The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

07 Oct 2026

08 Oct 2026

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A Century of Stories

Standing on the shores of Apollo Bunder, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai has always been more than a hotel. Conceived by Si... gold-more-icon

r Jamsetji N. Tata as a bold act of vision and self belief, it soon became a crossroads of history, welcoming royalty, revolutionaries, artists and icons. Over 120 years, its corridors have witnessed moments that shaped a city and a nation, each story adding to a living chronicle where legend, legacy and lived experience converge.

1903

The Making of Grand Original

1903

Paris Connection

1904

Taj & Maharaja's

1907

The Taj Entertains

1911

The Royal Visit

1924

Gateway of India Inaugral

1903

The Making of Grand Original

Built at a cost of £500, 000 with no expense spared, a labour of love arose, a grand masterpiece that opened its opulent doors to its first 17 guests on a momentous December 16, 1903. A symphony of innovation and luxury, it boasted 30 private suite apartments, 350 rooms adorned with electric lights, fans, bells, clocks and modern utilities set new standards of comfort and sophistication in India.

Early Image of The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai

1903

Paris Connection

Founder JN Tata was so taken by the technology of the building of the Eiffel Tower, that after attending a symposium in Paris, he promptly ordered 10 pillars made from the same steel for the Ballroom.

Edwardian Style Gold polished columns at the Ballroom

1904

Taj & Maharaja's

His Highness Major Sir Ganga Singh Bahadur - The first maharaja to stay at the Taj. Much like the Maharajas, who considered The Taj their second home, and a haven for India's Freedom Movement.

His Highness Major Sir Ganga Singh Bahadur

1907

The Taj Entertains

A permanent ‘Taj Mahal Orchestra’ was established, which was supplemented from time to time by military bands from the various British regiments.

Laura Hamilton with Mickey Correa’s Orchestra Band

1911

The Royal Visit

The Taj welcomes imperial majesties King George V and Queen Mary, affirming its stature as a ceremonial venue of international prestige.

TRH's King George V & Queen Mary

1924

Gateway of India Inaugral

For arriving ships, the red dome of The Taj Mahal Palace was the first promise of Bombay. Twenty years later, the Gateway of India rose beside it, completing a harbour vista that announced Mumbai to the world.

Viceroy Lord Reading Gateway of India inaugrating

1934

Taj & Jazz

As jazz came to Bombay with the S.S. Mooltan’s band-Leon Abbey and his Rhythmeticians brought vibrant jazz from Paris, revitalising the Taj. Soon after, violinist Mehli Mehta added charm at the Ballroom luncheons—beginning a legacy that later shaped maestro Zubin Mehta.

Swing Jazz Arrives with Leon Abbey

1939 - 1945

World War II Chronicles

During World War 2, most of the rooms and suites in The Taj were set up as dormitories for army personnel.

Advertisement from World War II

1947

Witness to Freedom

As India attains independence, The Taj opens its doors to jubilant crowds. Lord Mountbatten delivers his final address before leaving India from the Ballroom.

Lord Mountbatten announcing India’s independence

1956

Mr.JRD Tata in Company of Monarchs

Mr. JRD Tata and Mrs. Thelma Tata hosted Queen Soraya and the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, during his early post‑1950 visit an important moment in India–Iran diplomatic relations.

The Shah of Iran and Mr.JRD Tata

1960

Engineering Marvel

In a feat of engineering, a sixth floor was inserted in between the fifth floor and the roof of the hotel making it only building at that time to grow in the number of floors but not in its overall height.

6th Floor Addition Advertisement

1961

The Queen’s Maiden India Tour

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited Mumbai during their 1961 tour of India, an occasion marked by grace and ceremony, reflecting the enduring ties between the Crown and the nation.

Queen Elizabeth & Duke of Edinburg, Prince Philip with Maharaj Sawai Mansingh

1966

Mr. & Mrs. Sam Wells

Long fascinated with India, George Harrison and his wife Patti arrived incognito in September 1966. Then at the height of his fame with the Beatles, he checked into a suite under the names of “Mr. and Mrs. Sam Wells”.

George Harrison & Patti Boyd alias Mr.& Mrs.Sam Wells

1969

The Rajput Suite Stay

Artist John Lennon returned to The Taj with Yoko Ono. For five days, admirers thronged the hotel, yet the couple remained within the Rajput Suite, their needs placed at the door and no visitor admitted.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono

1970

Pierre Cardin's First Show in India

Designer Pierre Cardin held his first fashion show in India, bringing high fashion to Mumbai. Presented in the grand ballroom, the showcase became a landmark moment in the evolution of Indian fashion.

French coutourier Pierre Cardin's fashion show.

1972

Led Zepplin’s Jam in Mumbai

Following Zeppelin’s six day tour of Japan, Page, Plant and Cole set up camp at The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai and duly played a gig.

