Museum of Kerala History, also known as Kerala History Museum, is a unique museum in the heart of Ernakulam town that tries to narrate the social and political evolution of Kerala using the diorama technique. Its pioneers envisioned this museum to be a cultural hub where tourists and students can learn about the history of Kerala through the lives of historical personalities.

Let me take you on a virtual journey of what to expect at the Museum of Keral History and its history. I also have here information pertaining to its entry fee, visiting time, and how to reach the museum.

If you are planning a trip to Kochi, here is a comprehensive Kochi Travel Guide with all the information you will need to plan your trip.

Ticket Price and Visiting Time

The entry fee for Museum of Kerala History is Rs. 100 for Indian adults and Rs. 50 for children between 6-12 years of age. There is no additional charge for photography, however, you can take photos only in the Doll House and not in any other halls.

The museum is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days except Mondays.

Together with Kerala Folklore Museum and Hill Palace Museum, the Museum of Kerala History gives a complete picture of the history and culture of Kerala.

History of Museum of Kerala History

Museum of Kerala History is a private museum envisioned by R Madhavan Nayar, a philanthropist and a patron of art. From its inception in 1987, this museum has been acting as a cultural institution that could serve as an educational hub and a custodian of Kerala’s history and arts.

R Madhavan Nayar’s vision for the museum was multi-faceted, encompassing various aspects of Kerala’s cultural tapestry. The museum was meticulously structured into three distinct sections, each serving a unique purpose and collectively contributing to the enrichment of visitors’ experiences.

The first section of the museum is dedicated to Kerala’s rich history. Through intricate dioramas and exhibits, you are taken on a captivating journey through the annals of time, unraveling the complexities of Kerala’s past. From ancient civilizations to colonial influences, the history museum offers a comprehensive overview of the region’s evolution, shedding light on pivotal events, cultural exchanges, and societal transformations.

Complementing the historical narrative is the museum’s visual art collection, which showcases the works of renowned artists spanning from the late 19th century to the late 20th century. This curated ensemble of paintings, sculptures, and other visual art forms provides a visual feast for art enthusiasts, offering insights into Kerala’s artistic heritage and its enduring influence on the creative landscape.

In addition to its focus on history and visual arts, the Kerala Museum also houses a unique collection of dolls from around the country. This eclectic assortment serves as a charming reflection of India’s diverse cultural fabric, highlighting the myriad traditions, costumes, and folklores that define the country’s cultural mosaic. From intricately crafted traditional dolls to contemporary interpretations, the doll collection adds a delightful dimension to the museum’s offerings, appealing to visitors of all ages.

What to Expect at Museum of Kerala History

At the heart of the museum lies a light and sound show in which diorama figures of historical personalities are used to narrate the political and cultural history of Kerala.

A diorama is a sort of visual story-telling by use of an artistic tableau with three dimensional models. Instead of wax models that you see in museums and art galleries across the world, Nayar chose a local artisan to make cement sculptures for his diorama. The light-and-sound show is about 20 minutes long and played for batches of tourists at a time.

The Doll House Hall has a collection of dolls representing arts and culture of different parts of India.

The painting hall depicts over 200 artworks by eminent painters from across India, including Raja Ravi Varma and M.F. Husain.

Over the years, the Kerala Museum has evolved into a dynamic cultural institution, continuously expanding its repertoire of exhibits and educational programs.

Through curated exhibitions, workshops, and outreach initiatives, the museum remains committed to fostering cultural appreciation and understanding, ensuring that Kerala’s rich heritage continues to inspire and captivate generations to come.

The museum is now managed by the Madhavan Nayar Foundation (MNF). As a testament to R Madhavan Nayar’s foresight and dedication, the Kerala Museum stands as a living legacy, preserving the past, celebrating the present, and inspiring the future of Kerala’s cultural landscape.

How to Reach Museum of Kerala History

Museum of Kerala History is in the heart of Ernakulam Town. It is about 24 km far from Fort Kochi, leaving it outside the radar of most tourists on short trips. However, it is quite easy to reach the museum both by road and metro.

 Museum of Kerala History is on the same road as Lulu Mall, just a further north. You can get here by an Uber, tuktuk, bus or private bus easily. Note that there isn’t sufficient parking space inside the museum complex and you may have to park by the roadside, which is safe.

The nearest metro station to the museum is Pathadipalam. From the metro station, it is just a walking distance away.

Wrapping Up: Museum of Kerala History

The Museum of Kerala History in Kochi stands as a timeless testament to the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the region. Since its establishment in 1987 by the visionary R Madhavan Nayar, the museum has served as a beacon of cultural enlightenment, offering visitors an immersive journey through Kerala’s illustrious past.

Through its meticulously curated exhibits, the museum brings to life the intricate tapestry of Kerala’s history, from ancient civilizations to colonial encounters and beyond.

The visual art collection provides a window into the region’s artistic legacy, showcasing the talent and creativity of generations past. Meanwhile, the charming doll collection offers a whimsical yet insightful glimpse into the cultural diversity of India as a whole.

If you visit this museum on your trip to Kochi, do come back and let me know your review and experiences in the comments below.