Kerala Museum (Durbar Hall Art Gallery)

Overview

The Kerala Museum, also known as the Durbar Hall Art Gallery, is housed in a heritage building near Ernakulam that combines art exhibitions with displays of Kerala's cultural heritage. The adjacent Durbar Hall ground hosts major cultural events and exhibitions throughout the year.

Highlights

• Contemporary art: Rotating exhibitions featuring works by prominent Kerala and Indian artists.
• Historical artifacts: Coins, manuscripts, and artifacts tracing Kerala's history from ancient times.
• Heritage building: The museum building itself is an elegant example of Kerala's colonial-era civic architecture.

History

The Durbar Hall was originally constructed as a public assembly hall during the reign of the Kochi Maharajas. It was later adapted as a cultural venue and museum space, and now serves as the main exhibition center for art and heritage in the Ernakulam area.

Visitor Tips

• Check events: The adjacent grounds frequently host cultural festivals and art fairs.
• Closed Mondays: Standard Monday closure.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.