Kerala Folklore Museum

The outside of the Kerala Folklore Museum itself is eye catching – a tall wood and brick building in the traditional style of Kerala architecture. Each of the museum’s three floors represents the typical architectural styles of Malabar, Kochi and Travancore. The entrance to the museum comprises of the remnants of a 16th century temple in Tamil Nadu, along with wooden carvings from across Kerala. A‘manichithrathazhu’, the ornate and traditional door lock of Kerala on the front door, is strictly ornamental!

Inside is a breathtaking treasure trove – numbering more than 4000 exhibits! – of startlingly life-like masks, wood, stone and bronze sculptures, costumes, quaint musical instruments, traditional jewelry, Stone Age utensils, rare and esoteric astrological and medicinal manuscripts, among others; all standing in silent testimony to Kerala rich and vibrant art, folk, dance and cultural traditions. Later in the night, some of those traditions come alive in the wood-lined theater on the top floor (with its splendid 17th century wooden ceiling) with live displays and performances.