Kerala Folklore Museum Kochi is one of those museums that has the power to enamor you just by the sheer range of its art collection. Stepping into this museum is like embarking on a journey through the rich tapestry of Kerala’s folklore, art, and heritage.

From intricately crafted masks and vibrant costumes to mesmerizing performances and ancient artifacts, the Kerala Folklore Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the soul of Kerala.

Of all the museums in Kochi, this museum stands out for me for many reasons. First, it is a private museum (and not a government-run museum), displaying the antique collections of an art enthusiast. Second, so much thought has been put into the architecture of the museum that the very structure is a piece of art.

There is so much to explore and learn here that I have included it as a must visit in my Kochi Travel Guide.

Now, without much ado, let me take you on a virtual tour of this cultural treasure trove and uncover the wonders that await within its hallowed halls.

Entry Fee and Timings of Kerala Folklore Museum

The entry fee for Indian adults to the Kerala Folklore Museum is RS. 200 while for a foreign national. It is Rs. 400. These are revised fees implemented since January 2024. If you wish to take photographs, even on your mobile phone, you have to pay an additional charge of Rs. 100.

The museum is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Note that you will need to remove your footwear and place them on the shelves outside the main building before entering. This is to protect the wooden flooring.

History of Kerala Folklore Museum

The Kerala Folklore Museum in Kochi stands as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the region, encapsulating centuries of tradition and heritage. Established by anthropologist and art collector George J. Thaliath, the museum opened its doors to the public in 2009, offering a glimpse into the vibrant folklore and artistic legacy of Kerala.

Thaliath’s vision for the museum was born out of a deep passion for preserving and showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of Kerala. Over the years, he meticulously curated a vast collection of artifacts, spanning various art forms, rituals, and traditions that are integral to the fabric of Kerala’s identity.

Housed within a traditional Kerala-style mansion in the suburb of Thevara, the museum’s architecture itself is a reflection of the region’s cultural aesthetics. Its serene ambiance and intricate detailing provide the perfect backdrop for the treasures it holds within.

Architecture

The Kerala Folklore Museum stands not only as a repository of cultural artifacts but also as a living testament to the architectural heritage of the region. Rather than just a museum, it is an architectural gallery, showcasing the painstaking reconstruction of approximately 25 traditional heritage buildings sourced from different corners of Kerala.

This ambitious endeavor has resulted in the creation of the largest architectural installation in Kerala, representing a fusion of three distinct architectural schools: Malabar, Cochin, and Travancore.

Central to the museum’s architectural marvel is the main structure, crafted using components salvaged from these dismantled heritage buildings. This ambitious project involved the collaborative efforts of 62 traditional carpenters over a span of 7.5 years, each contributing their expertise to meticulously recreate the intricate details and craftsmanship of Kerala’s architectural traditions.

Every corner of the Kerala Folklore Museum is a homage to the rich architectural legacy of Kerala. From the wooden flooring to the intricately carved ceilings, and even up to the roofing tiles, you are treated to a comprehensive architectural gallery that offers insights into the diverse styles and techniques employed in traditional Kerala constructions.

Exhibits

The art collections housed within the Kerala Folklore Museum in Kochi represent a rich tapestry of the state’s cultural heritage, offering you a comprehensive glimpse into the artistic traditions that have flourished in Kerala for centuries. Curated with meticulous attention to detail, these collections encompass a diverse range of art forms, each reflecting the unique customs, rituals, and aesthetics of the region.

One of the museum’s highlights is its extensive collection of masks, meticulously crafted and intricately designed to portray characters from Kerala’s vibrant performing arts traditions. From the exaggerated facial expressions of Kathakali to the mystical visages of Theyyam, these masks serve as tangible manifestations of the stories and mythologies that form the backbone of Kerala’s cultural identity.

In addition to masks, the museum boasts an impressive array of costumes, textiles, and jewelry, each bearing the hallmark of Kerala’s distinctive craftsmanship and artistic sensibilities. Elaborately embroidered saris, intricately woven mundus, and exquisitely adorned ornaments provide a window into the sartorial traditions that have adorned generations of Keralites.

Other than antiques from Kerala, this museum also houses artifacts from the neighboring states. Hundreds of Thanjavur paintings on wood and glass adorn the walls of this museum.

Beyond Exhibits

Kerala Folklore Museum offers you more than just an antique gallery. The second floor of the museum doubles up as an antique gallery cum antique shop. You can buy the exhibits to take back home as souvenir.

Apart from antiques, you can also get handicraft, handloom clothing, and one-gram gold-plated jewelry from their store. Below are images of some artifacts on sale in the museum.

I have visited this museum twice to date, once in 2017 and then in January 2024. Back in 2017, I remember they used to have a coffee shop here called Spice Art Café, which was a tastefully designed refreshment area where you could sit back and enjoy the ambience with a cup of coffee. They have closed down the café now.

Another facility that the museum has done away with is the weekly art/theatre performances. Back in the day, this museum was a very lively place, hosting kathakali and other art performances. Art discussions and seminars were quite common here, but I believe, these events were not profitable to run the museum and hence done away with.

In my recent visit, I also felt some sign of neglect and clutter. To me the antique display felt more the antique store in Jew Town Kochi and felt less like a museum display. A quick search on the internet told me that George J Thaliath, the man who envisioned this art fiesta, has passed on. I hope the museum curators would put in some efforts to organize the antiques in a more aesthetically appealing fashion to keep alive the spirit of the art enthusiast in Thaliath.

Conclusion

In a world where modernization often threatens to overshadow traditional cultures and customs, places like the Kerala Folklore Museum serve as invaluable repositories of heritage, preserving the essence of a bygone era for generations to come.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler, an art aficionado, or simply a curious soul seeking to immerse yourself in the wonders of Kerala’s heritage, the Kerala Folklore Museum promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you enriched, enlightened, and inspired.