History of the Museum

The 150 years old museum was established by Maharaja of Travancore in 1855. Only few museums in India, like, Indian Museum Kolkata, Madras Government Museum Chennai, are contemporary to Napier Museum. In 1874, a new building was constructed and was named after Lord napier, the then governor of Madras Presidency. The Architectural masterpiece was designed by Mr. Chisoln, the consulting Architect of the Madras Government and the construction completed in 1880. This 120 year old structure is a landmark in the city with its unique ornamentation and architectural style with gothic roof and minarets.

Museum Attractions

The museum has a vast collection of artifacts of artistic, cultural and antique importance, which comprises sculptures in bronze and stone, carvings of wood and ivory, lamps, textiles, Kathakali models, handicraft items, Kuftgiri works, traditional musical instruments, a treasure of numismatic collections representing Chera, Chola, Pandya dynasties of Southern India. The bronze display include fascinating images of Siva, Vishnu, Parvathi and Lakshmi in 'Silpa Sastras'. The metal images illustrate the features of South Indian sculpture style of 8th to 18th Century. The Vishnu image of 8th Century collected from Ambalapuzha temple in central Travancore which has Pallava style is the oldest metal image in the State. The stone sculptures belong to 8th to 18th century. All the wood carvings exhibited here shows high degree of excellence. Each and every exhibit has a wonderful and fascinating tale twined around it.

Access
Air : Thiruvanantapuram International Airport is connected to almost all the major cities of India and world. Internally, one can hire taxis, buses or auto rickshaws for reaching the destination from airport.
Rail : The Trivanmdrum railway station is a major oint in South India and is therefore connected to all the major cities of India.
Road : The city has very well developed roadways connections to rest of Kerala and nearby states.