Robert Plant lead guitarist of Led Zeppelin

1973

A New Horizon

The Taj Mahal Tower opens 23 stories inspired by Chittor’s Victory Tower and harmonized by Melton Bekker’s L‑shaped plan becoming a landmark alongside the Palace.

Taj Mahal Tower- Under Construction

1980

Carpenter's Diaries

While a visit from Hollywood’s most handsome post‑war idol Gregory Peck would be memorable in itself, it became even more so when his exceptional height (almost 6'3") required a specially extended bed frame.

Hollywood's Idol Actor Gregory Peck

1981

Historic Boxing Sojourn

Three-time heavyweight boxing champion, Muhammad Ali, during his 1980 trip to India to participate in exhibition boxing matches.

Muhammad Ali addressing press conference

1982

Maestro’s The Taj Moment

World‑renowned violinist Yehudi Menuhin visited The Taj Mahal Palace, adding to its legacy of hosting cultural greats.

Maestro Yehudi Menuhin in Taj October 1982

1986

His Holiness Dalai Lama

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit stands among the hotel’s most dignified moments, his presence adding spiritual grace to The Taj’s tradition.

His Holiness Dalai Lama

1990

Three Stanza of Millennium

Ahead of the centenary, a major restoration renewed the Palace’s historic splendour. With over 4,000 artworks, it stands as a living gallery where M.F. Husain created his famed mural Three Stanzas of Millennium.

Artist M F Husain on famed canvas for Lobby Mural

1992

Host to Royal Family of Japan

Crown Prince Akishino & Crown Princess Kiko of Japan's visit to Mumbai marked a distinguished moment for the Palace.

Crown Prince Akishino & Crown Princess Kiko of Japan

1997

Star Aura of Ms.Crawford

Ms. Cindy Crawford, timeless supermodel and global fashion icon, made a memorable visit.

Ms.Cindy Crawford

1999

Gladriel at The Taj

Ms. Cate Blanchett, acclaimed actress and distinguished global cinema icon from her maiden visit to India at The Taj.

Ms. Cate Blanchett

2000

Miss Universe Crown Visit

Miss Universe 2000, Ms.Lara Dutta returns home in triumph, greeting the press at The Taj.

Miss Universe Lara Dutta

2001

Maestro Zubin Mehta

Maestro Zubin Mehta, the global ambassador of Western classical music, visited The Taj as part of his homecoming to India, accompanied by his wife, Nancy Mehta, marking the occasion with great distinction.

Maestro Zubin Mehta & Nancy Mehta

2002

The Taj welcomes 007 Honeyryder

Ms. Ursula Andress, famed Bond series cast and acclaimed global cinema personality, marked her visit to India at The Taj.

Ms. Ursula Andress in the signature suite

2003

Centenary Celebration & Welcoming Mick Jagger

Centenary celebrations at The Taj Mahal Palace unfolded through the year. In the same year, Mick Jagger, the legendary Rolling Stones frontman, visited the hotel, bringing his unmistakable charisma to The Taj.

Legendary Mick Jagger and Bianca

2004

There Was a Little Girl

Ms. Jane Fonda, acclaimed double Academy Award–winning actress and influential global cultural figure, marked her visit to India at The Taj.

Globally acclaimed Actress Ms. Jane Fonda

2005

Cinematic Arrival

Mr. Pierce Brosnan, renowned Irish‑American actor and iconic James Bond of the 1990s, whose performances in GoldenEye and other Bond films earned worldwide acclaim, marked his visit with characteristic elegance.

Celebrated Actor Mr. Pierce Brosnan

2006

Dominique Lapierre’s Taj Moment

Mr.Dominique Lapierre, celebrated author of City of Joy and co‑author of acclaimed works such as Freedom at Midnight, marked his visit to The Taj during his long and cherished association with India.

French Author & Philathropist Mr. Dominique Lapierre

2008

Night The Taj Stood Strong

The heroes of The Taj display their finest hour during 26/11 attacks.

Memorial at The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai

2009

A Royal Spanish Visit

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, known for advancing Spain’s global diplomatic ties and championing social causes through their joint public work, marked their distinguished visit to The Taj.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia

2009

Stateswoman Tribute at The Taj

Ms. Hillary Clinton, Former U.S. Secretary of State, stayed at The Taj Mahal Palace during her 2009 India visit, honouring the 26/11 memorial and meeting hotel staff in a gesture of solidarity and diplomatic goodwill.

Former U.S. Secretary of State, Ms. Hillary Clinton

2010

The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai Reopens

The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai reopens to much global fanfare stronger than ever before.

The Taj Mahal Palace- Reopening, 15th August 2010

2010

Honorary Welcome

Former U.S. President Barack Obama & Lady Michelle Obama were received by Chairman Emeritus Mr.Ratan Tata and paid tribute at the hotel’s 26/11 memorial.

