Folklore Museum
| Place | Mysore |
|---|---|
| State | Karnataka |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 1968 |
| Museum Type | Ethnographic / Folk Art & Craft |
| National Importance Museum | Yes |
| Address | Manasa Gangothiri, Mysuru, Karnataka 570006 |
| Visiting Time | 10:15 AM – 01:15 PM & 02:30 PM – 05:00 PM (Monday to Saturday) Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. |
| Entry Fee | Free Entry |
Museum Introduction
Founded in 1968, the Folklore Museum is a prestigious institution housed within the historic Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion on the Manasagangothri campus of the University of Mysore. The mansion itself, built in 1905, is an architectural masterpiece of the Indo-Saracenic style. The museum was developed by renowned scholars like P.R. Thippeswamy, D. Javare Gowda, and J. Paramashivaiah to systematically document the diverse cultural heritage of Karnataka.
General Collections
The museum holds an extensive collection of over 6,500 artifacts representing the rich cultural and social history of rural Karnataka. The galleries are organized into specialized wings, including folk performing arts, large dolls and masks, folk life, literature, and indigenous art, providing a deep insight into the state's traditional lifestyle.
Unique Historical Collections
Palaeolithic Tools: Excavated artifacts from sites like Koppa and Banavasi. Yakshagana & Kathakali Gallery: A spectacular collection of intricate masks, ceremonial headwear, and costumes. Kuvempu Memorial: A dedicated section displaying the personal belongings, diaries, and original writings of the Jnanpith awardee poet Kuvempu. Hanuman Crown: A rare 200-year-old ceremonial crown from Kugala Balli village.
Additional Information
| Archaeological Survey of India | No |
|---|---|
| Notes | The mansion was acquired by the University of Mysore during the vice-chancellorship of the poet Kuvempu. It remains one of the largest and most comprehensive folk art museums in Asia, playing a vital role in academic research and cultural documentation. |
| Artifacts | Kinnari (stringed lute) and other folk musical instruments; Leather and sawdust puppets; Household items (grinding stones, oil lamps); Agricultural implements; Weaver's tools; Traditional ornaments; Decorative wooden chariot parts. |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes |
| Contact Details | +91 821 241 9394 (University Admin) |
| Email ID | registrar@uni-mysore.ac.in |