The Napier museum and art gallery are situated in the Napier Museum compound at the center of the city. The Napier Museum is a 19th century structure, built in the Indo-Saracenic style. The Napier museum houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, ancient ornaments, bronze idols, ivory carvings and a chariot. The Napier Museum complex reveals and showcases the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. The museum is a magnificent piece of architecture and is named after the former Governor General of Madras, Sir John Napier.

The Napier Museum is also called by the name of the Government Art Museum. It is interesting to note that the Museum building sports a rare combination of the Kerala, Mughal, Chinese and Italian architectural styles. The Sree Chitra Art Gallery inside the Napier museum features a rare collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, Roerich and some fascinating works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of painting. Another attraction at the museum is the oriental collection comprising of paintings from Japan, China, Bali and Tibet. This collection offers a visual treat and acknowledges the art and culture of these countries.