Information on Napier Museum (Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala) - History & Architecture

Napier Museum also called as Government Art Museum in Trivandrum is a cultural place of arts and crafts occupied in a large scenic landscape in the heart of the city which includes a zoo and heritage monument date backed to 18th century AD. This is a great place for history buffs, art and crafts lovers, students and scholars. It has one of the largest collections of antiques of Kerala history. To reach here, one has to come to (Trivandrum or Thiruvananthapuram) which is the capital of Kerala State. It is located in the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula adjoining with the Arabian Sea. It has an International air port, which is nigh connected to all major cities in India and abroad countries.

Napier Museum Architecture

Government Art Museum in Trivandrum is well planned and built in a vast areas covered by woods and little mounts. It occupied some of the few rare structures, which were once the official place for British-India officers. The buildings found here were mostly mansions, which were converted in to museum. Its nearby woods were converted as Zoo. These structures were a typical Kerala architecture pattern. These are mostly built on red mount blocks, clay bricks and granites. The peculiarity of these edifices is its wooden works. All of the interiors are wood crafted beams, pillars, doors and windows. The wooden works are well carved and designed for various purpose and style. It followed a uniform designs in the corridors, balconies and sit outs. These artifacts are only seen in Kerala. The craftsmanship of the museum is incredible to see. These museum buildings are listed in heritage site by the Kerala Government. Since, these structures were built by the Royal Travancore Artisans.

Napier Museum History

Government Art Museum was founded by Travancore Maharaja Swathi Tirunal around 1840's. He was a great scholar and gave importance to preserve the Travancore arts and crafts for the future generations. Therefore he himself contributed many royal antiquities. He also bought the olden ornate from individuals to preserve here. The appreciable part is, his contribution to the Zoo, were the Animals were brought from the French colonist in Mahe, which they brought from Africa. These animal generations still exists here. There are rarest of the rare collection of ornate, brass articles and objects, old maps, literary works on Kerala, ivory crafts, sculptors of Hindu god and goddess made of granites, sandal woods, gold and brass are kept for display. It has the vast collection of Travancore royal valuables like king's armories, jewels and crowns. This museum in Kerala and the largest collection of antiquities are found here. This museum is entirely displays Kerala's art and culture of the past golden history. Now it is maintained by the state Archeological Department of Kerala.

Napier Museum Tourism Importance

Government Museum is a land mark of Trivandrum for art and cultural significance. It is the best place to visit to know about the Kerala culture and its history. It is the best place for history buffs and students. It is open to public from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 Am to 5:30Pm. It is closed on Monday and all other government holidays. The entry fee ranges according to age here. It is located in the heart of the city and any one can guide you there. Tourist can come any time here; there are no special seasons to visit Kerala. Since, it is the 'Gods own Country' welcomes you any time here.