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.