President Barack Obama with Chairman Emeritus Mr.Ratan Tata

2011

The Victory Pose

Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar created an iconic moment as he posed with the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 trophy on the terrace, with the Gateway of India rising behind him after Team India’s historic victory.

Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar-2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Champion Trophy

2012

Hospitality That Stays With You

Ms. Oprah Winfrey, on her maiden visit to India expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warmth and gracious hospitality extended to her and her team, calling it a lasting impression of the country.

Global Activist Ms. Oprah Winfrey

2013

Chirstie’s First Auction in India

Christie’s, a prominent institution in the global art market, marked a major milestone in India with its inaugural South Asian Art auction at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai- formally placing India on the international auction map.

Chirstie’s First Auction Show in India

2013

The Taj Tradition for Royals

During their 2013 India tour, King Charles and Queen Camilla (Former Prince of Wales & Duchess of Cornwall) visited The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, marking a significant moment in their official engagements in the city.

King Charles and Queen Camilla

2016

A Royal Return: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

In 2016, HRH The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine (Former Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) during their India tour, marking an important stop on their first official visit to the country.

HRH The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherin

2016

A Legendary Coldplay Welcome

A welcome evening for Coldplay’s lead singer Chris Martin was hosted by Mr. Shahrukh Khan at The Taj, ahead of the Global Citizen event.

Singer Chris Martin with Mr.Shahrukh Khan

2017

India’s First Image‑Trademarked Landmark

The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai became India’s first building to receive an image trademark for its iconic Dome & exterior Facade design. 240‑foot dome continues to guide Indian Navy vessels as a daytime triangulation point.

Dome at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

2019

A Dream Visit Remembered

Veteran Actors Ms.Catherine Zeta‑Jones and Mr.Michael Douglas chose the Palaces of The Taj as part of a long‑awaited India journey.

Veteran Actors Ms.Catherine Zeta‑Jones and Mr.Michael Douglas

2022

120 Years of The Legend

The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai celebrates 120 years of its iconic legacy and introduced a first‑of‑its‑kind Light & Sound Show.

120 Years Celebrations

2022

Home to Global Changemakers

The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, once again stood as the preferred address for global changemakers as it welcomed fashion’s ultimate powerhouse, Ms. Anna Wintour, on her first‑ever visit to India.

Fashion’s ultimate powerhouse, Ms. Anna Wintour

2023

Runway First for Mumbai

For the first time, the House of Dior staged its spectacular Fall 2023 show at Mumbai’s iconic Gateway of India, set against the timeless backdrop of The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai marking a defining milestone for luxury fashion in India.

Fall 2023 show at Mumbai’s iconic Gateway of India

2023

Timeless Stage for G20's Global Dialogues

Illuminated in the colours of the Indian flag, The Taj Mahal Palace stood as a custodian of India’s heritage, hosting the G20 Cultural Evening and the first DWG meeting, welcoming global delegates and showcasing the nation’s rich legacy.

Iconic Façade illumination of G20's Global Dialogues

2024

Honouring the Festival of Light

President Pedro Sánchez of Spain and Ms. Begoña Gómez joined Diwali celebrations in lighting diyas and sharing in festive traditions while marking a memorable moment of cultural warmth and goodwill.

President Pedro Sánchez of Spain and Ms. Begoña Gómez

2024

Celebrating Dr.Jane Goodall

Renowned conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall visited Mumbai on her “Hope Tour,” honoured with a special 90th birthday gala at The Taj Mahal Palace, celebrating her work with the Jane Goodall Institute India and Roots & Shoots.

The Taj welcomes Ms.Jane Goodall

2024

Live Iconic at The Taj

Ms. Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Global Brand Ambassador for Max Factor, graced The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, for the brand’s India launch, with her appearance on the iconic grand staircase embodying its “Live Iconic” spirit.

Ms. Priyanka Chopra Jonas strikes a pose at the grand staircase

2025

Hosts to the Belgian Royalty

Continuing our legacy of hosting royalty and world leaders, The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai was honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid, Princess of Belgium.

Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid, Princess of Belgium

2025

Home to Global Leadership

Recognised as a preferred address for global dignitaries and statespersons, The Taj Mahal Palace hosted New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for high‑level engagements centred on trade and economic collaboration.

New Zealand Prime Minister Rt.Hon Christopher Luxon

2025

Historic Trade Delegation

The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, welcomed UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the largest UK business delegation to India, providing the setting for his key conversations with industry leaders on deepening bilateral ties.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer

2025

Legacy Returns in a Champion’s Pose

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur marked the India's maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup triumph by commemorating the victory with a ceremonial trophy pose on the iconic terrace of The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur with ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Champions Trophy

2025

G.O.A.T Lionel Messi's India Tour

Crafted for a legend. The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, welcomed global footballl icons Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suárez with heartfelt touches and warm tributes—reflecting hospitality that lives far beyond the moment.

Global Football Icon Lionel Messi poses with team in Signature Suite

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