Folklore Museum, <em>Mysore</em>
Mysore

Folklore Museum, Mysore

About Folklore Museum

The Folklore Museum, opened in 1968 in Mysuru, is an amazing opportunity to learn about Karnataka's rich cultural history, making it one of the best places to visit in Mysore. It is located in the historic Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion on the University of Mysore's Manasagangotri campus. The museum houses more than 6,500 artefacts that provide a deep look at the state's varied folk traditions.

Visitors can browse a large collection that includes colourful Yakshagana and Kathakali costumes, intricately crafted masks, and traditional musical instruments such as the Kinnari and Tamburi. It also houses rare ceremonial items like the rare Hanuman crown from Kugala Balli village. The museum also has things from everyday life in the countryside, like farming tools, kitchen utensils, and shadow puppets used in stories.

In addition to static displays, the museum frequently hosts cultural events and workshops that offer visitors a glimpse into Karnataka's rich folklore, providing a comprehensive educational and cultural experience.

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Open 0 days a week
Free entry
Hours are seasonal — confirm your date at checkout. Special events may extend closing time.

Folklore Museum Highlights

• Step into the Folklore Museum, housed in the majestic Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, an extraordinary repository of Karnataka’s vibrant living traditions.
• Marvel at over 6,500 unique artefacts, including shadow puppets and ritual masks, to traditional musical instruments and tribal costumes.
• Explore the three themed wings, Folklife, Folk Art, and Folklore Literature, each capturing a different dimension of Karnataka’s culture.

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Point of Interest for Folklore Museum

Explore Yakshagana and Folk Dance Costumes

Explore Yakshagana and Folk Dance Costumes

You can see a beautiful collection of traditional costumes from Yakshagana, Kathakali, Theyyam, and Bhootha Aradhane. These vividly coloured and intricately made clothes show how dramatic South Indian folk theatre can be. Their complex designs and historical importance give us a better understanding of Karnataka's performing arts and storytelling traditions.

View the Rare Hanuman Crown from Kugala Balli

View the Rare Hanuman Crown from Kugala Balli

One of the museum's most important possessions is a ceremonial Hanuman crown from the village of Kugala Balli. This rare object is very important in rituals and shows how spiritually artistic the people of rural Karnataka are. People who like devotional art forms should see it because of how well it was made and how it fits into its culture.

Discover Traditional Musical Instruments

Discover Traditional Musical Instruments

Admire at a wide range of interesting native musical instruments, such as the Kinnari, Tamburi, Nagaswaram, and folk drums. A lot of these are still used in dances and ceremonies in the country. Their unique shapes and sounds show how diverse Karnataka's folk music and oral traditions are.

Attend Folk Art Workshops and Events

Attend Folk Art Workshops and Events

The museum occasionally hosts folk art workshops, live performances, and academic talks about Karnataka's traditional art forms. These events let people talk to artists, learn about lost traditions, and take part in hands-on cultural activities, which makes the museum visit much more immersive.

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