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Step into this three-storied edifice and take a stroll down history where every waft that you encounter is scented with times gone by, its culture and heritage. This is Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum at Thevara, Ernakulam - a unique venture to preserve the splendid folklore wealth of the State.
Opened in the year 2009 as a non-profit organization, the museum is truly a treasure trove that showcases the rich heritage that Kerala exudes through its numerous art and dance forms. Artifacts that bear the scent of bygone era like masks, sculptures, in wood, stone and bronze, costumes of traditional and ritual art forms, musical instruments, traditional jewelry, manuscripts of rare medicinal and astrological secrets, and Stone-Age utensils are all preserved in this museum with utmost care.
The building itself is a piece of wonder with its three floors following the architectural styles of Malabar, Cochin and Travancore. The entrance to this marvelous structure is constructed from the remnants of a 16th century temple in Tamil Nadu and wooden carvings collected from across Kerala. The entrance door is decked with an attractive manichitratazhu (a traditional ornate door lock of Kerala). Near to this entrance door are pierced wooden windows, reminiscent of the intriguing Malabar style of architecture.
The first floor with the Cochin architectural style is sagaciously named as kalithattu, which means a floor for play and it displays costumes of various traditional and ritual dance forms of Kerala like Theyyam, Kathakali, Ottanthullal, and Mohiniyattam. Kanjadalam; or lotus petal is the name given to the second floor, which is adorned with fascinating mural paintings and has a chiseled wooden ceiling made of 60 frames.
The theatre here conducts authentic stage performances every day at 6.30 p.m. Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum is the outcome of 25 years of efforts and determination of George Thaliath and his wife Annie George along with the inimitable craftsmanship and manpower put in by 62 carpenters and skilled workers for more than seven years. The museum is open from 9.30 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. Entrance fee to the museum is Rs.100 for adults and Rs.50 for students.
For more details contact:-
Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum
Folklore Jn., Thevara,
Cochin, Kerala, India
Phone: + 91 484 2665452
E-mail: keralafolkloretheatre@gmail.com
Website: www.folkloremuseum.in
