In repairing the damage inflicted by the 2008 terror attacks, India’s iconic grande dame has taken the opportunity to commission five leading design practices to refurbish the hotel’s historic Palace wing, restoring it’s classical appeal and instilling a touch of the contemporary.
The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai
Words: Catherine Martin Photography: Courtesy of The Taj Mahal Palace S 34
ince opening its doors in 1903, The Taj Mahal Palace has stood proud as a symbol of Indian hospitality. It was one of the original grand hotels
of the world and welcomed travellers to the city’s shores long before the landmark Gateway of India was even conceived. Over the decades it has attracted Maharajas to movie stars, royalty to rulers, all the while growing to be an integral part of Mumbai. But never has it been more symbolic to the people of India, and the world, than now. On 26 November 2008, Mumbai was rocked by a series of terror attacks that claimed the lives of 166 people and injured many more. The Taj Mahal Palace was one of the targets and as a result suffered substantial damage both inside and out. Ratan Tata, Chairman of Indian Hotels Company Ltd. under which Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces sits, responded to the events saying “...we can be hurt, but we cannot be knocked
down.” And true to his word, just 25 days later, the Tower wing reopened. The historic Palace wing however, would take more than a few touch ups to be operational again and so Taj took the opportunity to turn the attacks into a positive, completely restoring and refurbishing guestrooms, suites and public areas. The project took 18 months and five acclaimed design firms to complete, reopening on 15 August 2010, India’s Independence Day. Speaking before the opening, Raymond Bickson, Managing Director, Indian Hotels Company Ltd., said: “Today, we have fulfilled our promise of rebuilding the Taj to its former glory. The Taj Mahal has always reinvented itself and its storied past which makes it the icon that it is. The Palace wing has been lovingly and painstakingly restored, and we will now offer our guests an even more customised experience. It is a befitting tribute to the spirit and
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