Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum, Kochi

Set in Thevara city of Kochi in Ernakulam district of Gods own Country Kerala
in South India, Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum is an excellent amalgamation and a storehouse of architectural masterpiece and the traditional art forms of Kerala. 

The museum has the prestige of being certified as the best National achievement by Limca Book of records for its outstanding architecture along with being a center for ethnic art. This museum is a 7 years combined effort of the 62 vastly skilled carpenters and 20 years of huge collection which counts to almost 5000 art crafts. 

   

The museum was constructed by George Thalliath (art piece collector) using some old traditional Kerala houses. Talking about the architecture which is truly awe inspiring, the building interior are intricate with temple like exterior. The construction materials of this beautifully architected museum include laterite stone, wood and roofing tiles.  

It is a classic example of painstaking effort to reincarnate the traditional art of rich Keralite heritage. The museum was built with an aim of preserving the heritage and the traditional art of South India. It is an ideal place to visit in entire Kerala as it gives you the knowledge and the learning that you were trying to learn about Gods own Country. Everything related to the ancient Kerala’s art form which dates back to centuries can be learnt here.    

The objects which are on display in this museum dates back to 15^th to 20^th century with some of the objects even dating back to 2000 years. The museum houses some of valuable objects which showcase India as a whole including puppets, performing art attires, Hindu and Christian architectural pieces and some melodic instruments. Wood carvings, models, ornaments, copper sculptures, bronze, terracotta, manuscripts written on palm leaf, a fifteenth century cellar of carved stone with two stone elephants, stone frame and wooden door, complicated woodcarving of the ceiling are some other attractions which gives the museum an appealing look and raises question in the mind of a visitor.

The mural paintings of Unnis m Mani Acharya are one of the prime attractions of the museum with the elements being incorporated in Cochin, Malabar and Travancore styles. 

 After touring the museum, the guides take the guests to the prime venue of the museum house where the great ancient art forms of Kerala Mohiniyattam, Bharathanatyam, Kalaripayattu and Kathakali are performed in live music with an aim of giving the visitor a sense of these art forms as well with an aim of amusing the visitor. But, one has to contact the museum before visiting as the performances are not conducted every day.    

 

It is a must visit site in Cochin as it displays some of the really magical architectural pieces along with the building in which it is housed which itself is an attraction.

Note: It is suggested to reach the museum one hour before the show to experience the centuries old traditional art forms of Gods own Country. 

Visit Timings and Entrance Fee:  

It remains open on all days from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm.

The entry fee is Rs. 50 for students and Rs. 100 for adults. 

How to Reach:

By Air: Cochin International Airport at about 32 km is the closest airport to this museum. It is well connected to domestic as well international cities by daily flights. 

By Train: Ernakulam railway Junction in Cochin City is the nearest railhead. The rail head is one of the major in South India and is connected with major Indian cities.  

By Road: The museum is well connected to all nearby foremost places. KSRTC bus service is available from all the nearby cities of Kerala as well as outside Kerala to reach this museum. Thevara is about 3 km from the Ernakulam Bus stop. One can also hire a taxi or get on a private bus from the railway station and airport to reach the museum.