Archaeological Site Museum, Mattancherry Palace
| Place | Kochi |
|---|---|
| State | Kerala |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 1986 |
| Museum Type | Archaeological, Site Museum |
| National Importance Museum | Yes |
| Address | Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002 |
| Visiting Time | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Fridays) |
| Entry Fee | ₹5 for adults Free for children below 15 years. |
Museum Introduction
Built by the Portuguese in 1545 and gifted to the Raja of Kochi, the palace was later renovated by the Dutch in 1663. It was established as an ASI site museum in 1985 to preserve the heritage of the Kochi Royal Family. The palace is an architectural blend of traditional Kerala Nālukettu style and European colonial influences.
General Collections
The museum houses a gallery of life-size portraits of the Cochin Rajas from 1864 onwards, royal palanquins, ivory howdahs, and ceremonial robes. It also features 17th-century Dutch maps and drawings of Kochi.
Unique Historical Collections
One of the finest collections of Kerala mural paintings in India, covering 300 square meters, depicting vivid scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Puranas in traditional tempera technique.
Additional Information
| Video URL | https://youtu.be/-ywpAKC0qpE?si=0mxrRPzXIwoIlcTd |
|---|---|
| Video Courtesy | Kerela Tourism |
| Archaeological Survey of India | Yes |
| Notes | The flooring of the palace is uniquely crafted from a traditional mixture of burnt coconut shells, lime, plant juices, and egg whites, giving it a polished black marble appearance. |
| Artifacts | Portrait of Maharaja Rama Varma, Ivory Palanquin, Royal Umbrellas, Ceremonial Swords and Daggers, Silver filigree work, and Copper Plate grants. |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes |
| Contact Details | 0484-2226085 |
| Email ID | circlethrissur.asi@gov.in (ASI Thrissur Circle) |