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Kerala

Napier Museum

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map

January

20.2 - 34.6 °C

February

21.1 - 35.3 °C

March

22.2 - 35.8 °C

April

22.9 - 35.6 °C

May

22.8 - 34.9 °C

June

22.2 - 33.2 °C

July

21.9 - 32.5 °C

August

22.2 - 32.7 °C

September

22.3 - 33.3 °C

October

22.2 - 33.2 °C

November

21.8 - 33.4 °C

December

20.5 - 34.1 °C


Major Airports :

Thivandrum International Airport (TRV), Thiruvananthapuram

Nearest Railway Station :

Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station (TVC)

Major Airports :

Thivandrum International Airport (TRV), Thiruvananthapuram

Where art, history and nature converge

The Napier Museum sits elegantly amongst the verdant greens of Nanthancodu, Thiruvananthapuram. An idyllic, visionary concept conceived way back in 1855 by Uthram Thirunal, the temple is the evidence of the opulence of the Travancore dynasty and an emblem of the region's rich cultural and architectural heritage.

Christened after Lord Napier, the then Governor General of Madras this museum was meant to be a place exhibiting both native and foreign specimens of natural history, art and industry. This old museum established by Sri Uthram Thirunal, was demolished during the reign of Ayilyam Thirunal as it was not large enough to display the immense collection of artefacts and therefore the present Napier Museum was built. The people fell in love and were enthralled by the collection of artistic and historical treasures. It was like a stimulating centre where people could glimpse into the past while soaking in the knowledge and insight into the diverse artistic practices of the region. Its collections range from archaeological finds to royal edicts and the colourful frescoes and handcrafted designs on display are a draw for both tourists and locals.

The Napier Museum is not like a regular museum. The architecture and the design talk about the blend of art and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. The museum also serves as a reminder of the role that leadership and vision play in cultural preservation and education.

Serenading with art

The beautiful structure was built under the architectural guidance of Robert Fellowes Chisholm. Kerala architecture had enamoured him and so he wanted to mesh the designs of foreign influences into the main frame. This is how the museum’s unique Indo-Saracenic structure was completed and reopened in 1880 by King Ayilyam Thirunal. It is easily recognisable with its Gothic roofs and minarets, and other architectural styles like Indo-Islamic and Indian, and elements reminiscent of Mughal, Italian and Chinese influences.

The exterior of the museum has geographic brickwork patterns, hewn stone bricks at the corners, and burnt bricks for the walls. Stained glass windows and four imposing watch towers are the building's distinct style. Each pillar reflects Kerala’s rich architectural legacy. As you walk in you will find three main halls connected by corridors and decorated with creatively painted arches in hues of light blue, yellow, and red. The architecture of the building was so designed that the natural air conditioning effect is achieved through double-wall ventilation and sliding. Intricate wooden beams and panels, hand-painted with floral designs and supported by wooden corbels shaped like mythical creatures, also add to the aesthetic richness of the space.

A visit to the Napier Museum is a journey through time where you can witness age-honoured traditions of Kerala’s architecture and the meticulous craftsmanship of its people. This architectural gem invites all who enter to traverse the corridors of history and appreciate the confluence of art and architecture in one of India's oldest museums.


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Timings

Opening time - 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Sunday to Tuesday)

Opening time - 01:00 PM to 5:00 PM (Wednesday)

Exploring beyond the masterpiece

Once you have immersed yourself in the beauty of Napier Museum, you can take a stroll to the verdant Kanakakkunnu Palace Gardens and walk among beautiful, glorious and exotic flora. Right beside the Palace Garden is the Kerala Legislature Complex showcasing modern architectural marvels. The Kuthiramalika Palace Museum also invites you in with its intricate woodcarvings and royal artefacts. The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is also a stone’s throw away and shelters diverse wildlife species. If you are looking to refresh your senses, you can take a drive to Shankumugham Beach which looks and feels perfect with its golden sands and breath-taking sunsets. From cultural wonders to natural beauty, the attractions surrounding Napier Museum promise an unforgettable experience in Thiruvananthapuram.