Indian Architecture and Art-The Napier Museum,Thiruvanathapuram

The Napier museum is one among the architectural marvels which we had a close association since childhood.Going to the museum,playing in the park ,watching animals in the zoo and Raja Ravi Varmas paintings in the Sree chitra art galllery was our favourite past times.The last summer vacations where rekindling childhood memories with my little one...

The Napier museum was established in 1855. In 1874, the old Museum Building was demolished and foundation for the new building was laid. The new building was named after Lord Napier, the Governor of Madras 1866-1872.

The architectural masterpiece was designed by Robert Chisholm, the consulting Architect of the Madras government and the construction was completed in 1880. Napier Museum is a landmark in the city with its unique ornamentation and architectural style with gothic roof and minarets. The Indo Saracenic structure also boasts a natural air conditioning system.

The museum houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. It also contains the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, which contains works from Raja Ravi Varma and Nicholas Roerich, as well as examples of Mughal and Tanjore art.

The Museum grounds also hold a Zoological garden, which is one of the oldest in India. This Zoo was established in 1857 and is spread over 55 acres (220,000 m2) of land.