Museums

Museum on Christian Religious Art and Traditions, North Paravur

The idea of this museum is to present the Christian religious art and traditions through photographs accompanied by text and other audio-visual materials. This will be located inside the ancient church premises.

Museum of Aquatic Life, Vadakekkara

At MHS, it will be appropriate to develop a museum on aquatic life, where visitors can learn about and understand the diversity of the backwaters and its islands. It remains a critical factor in the concerns of the public, especially those who are interested in protecting the environment.

The Muziris Museum of Aquatic Life is the answer to the challenge of protecting local biodiversity.

The museum will be expressed in such a way that the local flora and fauna are protected. The project in its entirety envisages creating awareness of the fascinating ecology of the river and raising the consciousness amongst the general public on environmental issues. After wandering through the monuments, the visit to the museum will be a welcome change for visitors. An important component of this museum will be the saline eco system with its wide variety of flora, fauna, insects, birds, crabs and fish.

One can approach the area in a holistic manner, by thinking of cleaning the waterways, rain water harvesting, easing water logging problems in various areas because of the construction of new roads and bridges, silting of the canals, solid waste management and others. The problem will become serious with the advent of greater numbers of visitors to the area. This has to be tackled in such a way that the sustainability of the project is not threatened over a long-term. The park will have several elements to sensitize visitors to the natural environment, which can be demonstrated in a practical way.

This museum will be a focal point for interactive environmental education and research for schools, educational institutions, eco clubs, bird watchers, nature enthusiasts and the general public.

Pattanam Archaeological Site

A site archaeological museum can be considered in the excavation site. The visitor center, the exhibition gallery, virtual reconstruction centre, the public archive and documentation centre may be located at a distance, because the acquisition of nearby land may cause disruption of the local community. Locating the facilities at a distance, where land is available will cause the least disturbance to the excavated remains.

The visitors may be taken to the site museum on foot, when they will be able to fully appreciate the dramatic landscape setting. For those visitors who are not able to walk, there will be special arrangements to ensure that they too are able to reach the excavated site. In addition to the boat jetty, road access to the site and toilet block is being added.

Site Museum

The concept of this project is to preserve and enhance the remains of the ancient structure in such a way that would set it apart from the modern construction. The use of light materials, such as wood, glass and steel, contrasting the massiveness of the ancient brick walls will be used. The museum building of glass and steel roofs may be constructed above the ancient walls.

The access to the public is important. The building should be as unobtrusive as possible. The form and the size of the building will depend on the extent of the archaeological remains.

Kerala Maritime Museum

This is a specialized museum describing the details of the maritime trade which Kerala had with several foreign countries. The museum aims to undertake the promotion and study of the Kerala maritime history and tradition. Therefore, the Museum will exhibit various boats and ships, a large number of military weapons and devices used on the high seas, such as guns, cannons, and telescopes. There could be a section on how Vasco da Gama led his fleet to India in the late 15th century.

A separate building will be designed for large objects like boats. There will also be displays where visitors can become acquainted with old working methods. The museum will also have a separate library and archives that meet modern standards.

Museum on Handlooms, Chendamangalam

Chendamangalam is an important handloom centre in Kerala. Double dhoti and 'Mundu' and 'Neriyathu' are its famous products. These fabrics are distinct in their structure. They have a special weft direction. The idea behind this museum is to exhibit the history of the fabric, the stages of manufacture and the fine finished handloom products. A training centre, shops and a small café are being featured with this museum.

Traditional Lifestyle Museum, Chendamangalam

The mission of the Museum is to offer exhibits and programs showcasing lifestyle, history, cultures, people, places, fashion trends, architecture, furnishings, and information about popular uses of artifacts by people and events of the various periods. Visitors will be able to get an overall idea of the traditional arts, heritage and culture of Kerala.

Kochi Dynasty History Museum, Chendamangalam

The objective of this museum is to know about the ancient dynasties of Kochi and their architectural and engineering achievements during those periods.

Museum on Inland Fishing, Gothuruthu

In this site, there will be a museum displaying inland fishing, fishing nets, traditional boats of different kinds and other related objects. A computer archive is also being planned, which can be consulted for more information about the local fishing and traditional boating. It will consist of the following components:

• Exhibition area explaining fishing history
• Boats of various types
• Fishing methods
• Different types of fishing nets & other fish gear
• Recreated fisherman’s house
• Training centre
• Memorial Room

Museum on Coir, Moothakunnam

Kerala, since time immemorial has been a land blessed with the bounty of coconuts, and coir produced from the husks of coconuts has made it a treasure of the land. Visitors will be able to see its history and the stages of processing. Various coir products, such as carpets, door mats, mattress and newer products will be exhibited.

Military Museum, Kottappuram Fort

The purpose of the museum project is to build and maintain a collective history of the soldiers from various kingdoms, weapons used and the various wars that were fought in this area. In this way the museum will provide an educational environment. Its mission is to gather, collect, restore, preserve, interpret, and display materials that reflect the history of the wars between the various princely states, forts and their relationship with the history of Kerala. Various weapons, uniforms, communication material and other related objects will be exhibited for future research and display. A library will be established in the museum for research.

Kerala History Museum, Cheraman Parambu

The Kerala History Museum will show the history and cultural heritage of Kerala, its customs, culture and historical development. The idea is to make this an important focal point, in the area where the events occurred and to portray by that means, the history of Kerala through the ages. The museum may be divided into various sections such as archaeological, social and natural history. The archaeological objects excavated and archival records can be exhibited along with large scale models. There will be temporary galleries and permanent exhibitions. An elaborate conservation studio for the museum objects is also being planned.

Museum of Freedom Struggle, Kodungallur

This museum is being planned with the hope of introducing the freedom struggle and its multiple facets to school students. It will highlight the roles of the unsung heroes apart from the well known leaders of the Freedom Movement. The concept is to pay tribute to freedom fighters and generate interest among the younger generation about important milestones in the struggle for independence. It is important that the museum makes sense to all age groups and attract and interest especially the younger generation.

Museum of Kerala Literature, Kodungallur

This museum is being planned in memory of the great scholar Kunhikuttan Thampuram, who translated the epic, Mahabharatha, within a short period. The arts and literature of Kerala have consistently evoked much interest and enjoyed good patronage and today, Kerala is still prominent in these fields with a number of well-known artists and writers.

Islamic Traditions Museum, Kodungallur

The idea of this museum is to exhibit the Islamic traditions through displays accompanied by text and other audio-visual materials.

Syrian Christian History Museum, Kodungallur

This museum aims to present the interesting traditions and history of the Syrian Christians. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe origin of Syrian Christian traditions and their evolution to present day practices.