Folk Lore Museum

The Folk Lore Museum holds a distinct place among the museums in Mysore. Situated in 1968, it is situated in the Manasa Gangotri campus of Kuvempu Institute of Kannad Studies, a part of the Mysore University. The imposing structure of the Jayalakshmi Vilas mansion houses this purpose - built museum. The Mysore Folk Lore Museum has an extensive collection of around 6500 artifacts showcasing the folk art, culture and craft of the state of Karnataka.

The representative collection in the Folk Lore Museum Of Mysore also incorporates elements and accessories associated with folk music, drama, dance and other folk art forms. The museum galleries are systematically organized in divisions like Folk life, Folk Lore, Folk Literature, Large Folk Dolls and Folk Art.

The valuable collection of the Folk Lore Museum of Mysore includes props, costumes and accessories of the various forms of Yakshagana on display. Costumes of the folk dramatists of Andhgra pradesh, Kathakali dancers of Kerala, masks, puppets, and a large variety of folk musical instruments are showcased with proper identification plates. The large repertoire of dolls on display bear the social, historical and religious influence of the time.

Artifacts from the Soliga community, the traditional way of preparing ink 2 centuries ago in Dodderi village, an wooden altar and various instruments used by the blacksmiths, farmers, goldsmiths, fishermen, boatmen, potters, artisans and cobblers are well displayed in the Folk Lore Museum of Mysore. The museum takes special care and undertakes regular maintenance for the preservation of this cultural heritage. The Folk Lore Museum is open from 10 am to 5:30 pm, on all days, except Sunday. Entrance to this interesting museum is free.

Last Updated on 9/14/2011