Welcome to Kerala Folklore Theatre & Museum Reincarnating Traditional Art

A legacy of our culture This innovative venture aims to preserve and protect our culture which otherwise would have been lost to posterity. This venture is unique and inimitable and proves the determination and sincere effort to cherish our culture.

A reincarnation to the past Standing at the edge of a time frame.. ….the wide opened corridors welcomes one to the palace of treasuries & mysteries

Coexistence of Antiques & Folkarts The three floored grand edifice made of wood and laterite houses a stunning collection of antiques from South India, besides having two theatres that will be a platform to stage the classical and folk art traditions of the South… The entrance made of remnants from a 16th century temple from Tamilnadu and wooden carvings collected from across Kerala

Exterior View of the magnificent edifice

Beautifully carved naturally coloured antique wooden pillars adorning the theatre…

The entry to the museum amazingly decorated with wood carvings and panels that depicts the story from epics and puranas…

The entire theatre outlined by different doors like kilivathil, manavathil and konduthirivathil locked by chithrapoottu….

Inside entry points…..

The demonstration area and wood carved doors…

Wooden carved staircase & gorgeous wooden panels above doors

Floor in Malabar Style

display of traditional Musical Instruments The Museum… display of traditional Musical Instruments

The Museum… The ground floor in Malabar architectural style exhibits bronze lamps, musical instruments, wooden articles etc which dates back from 14th to 18th century….

Kalithattu The first floor is named as Kalithattu where ritual arts like Thira, Mudiyeettu, Padayani & Kaalakali & Folk art forms like String puppetry, Shadow puppetry, Pavakathakali, Darikankali and the like will be performed Kalithattu Theatre constructed in Cochin Architectural style ( English – Dutch architecture) is also an extension of the museum where various costumes of Theyyam, Kathakali, Yakshagana, Jewelleries, Masks used for hunting, Ritulal masks from Karnataka, Andhra, Kerala and Orissa borders, Utensils, Excavated items and so many rare antiques and artifacts are also displayed.

The Kalithattu Theatre with Largest Costume Collection in India

The Balcony at the back of Kanjadalam theatre with bronze statute of Lord Shiva & Parvathy stood mutely as though watching a performance that only they could see…

Museum Exhibits

Masks The mysterious world of masks provides another fascinating dimension to the performing tradition of India. In India the use of masks is found in dance rituals, dramas, folk songs, temples, and different sociocultural practices. The museum exhibits collection of masks from Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra & Orissa borders dating back from 15th to early 20th century

Rare collection of ritual mask These masks are integral to the religious and ritualistic lives of the tribal people. When used in performance mode, these serve both ritualistic and aesthetic purpose

Bronze & Silver Masks Masks are made up of different materials, depending on their availability in a particular region, and traditions of craftsmanship.

The Mask Room with rare & antique masks

Antique Utensils & House holds A rare collection of antiques dating back from 17th to 20th century

Sculptures in wood natural coloured.

Traditional Lamp collection

String Puppet Collection

Musical Instruments Collection

Theyyam Thira Costumes & Kavadi

Stone sculptures dating back from 14th & 16th centuries

Museum Exhibits

Kamarathi A wood painted sculpture from Karnataka dates back to 19th century.. A ritual performed by the tribal people to fertility to have more children

The Kanjadalam Theatre in Travancore architectural style with mural paintings

Mural Paintings adorning Kanjadalam Theatre

The walls done up with murals & roofs with well chiselled wooden panels

Entry to Kanjadalam theatre meaning “ Lotus Petals”

Seating arrangements Kavaravilakku Kalivilakku at Kanjadalam theatre

Thank you for your valuable time We cordially invite you to visit our museum & theatre For More information, Contact Kerala Folklore Museum Folklore Jn, Thevara, Cochin, Kerala, India (91) 484 266 5452 (Office), (91) 944 607 6499 (Mobile) Email: keralafolkloretheatre@gmail.com Web: www.folkloremuseum.in