Museum

Library of paintings

V.N. alias Bhausaheb Datar joined 'Social Club' or 'Bharat Natya Samshodhan Mandir' in 1904. He was a contrator by profession; belonged to a well-to-do family and had a firm, stubborn nature. Once Bhausaheb visited a few art galleries in Delhi. He was astonished by the collections of ancient paintings from the Mughal era. He was inspired to strart a similar gallery in Maharashtra around 1936. Being aware of Maharashtra's craze for theater, Bhausaheb proposed that Social Club should start its own research wing and collection of pictures and paintings. As research needs patience, finances and hardwork; there was some oppositions from some members of the Club initially. But later, realizing the worth and importance of such research activities; all opposition was withdrawn.

Portraits of all actors, playwrights, producers, directors were collected. It was hoped that such portraits would be donated by general public and would be framed and preserved by the Club. Potraits of all Presidents of all annual national dramatics meets (Marathi Natya Sammelan) were also sought and achieved. 18 Presidents during 1930 to 1935, 107 potraits of theater personalities totalled to 180 portraits or paintings. Eminent people started visiting the Club to watch this wonderful collection. Their remarks and words of appreciation are evident of the importance of the historic collection. The Club has in its possessions photograph albums of old drama companies. The collection is a visual record of the history of the Marathi stage. It now unfolds before your eyes

Library

Bhausaheb Datar mooted the proposal that the Club should have its own full-fledged Library. He was greatly helped by Appa Gokhale. Madhaverao Joshi donated his book collection to the library. 400 English plays till 1935, 300 Marathi plays were collected for the library. Till 1970 the collection rose to 2000 books related to the theater. At present, the library boasts of a collection of 6 thousand books. Many books about the technique of the theater and referance books are also included. Many research students get benefitted by the library. Mr. Mohan Mulay efficiently looks after the library which houses several rare artifacts related to the Marathi theater.

Newspaper Clippings

Appa Gokhale used to collect newspaper clippings which published news items related with the Club. Later, the tradition was continued by Bapusaheb Kelkar, Bhaskarrao Patwardhan and now Mohan Mulay. Thousands of such newspaper clippings re-create the history of the Club before your eyes.

T.V. Section

Thirty spools of taped plays, music concerts, folk plays, holy recitals (Kirtans), speeches of well-known speakers offer an audio treat to theater lovers.

Rare artifacts related with the theatre

The Club has a valuable collection of information regarding various drama companies, their activities, performances, advertisements, souvenirs. Hundreds of notes, cuttings, pictures, correspondence, manuscripts, rare old advertisements of plays literally stand testimony to the history of the Marathi theater. This collection of records through various means is a source of knowledge for theater lovers and students. This has been an exceptional and unique task of 'Social Club' or 'Bharat Natya Samshodhan Mandir'.