Kerala Museum of History and Heritage

Museum Address
Kerala Museum of History and Heritage, Park View, Museum
City
State
Kerala
Pin Code
695033
Email
info@museumkeralam.org
Museum website
www.museumkeralam.org
Are there any docents or guides who visitors can directly call to book for a guided tour?
Yes
First Name
Prem P
Last Name
Mahesh
Email
prem.p.mahesh@gmail.com
Mobile Number
When was the museum established?
2011
Main category
Other categories
Briefly describe the history of the museum, its collection and donors.

The museum was founded in 2011 with the co-operation of the Departments of Archaeology, Archives and Tourism in a building named Park View, which was the residence of the Chief Secretary during the rule of the Travancore dynasty. The first interactive museum in South India, it has eight galleries which lays out to the visitor the stages of evolution in Kerala, beginning with the Stone Age and the Bronze Age, and finally leading to the traditional history of the state. It is thus a walk through the history and culture of the state.

The replicas found here require special mention as they include one of the Naalukettu house, the traditional house of Kerala, along with the kitchen of the Naalukettu with all its associated artefacts, and an excavation trench from a megalithic site in Kollam. The art forms of Kerala like mural paintings, Kolamezhuthu, and so on are also housed by the museum.

Photography
Yes
Videography
No
Cafeteria
No
Museum shop
Yes
Wheelchair friendly
Yes
Restroom
Yes
Drinking water
Yes
Locker room
No
Parking
No
Information in Braille
No
Workshops/seminars/lectures
Yes
Garden/picnic area
No
Audio/visual guides
Yes
Guided tours
Yes
Library and archives services
Yes
IT facilities ( Photocopying, printing, computer )
No
Any other facilities
Theatre, Audio Visual Room
Auditorium
No
Conference/ Seminar hall
No
Museum membership
No
Conservation lab
No
Research lab
Yes
Who manages the museum?
State Government
Email
rchandranpillai1@gmail.com
Person-in-charge of the museum
Director
First Name
R Chandranpillai
Mobile no.
Additional information ( if any)
It is an Interactive Museum and has a Tourist Information Center in the museum premises. The museum is also a government approved agency for the co-ordination of museum projects.
What is the average duration to see the museum?
1-2 hours
Is the museum currently closed?
No
Image for museum exterior/building
The Museum of History and Heritage
Gallery Images
Image
Description of the Image

The replica of the excavation trench at the megalithic site of Mangad, Kollam. The buried urn and pottery are visible. This represents one of the major prehistoric periods of India, the Megalithic period.

Medium
Soil, clay
Image title
Replica of the vertical section of the excavation trench in Kollam (Kerala)
Image
Description of the Image

The traditional houses of Kerala are known as 'Naalukettu', i.e., ones with an inner courtyard. Here, the kitchen of these houses have been replicated with all the artefacts that were used at one point of time. This shows the traditional utensils used in a typical Kerala home.

Image title
Replica of the traditional kitchen of Kerala 'Naalukettu'
Image
Description of the Image

Beetel leaf consumption is a common practice of the people of Kerala, and the people of ancient times used to carry utensils made of bronze which they used for the preparation of the beetel leaf. The areca nut was placed inside the leaf and consumed.

Medium
Bronze
Image title
Beetel box, Areca nut cutter and lime box
Image
Description of the Image

The Devidarpanam is a symbolic image of the the Goddess where she is represented as a mirror. This was used in temples for making rounds during festivals, although it is not very common today.

Medium
Bronze
Image title
Devidarpanam (Mirror of the Goddess)
Image
Description of the Image

The image is that of Brahma known in Hindu mythology as the Creator, a part of the Trinity. Made of wood, the image is shown in a yogic pose with all features characteristic of Brahma including the rosary beads, the kamandalu, and so on.

Medium
Wood
Image title
Brahma
Entry Fee
Applicable
Entry fee information
Indian nationals:
₹20 for adults
₹10 for children (12-15 years)
Foreign nationals:
₹200 for adults
₹50 for children
₹25 for still camera
Getting there
The nearest Railway Station and the Central Bus Station is Trivandrum Central, which is about 5 km from the museum. The Museum Bus Stop is right opposite to the museum.
Opening Days
Sunday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Opening Time
10:00 a.m.
Closing Time
05:30 p.m.