mumbai’s history. The art appears across indoor and outdoor spaces, with the morning fish market providing a vivid backdrop. Go during an exhibition or St+art Festival event to see the project at its fullest, and wear comfortable shoes for walking around the dock.
Art in a working fishing dock
Sassoon Dock is a working dock in Colaba, and the art project places contemporary work among its everyday activity. Murals cover the walls, while installations, photographs and audiovisual works occupy indoor and outdoor spaces. The setting brings the dock’s fishing trade into view as you move between the artworks.
The project began as part of the St+art Mumbai Urban Art Festival. Artists from India and other countries contributed work across the site, with established and emerging names represented.
Stories of Mumbai’s communities
The artworks address the lives of the Koli, Banjara and Hindu Maratha communities. Installations and photographs connect those stories with the dock and with Mumbai’s history; environmental themes also appear in the project. Take time to look beyond the painted walls, since the experience includes film screenings, talks and audiovisual presentations when events are scheduled.
The setting can be busy and noisy, particularly around the fish market. That activity is part of the place, but it can make a slow, quiet gallery-style visit difficult. Comfortable shoes help as you explore both the indoor spaces and the working dock surroundings.
Planning a visit
The project is most rewarding during an exhibition or a St+art Festival event, when additional programming may be taking place. Check whether registration is required before setting out. Weekday mornings and times after 7 pm are suggested for avoiding weekend queues, though the dock remains a working environment.
Carry a mask if you are sensitive to the strong seafood smell. Parking can also be difficult, so plan for that before arriving by car.
Häufige Fragen
Where is the Sassoon Dock Art Project?
It is at Sassoon Dock in Azad Nagar, Colaba, Mumbai.
What can you see at the art project?
The project includes murals, installations, photographs and audiovisual works about local communities, the environment and Mumbai’s history.
When is a good time to visit?
A weekday morning or after 7 pm is suggested to avoid weekend queues. Exhibition and St+art Festival events add more programming.
Should I register before visiting?
Check in advance whether registration is required for your visit.
