12.313476.6224Mysore, Karnataka

MUSEUM

Folklore Museum Mysore - A Journey into Karnataka's Folk Heritage

Explore Karnataka's rich folk culture through a vast collection of puppets, masks, instruments, and artifacts housed in the historic Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion.

Mysore, Karnataka1-2 hours10:00 AM – 5:30 PM₹30No Photography

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Best Season:The ideal time to visit is from October to February. During these months, Mysore's weather is cool and pleasant, making it comfortable to explore the university campus where the museum is located. The summer months, from March to May, can be very hot. The monsoon season, from June to September, is also a good time for an indoor activity like visiting the museum, though moving around the city can be affected by rain.

Duration:1-2 hours

Entry (Indian):₹30

Entry (Foreign):₹50

Photography:Not Allowed

Parking:Not Available

Why Visit Folklore Museum?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

The Folklore Museum is located within the University of Mysore's Manasagangotri campus, inside the impressive Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion. This museum is dedicated to preserving the folk arts, crafts, and culture of Karnataka. The collection is extensive, featuring over 6,500 artifacts that provide a deep look into the state's rural life and traditions. Visitors can walk through galleries displaying a wide range of items, from large ceremonial headgear and vibrant masks used in folk performances to intricate leather puppets and costumes from Yakshagana theater.

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

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BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

October-December, weekends, and during the Dasara festival when tourist footfall in Mysore is high.

Moderate

January-March, July-September on weekdays.

Low Season

April-June due to summer heat, and weekday mornings throughout the year.

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

₹30

Per person

Foreign Visitors

₹50

Per person

Opening Hours

10:00 AM — 5:30 PM

Open on all days except Sundays and public holidays. Last entry is usually at 17:00. Timings may vary during university holidays, so it's advisable to check beforehand.

Adults: ₹30, Children (5-12 years): ₹15. Students with valid ID may get a concession. Camera fee: ₹50. Video camera fee: ₹150. Prices are subject to change.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, Manasagangotri Campus, University of Mysore

Coordinates

12.3134, 76.6224

Nearest City

Mysore

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How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

The nearest major airport is Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR), about 175 km away (3-4 hours by road). Mysore's own airport (MYQ) has limited fli...

By Train

Mysore Junction (MYS) is the nearest railway station, located about 4 km from the museum. It is well-connected to Bangalore, Chennai, and other major cities. Yo...

By Road

Mysore is connected by an excellent expressway and national highways to Bangalore (140 km, 2-3 hours) and other cities in Karnataka. KSRTC and private buses run...

Local Transport

Within Mysore, auto-rickshaws are a common mode of transport. App-based services like Ola and Uber are also available. City buses frequently ply to the Manasaga...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

The Folklore Museum was established in 1968 by the University of Mysore. Its collection was developed by distinguished scholars and folklorists like P.R. Thippeswamy, with the goal of showcasing the region's diverse cultural heritage. The museum is housed in the Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, a heritage...

Significance

This museum holds one of Asia's most significant collections of folk artifacts. Its importance lies in the systematic preservation and display of Karnataka's folk traditions, which might otherwise be lost over time. The collection is a crucial academic resource for students and researchers of folklo...

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