KOCHI:
Hill Palace Museum
Hill Palace Museum, Tripunithura, perhaps the most famous museum in Kochi, is the first heritage museum in Kerala. The museum is known for royal collections of the erstwhile Maharajas of Kochi. It is, today, also the largest archaeological museum in the state.
Also Read: Kochi a 'Museum City' Too
Spread over 52 acres, the Hill Palace complex consists of 49 buildings in the traditional architectural style of Kerala. There is also a deer park and facilities for horse riding. Apart from the royal collection, another highlight of Hill Palace is a full-fledged Ethno-archaeological Museum, where oil paintings, murals, sculptures in stone and manuscripts, inscriptions, coins, belongings of the Kochi royal family and royal furniture, including the ‘simhasana’ (throne), are on display.
Other exhibits include around 200 antique pieces of pottery and ceramic vases from Japan and China, ‘kudakkallu’ (tomb stone), ‘thoppikkallu’ (hood stone), menhirs, granite, laterite memorials, rock-cut weapons from the Stone Age, wooden temple models and plaster cast models of objects from Mohenjo-daro and Harappa.
Visiting hours: 9 am to 12.30 noon & 2 pm to 4.30 pm on all days, except Mondays.
Indo-Portuguese Museum, Fort Kochi
If you want learn about the Portuguese influence in Kochi, the best place to visit is the Indo-Portuguese Museum at Fort Kochi, which throws light on the strong Portuguese influence Kochi has had in art and architecture. The museum, set up under the initiative of former Kochi Bishop Joseph Kureethara, provides visitors an understanding of the still-prevailing Indo-Portuguese Christian art heritage.
The museum is divided into five main sections. They are, Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life and Cathedral.
An architectural marvel, the museum bears the mark of strong Portuguese influence, including a piece of an altar made in teak wood, a chasuble, 17th century processional cross, Indo-Portuguese monstrance, the coat of arms of the Franciscans and exhibits contributed by foreign agencies like sculptures, precious metal objects and vestments.
Visiting Hours: 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on Mondays and all public holidays. Entry is free on first Thursday of every month.
Maritime Museum, INS Dronacharya
The Maritime Museum at INS Dronacharya, Fort Kochi, showcases genesis, history, evolution and landmarks of the Indian Navy.
At the museum, visitors are enlightened on the evolution of the Navy since 1612, when the Indian Marine was established in Surat. The museum tells the story of India’s prowess in shipbuilding, which took its culture to the shores of Java, Sumatra and Bali between 3rd century BC and 12th century AD. A section of the museum highlights the tradition of ship-building in India, while another section has exhibits on the glory of Indian Navy.
Visiting hours: 9.30 am to 1 pm & 2 pm to 6 pm
Museum of Kerala History, Edappally
What welcomes visitors to this museum at Edappally is a statue of Parasurama. There is also a gallery for paintings and sculptures, displaying over 200 original works by contemporary Indian artists. Light and sound shows are also regularly organised.
Visiting hours: 10 am to 5 pm, except Mondays.
Pareekshith Thampuran Museum, DH Road
This is the only museum located in the heart of city. Pareekshith Thampuran Museum is an archaeological museum which has a collection of 19th century paintings. Along with the paintings, this museum also boasts of images of ancient monuments, coins and scriptures made in stone and plaster of Paris.
Visiting hours: 9 am to 4.30 pm
Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum
Opened in 2009, the three-storeyed museum at Thevara showcases the rich heritage that Kerala exudes through its numerous art and dance forms. The building itself is a piece of wonder with its three floors following the architectural styles of Malabar, Cochin and Travancore. The museum also has a theatre where stage performances are held every day at 6.30 pm.
Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum was established under the initiative of George Thaliath and his wife Annie George.
Visiting hours: Open from 9.30 am to 7 pm. Entrance fee is Rs 100 for adults and Rs 50 for students.
District Heritage Museum at Bastion Bungalow
The District Heritage Museum at Bastion Bungalow is the latest museum to open in Kochi. It is part of the state’s plan to have a string of heritage museums showcasing the rich culture, history and tradition of the state in all districts.
Built in 1667, the Bastion Bungalow is a fine example of Indo-European architecture with influence of the Dutch style. The bungalow derives its name from its location on the site of the Stromberg Bastion of the old Portuguese-built Fort Immanuel in the early decades of 1600. It will be operational in two months.
Mattancherry Dutch Palace
Located on the banks of Kochi backwaters, the double-storeyed palace building has a good collection of royal items, from arms to royal dresses used by the rajas of Kochi dynasty, which offer a glimpse of the lifestyle of the royal family.
Visiting hours: 10 am to 5 pm on all days, except Fridays.
St. Thomas Christian Museum, Kakkanad
St. Thomas Christian Museum is located on the premises of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia at Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad. The museum, which throws light on the evolution and growth of Christianity in Kerala, has on display a rich collection of historical and cultural documents and objects. The most important exhibit is the original manuscript of ‘Varthamanapusthakam’, written in 1785 by Paremakkal Thoma Kathanar. Another attraction is a rare collection of crosses (around 800). The collection includes the traditional ones found only in the Christian homes of Kerala, Mar Thomas Sleeha Sacramental Cross, Ethiopian Cross, Jerusalem Cross, Agape Cross, Trinitarian Cross and Bridal Cross.