The Folk Lore Museum at Mysore is a museum that different in many ways for conventional concepts of a museum as the focus here is on traditional folk cultures and related aspects of a land. The famous tourist destination of Mysore in Karnataka helps preserve and document invaluable knowledge about exquisite and unique folk traditions of a region which are on the verge of extinction because of the scarce awareness about them among the local populace and today’s generation.

History

The Folklore Museum is popular for its amazing collections of slices from history in the form of ancient arts and crafts from all over Karnataka. Founded in 1968, this popular museum is located in the Manasagangothri (The Fountainhead of the Ganges of the Mind) campus of the University of Mysore. It is a part of the iconic Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion which is over 100 years old and was built by the Late Maharaja Chamaraja Wadiyar of Mysore for the eldest of his three daughters.

Development of the Museum

The University of Mysore has been contributing to the development of Folklore Museum in many ways. Scholars like Javere Gowda, Paramashivaiah and Thippeswamy have contributed immensely to its later development by researching, sourcing and bringing historical material from all over Karnataka to add to the museum's collection. Consequently, the museum today showcases numerous elements of music, dance and drama along with various historical arts and artifacts.

What to Look for Inside the Museum

True to its name, the Folklore Museum has a large number of items on display that were once used by the rural folks, traditional artists and even the tribal people of the region. The first floor of the museum has an exciting and extensive collection of traditional farming tools and equipment of wood and metal. Visitors can also have a look at the cooking and kitchen utensils and tools of the past. There are period weapons and fitness equipment placed in a large row on one side of this floor.

Another section of the museum is dedicated to the display of handmade items such as multi-utility wicker baskets, tools that were used by people for fishing and also for catching birds and other conventional artifacts. A large collection of sculptures from ancient temples of India, terracotta specimens and items removed from various archeological sites have also found their way to the Folk Lore Museum, thanks to the efforts of great scholars and historians of Karnataka and Mysore.

Other Pieces of Attraction in the Museum

Other items that tourists come to see in the museum are huge burial urns displayed in the open, a gigantic stuffed tiger, huge leather puppets displayed brilliantly on backlit panels that have mythical and folklore themes. Some pavilions of the museum are reserved exclusively for religious art forms and folk art. Costumes and other accessories used in traditional dance forms such as the popular Yakshagana and Kathakali are on display in their full splendor. One of the items that attract you is the rare Hanuman crown sourced from Kugala Balli village which lies to North of Karnataka.

For Those Who Love Literature

If you have a literary bend of mind, you can head straight to the ‘Writers Gallery’, where original handwritten manuscripts of famous writers are displayed. The gallery also has personal items of these writers such as pens, spectacles, shawls and others. You can also see various citations and mementos awarded to famous writers as well as old copies of their literary works. A good portion of this gallery is dedicated to the legendary poet Kuvempu. Adjacent to the Writers Gallery is the sprawling marriage hall or the ‘Kalyana Mandapa’.

Visitor Information

Folk Lore Museum is open from 10 AM to 5.30 PM from Mondays through Saturdays. It is closed to visitors on all Sundays, second Saturdays and Government Holidays. Entry to the museum is free.

How to Reach

By Road

The Folklore Museum is just 10 minutes drive from the center of the city of Mysore. Mysore is 139 km from Bengaluru and is connected to the state capital by a highway. The state transport KSRTC runs many buses at frequent intervals on this route. Private buses, taxis and cars are also available.

By Rail

Mysore Railway Station is the nearest rail approach to the museum

By Air

Mysore Mandakalli Airport is the nearest airstrip to reach Folklore Museum.