Another architectural feature common between the BMC building and CSMT is the extensive use of stained-glass windows. They depict various themes linked to the evolution of Mumbai under the British Empire, for example, in this window, the wooden ship is symbolic of the maritime trade that brought wealth and colonial administration to the city.
Often overlooked and under-appreciated in the detailing of BMC is the extensive use of Minton tiles for the flooring. These tiles were originally imported from Straffordshire, England. The Minton's were experts in ceramic design and a leading tile manufacturer in Victorian England. Their tiles were much sought after and were used in some of the iconic buildings of the nineteenth century, like the US Capitol and both houses of the British Parliament.
Detail of a monkey plucking mangoes. Stevens was keen to provide an Indian context to his buildings, not only through architectural forms but also by depiction of Indian flora and fauna, and how they behave in their natural environment. Stevens himself designed the artwork of various flora and fauna scenes that find extensive depiction in the BMC building.
Over 128 years, the BMC building has been modified to make provisions for piped water, electrical fittings and other modern amenities. The usage of spaces has also changed as the municipality has expanded its way of functioning. For example, rooms on the ground floor have been converted to offices of political parties who send elected corporators to BMC.
On the second level inside the BMC building, stained-glass windows illuminate a museum which traces the evolution and history of the Municipal Corporation and the stellar role of Frederick W. Stevens in the design of the building. This museum also has a collection of old maps of the Greater Mumbai Region and old photographs of Mumbai.
The viewing gallery inside the Corporation Hall. The hall was extensively damaged in a fire outbreak and was restored in 2000-01 by conservation architect Vikas Dilawari. Visitors need to climb up a cast-iron spiral staircase to reach the viewing gallery above, an idea Stevens borrowed from the Glasgow City Chambers, in Glasgow, Scotland.
In 2018, UNESCO awarded World Heritage status to the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco ensemble of Mumbai. In its citation UNESCO noted ’Both the Victorian Gothic and the Art Deco ensembles exhibit an important exchange of European and Indian human values over a span of time. The Victorian assemblage of grand public buildings created an Indo-Gothic style by blending Gothic Revival elements with Indian elements, with adaptations in response to the local climate by introducing balconies and verandas.’
Marble statue of Mahatma Gandhi inside the Corporation Hall. Hanging from the ceiling are microphones marked with numbers for respective speakers, one of the many additions made to suit changing technology. The original stained-glass panels from the bay window have been replaced with metal plaques commemorating Mumbai's history and prominent landmarks.
Frederick Stevens raised the height of BMC to 235 feet. At the rear of the tower, he made provision for a lift shaft, making it the first building in Mumbai to use a hydraulic lift. The water which was used in running the lift was stored between the outer and inner domes of the tower. The tanks had a capacity of 40,000 litres.
Frederick Stevens’ design of large windows allowed plenty of natural light and breeze to pass through, keeping the buildings ventilated and illuminated. This was a practical necessity because at the time of its construction, buildings didn't have electricity. The BMC building was, in fact, the first building in Mumbai to be fully electrified before inauguration.