Napier Museum

Napier Museum

If you have a penchant for antiques then pay a visit to Napier Museum, Kerala. With a fascinating array of artworks and other exhibits this museum offers a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. Flaunting an exquisite Indo- Sarcenic structure, Napier museum is situated near the city zoo of Thiruvananthapuram.

Ranked as one of the oldest museums of India it was built by the erstwhile monarch of Travancore. The museum was reconstructed in 1874 by a contemporary English architect Chisholm. The stylized design of the museum reflects traditional Kerala architecture blended with Chinese and Mughal influences. The edifice embellished with gothic roof and minarets was named after Lord Napier, the Governor of Madras presidency.

The treasure of Napier Museum, Kerala includes a vast collection of bronze and stone sculptures, Kuftgiri works, lamps, Kathakali models, textiles, handicraft items, traditional musical instruments, Old coins belonging to Chera, Chola and Pandya dynasties of Southern India etc. Wood and ivory carvings are the samples of workmanship par excellence. The bronze items include images of Siva, Vishnu, Parvathi and Lakshmi fashioned in the manner of 'Silpa Sastras' whether the metal images reflect the distinct features of South Indian sculpture of 8th to 18th Century. The oldest metal image in the State, an 8th Century Vishnu image Pallava style is another precious possession of The Napier Museum, Kerala. Dravidian influence can be discernible in other sculptures dated back to 8th to 18th Century such as Agasthya, Vishnu etc. Shiva with Sati is considered as the rarest display in the Museum.

Visiting Hours: From 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Closed on Mondays, Wednesday forenoons, Jaunary 26th, August 15th, Thiruvonam and
Mahanavami.

How to Go to Napier Museum, Kerala

  -   Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram central, about 2 km away.

  -   Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 6 km away from the city.

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