The Krishna Menon Museum was erected as a tribute to the late Shri V. K. Krishna Menon, who was an imminent figure in India’s history. Krishna Menon was a statesman who occupied many positions, including Defence Minister from 1957 to 1962, and the High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. The museum, which was established in 1975, is in the East Hill region of Kozhikode, where Krishna Menon did his early studies. It is surrounded by a beautiful three-acre grounds that has both a medicinal garden and a butterfly park. 

Krishna Menon’s life story
The exhibit details his many outstanding accomplishments, following his life’s journey from a student, then a freedom fighter who occupied the frontstage in the struggle working alongside leaders like Nehru and Gandhi, and finally, to a politician and a diplomat. It displays this story not only through a narrative exhibit, but also various photographs and archival footage, personal belongings that he collected and was gifted through the years, and his wide-ranging speeches and writing. 

Beautiful works of art
Within the museum is not only the section dedicated to his life, but also many pieces of artwork extremely important for India’s history. A delight to art lovers, the museum has a collection of 66 paintings including those of famed Kerala artists Raja Ravi Varma and Raja Raja Varma. Apart from these, there are also wall murals, paintings in both the Bengal and upper Rajasthani school of art and modern art. Other pieces of art include elaborate ivory creations, intricate wood carvings and metallic sculptures. The museum is inside a building more than 200 years old, which has been the home of many art collectors over the years.

Events hosted by the museum
The spirit of Krishna Menon’s intellectual pursuit is carried on by the museum, which hosts many educational and cultural events like talks on international relations and diplomacy, seminars and film festivals which are held in its 3D theatre as well as at other venues in the Museum Compound. The museum’s well-stocked in-house library that contains many of Krishna Menon’s own works is also a great resource for eager learners and avid readers.