Mysore Museums, Karnataka

Being the political capital of the Wodeyar dynasty and the stage of many historical dramas, it is only natural that there are a good number of Museums in Mysore. The historic charm of the city, the native culture, the colonial past and also the recent technological advancement are all displayed at the Museums in Mysore.

Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery Mysore
The Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery in Mysore is considered one of the best art galleries in South India because of its excellent collection of paintings and artifacts that once belonged to the Wodeyars of Mysore. The three-storied Jaganmohan Palace was converted into this art gallery in 1875. The Jayachamarajendra art gallery has a remarkable collection of Rembrandt paintings. This collection is so unique that such works of Rembrandt can be found nowhere in the world except in Russia. The western collection section of the museum has works by master like P.P. Ruben, Titan, A. Caddy and miniature paintings by Gunoy.

The gallery also has the rare and valuable art collection made by Col. Scott, a British Army Officer, who served in the British Army that fought against Tippu Sultan. But this collection was shifted to Srirangapatna in 1950. The gallery also boasts of a collection of Gravure prints by Britsih Army officers showing details of the Mysore wars against HyderAli and Tipu Sultan. One hall has exclusively been used to display the exquisite works of the famous Kerala prince -painter, Raja Ravi Varma. His paintings depict various incidents from the epics and these paintings attract a huge number of visitors to the Art Gallery.

Folk Arts Museum in Mysore
Another interesting a unique museum that adds to the character of Mysore city is the Folk Arts Museum. The museum is located in the magnificent Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, which is on the Mysore University campus at Manasagangotri. The Folklore Museum has a remarkable collection of folk culture. The museum has 6500 folk art and folklore articles on display and the museum is celebrated as one of the largest of its kind in Asia. The Folklore museum has one of the most important ethnographic collections of South Indian toys, puppets and household objects.

The exhibits include an excellent collection of carved wooden figures from the different villages of Karnataka, rural costumes, utensils, ornaments, metal artifacts, implements and tools used in different rural professions. The museum also houses models of temples, houses decorative masks, and ceremonial headwear and has a section that displays leather shadow puppets. The museum is famous for the two wooden chariots that it has as part of its collection. The museum is close to the Kukkarahalli Lake that is part of the University campus. Many people who have visited the museum feel that a visit to the museum is incomplete without a stroll on the Lake Bund. The Museum is open between 10 am and 5 pm on all days except Sunday.

Regional Museum of Natural History
The Regional Museum of Natural History started its journey from 20th May 1995. From the very beginning it made its importance felt as one of the most important museums in Mysore city. The museum was established with the objective to provide general information and on the latest development about the geological wealth, flora and fauna of the state. The ecological balance of plants and animals, nature and natural resources are displayed in a systematic manner in the Regional Museum of Natural History. The Regional Museum of Natural History of Mysore also organizes awareness programs on environmental issues.

The Regional Museum of Natural History is situated on the banks of Karanji Lake with the solemn Chamundi Hills in the background. The galleries of the museum are presented under the divisions of Man and the Environment, Ecology, Life through the Ages, Biological Diversity, and Conservation for Development. Modern methodology and advanced equipments are used to present the natural science in an interesting way to cater to the curiosity of various age groups including the children and the adults alike.

Private Residential Museum Mysore
Mysore was the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyars when they ruled over Mysore State. Mysore is often called the 'City of Palaces' because of the many palaces and royal buildings that dot the different parts of the city. A museum that gives you an insight into the life and lifestyle of the Wodeyars of Mysore is the Private Residential Museum. This museum is attached to the Mysore Palace and is located in the old portion of the Palace. Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wodeyar the heir of the Mysore royal family has set up this museum.

On display are some rooms of the Palace and objects that are part of the personal collection of the Royal family. The living room of Krishanraja Wodeyar is on display. The room has intricately carved doors and the pillars of the room have gold leaf painting, stained glass windowpanes and have marble and tiled floors. From the personal collection of the Wodeyars on display are objects like crystal chandeliers and furniture, silver thrones, utensils and priceless paintings of the old Mysore School, palanquins, oriental furniture, Chinese inlay chairs, pooja items, costumes, uniforms, trophies and the personal armory of the erstwhile rulers.

Mysore Railway Museum
The Railway Museum in Mysore was the earliest railway museums set up in India. Established in 1979, the museum displays vintage locomotives out of door. Situated adjacent to the Mysore railway Station, on the Krishnaraja Sagar Road, just opposite to the CFT Research Institute, the Railway Museum is a treasure trove for those interested in the history of locomotives.

Mysore Railway Museum is one of the distinct museums in Mysore. It houses a great collection of photographs and memorabilia reminiscent of the development of railways. The Chamundi Gallery showcases some great paintings related to Indian Railways. Steam engines including the first steam engine and signaling accessories from the beginning of the railways in India are interesting in their own right. A mini train operated by battery takes the visitors out for a joy ride on the museum grounds.