Watson's Hotel, Cast iron hotel from 1869 in Fort district, Mumbai, India.
Watson's Hotel is a five-story structure made from cast iron components manufactured in England and assembled on location. The building features external walkways and a central lightwell that brings natural light into the interior spaces.
The hotel was established in 1869 when John Watson converted his original plans into Mumbai's first luxury establishment. It served European guests and became a leading hotel in the city during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The hotel hosted India's first film screening in 1896 when the Lumière Brothers presented their Cinematographe device to audiences. This event marked the beginning of cinema in the country and established the location as a symbol of modern entertainment arriving in India.
The building is currently unsafe for public access due to structural damage and ongoing restoration concerns. It can be viewed from the exterior in the Fort district, where it is recognized as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The structure is India's oldest surviving cast iron building and represents a remarkable example of 19th-century prefabricated construction. This building method allowed complex structures to be assembled quickly and precisely, which was revolutionary for the time.
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