System for Museums & Archives for Research and Access to Knowledge
| Place | Trivandrum |
|---|---|
| State | Kerala |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 2012 |
| Museum Type | Biographical / Art Gallery / Royal Heritage |
| National Importance Museum | No (Private Royal Mu |
| Address | TC 37/946, S Street Rd, Fort, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023 |
| Visiting Time | 09:00 AM to 12:30 PM & 02:00 PM to 04:45 PM (Tuesday to Sunday) Closed on Mondays. |
| Entry Fee | Indians: ₹20 Children: ₹10 Foreigners: ₹50 |
Housed in the 19th-century Rangavilasam Palace (built by Swathi Thirunal in 1839), this museum was established by the late Maharaja specifically to house over 8,000 rare photographs and artifacts that depict the evolution of modern Travancore.
The two-storied museum features a massive collection of photographs capturing royal life, from childhood to coronations. It also houses European and Indian paintings, royal gifts, and a gallery dedicated to the last ruling monarch, Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma.
Anamorphic Paintings: Added in 2017, these unique "hidden" paintings require a cylindrical mirror to be seen correctly. Royal Photo Archive: Rare images of rulers with global figures like Jawaharlal Nehru and Sarojini Naidu. Vintage Car Collection: Includes the Maharaja’s personal Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar.
| Archaeological Survey of India | No |
|---|---|
| Notes | The museum is unique because many of the photos were taken by the Maharaja himself, who was an avid photographer. Visitors are often provided with iPods that act as digital audio guides for the various exhibits. |
| Artifacts | The Crystal Throne; Royal palanquins and horse carriages; Collection of medals and coins; Digital copies of Raja Ravi Varma’s masterpieces; Personal belongings of the royal family including ivory-inlaid furniture and ceremonial attire. |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes |
| Contact Details | +91 471 247 5445 / +91 471 244 7272 |
| Email ID | info@sutmuseum.com (Referential) |
