The Folklore Museum in Mysore was founded in 1968. It is a collection of arts and crafts all over Karnataka. Located at the University of Mysore premises in the Manasagangothri campus, it represents the culture of Karnataka in a microcosmic form. Many well-known scholars have, over the years, increased the collection of the Folklore Museum. It exhibits not only various items of folklore but also elements of dance, drama, and music.
Over 6,500 unique folklore exhibits are displayed in the Folklore Museum, Mysore. The museum gallery is divided into wings. Folklore, large dolls, literature, art, and folklife have been segregated into different sections. The Folklore Museum Mysore displays costumes and accessories of both northern and southern forms of Yakshagana.
Costumes of the famous Kathakali dance of Kerala are also displayed. Masks, puppets, and dolls from various parts of Karnataka are exhibited. Visitors can see the rare and valuable Hanuman crown from Kugala Balli village in North Karnataka.
Collection of Folklore Museum, Mysore
The Museum has a gallery that exhibits folk musical instruments such as wind, percussion, and string. There are figurines representing kings, queens, saints, hermits, soldiers, folk deities, ceremonial headwear, and religious objects. The folklife wing of the Folklore Museum Mysore has instruments used by farmers, fishermen, boatmen, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, potters, cobblers, and other artisans. It also includes household items and clothing.
Folklore Museum Mysore Timings and Entry Fees
Monday to Saturday 10.15 am – 5 pm expect public holidays.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee
