Folk Lore Museum Mysore

The Folk Lore Museum occupies the Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion and displays around 6500 artifacts including masks, puppets, and musical instruments arranged across different exhibition sections. The collection encompasses handcrafted objects and items that document the region's various folk traditions and artistic practices.

The museum was founded in 1968 when P.R. Thippeswamy began gathering regional artifacts that became the core of the collection. The mansion itself came into possession of writer Kuvempu between 1956 and 1960, before eventually serving as the museum's home.

The collection showcases costumes from Yakshagana performances, traditional Kathakali attire, and ceremonial objects that reflect Karnataka's artistic heritage. These pieces reveal how such clothing was worn in rituals and celebrations, showing the craftsmanship in their construction.

The museum welcomes visitors from Monday to Saturday and is accessible by local buses or trains serving the area. It helps to arrive early in the day so you can explore the exhibition sections at a comfortable pace without feeling rushed.

The museum preserves a carefully crafted wooden chariot that was collected by its first curator and holds a special place in the collection. Additionally, stone tools from excavations at several sites across the region are displayed, offering insights into ancient settlement patterns.