House of Kalam Museum
| Place | Rameswaram |
|---|---|
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 2011 |
| Museum Type | Biographical / Personalities Museum |
| National Importance Museum | Yes |
| Address | 12/7, Mosque Street, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526 |
| Visiting Time | 08:00 AM – 07:00 PM (Daily). Note: May have a short break for lunch between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. |
| Entry Fee | ₹ 5 |
Museum Introduction
The House of Kalam is the ancestral home of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, India's 11th President and the "Missile Man of India." Located on Mosque Street in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, this humble two-story building was where Dr. Kalam spent his childhood. In 2011, it was converted into a museum by his family to preserve his legacy. The museum chronicles his inspiring journey from a young boy selling newspapers to becoming a world-renowned scientist and the Head of State.
General Collections
The museum spans the first and second floors of the house. It contains an extensive collection of photographs documenting Dr. Kalam's early life, his education at Schwartz High School and St. Joseph’s College, and his tenure at DRDO and ISRO. The exhibits include his personal library, numerous honorary doctorates, and a detailed display of the various national and international awards he received throughout his career.
Unique Historical Collections
Bharat Ratna Medal: The original insignia of India's highest civilian honor awarded to him in 1997. Personal Belongings: His iconic simple blue shirts, spectacles, pens, and his favorite Veena (musical instrument). G-Suit: A specialized flight suit used by Dr. Kalam during his historic flight in a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet. Handwritten Notes: Original research papers and personal diary entries that provide a glimpse into his visionary thinking.
Additional Information
| Archaeological Survey of India | No |
|---|---|
| Notes | The ground floor of the house still operates as a small shop selling sea-shell crafts and souvenirs (Mission of Life), which helps fund the museum's maintenance. Visitors are often struck by the stark simplicity of the house, which mirrors Dr. Kalam's own lifestyle. It is located just a short walk from the Rameswaram Temple and the local mosque where he used to pray. |
| Artifacts | Replicas of Agni and Prithvi missiles; Collection of over 2,000 books; Padmashri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan citations; Models of SLV-3 rockets; Rare childhood photographs with his siblings; The small wooden desk he used for studying as a child. |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes |
| Contact Details | +91 98420 67265 |
| Email ID | info@kalamfoundation.org |