Folk Lore Museum Mysore 🇮🇳

Located inside the Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion on the University of Mysore's Manasagangothri campus, the Folklore Museum offers you an incredible look into the traditional arts, crafts, and culture of Karnataka. Founded in 1968 and developed by dedicated scholars like P.R. Thippeswamy, this impressive repository showcases over 6,500 unique folklore exhibits organized across specialized gallery wings, including folklore, large dance dolls, folklife, literature, and art.

When you visit, you will encounter a vast array of regional heritage highlighting music, dance, and drama. Explore detailed costumes, props, and accessories from northern and southern Yakshagana styles, along with traditional costumes from Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. Marvel at rare treasures such as a centuries-old Hanuman crown, puppets, leather dolls, and the ornamental wooden mantapa used by award-winning author Kuvempu.

Music enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive display of folk instruments, ranging from stringed kinnaris and percussion dollus to one-metre long flutes. In the folklife and large doll wings, you can examine statues used in ritualistic dances like Soma and Talebhutha, alongside everyday artisan tools, historical ink preparations, weapons, household utensils, and traditional clothing that vividly reflect authentic daily life across Karnataka.

What to see at Folk Lore Museum Mysore

• More than 6,500 unique folklore exhibits displayed across specialized gallery wings
• Rare Hanuman crown from Kugala Balli village and traditional Yakshagana costumes
• Diverse collection of folk musical instruments including string, wind, and percussion
• Large dance dolls and statues representing Soma, Talebhutha, Maari, and Gadi Maari
• Folklife tools, artisan equipment, household items, and historical 200-year-old ink preparations

Visiting tips

Take your time exploring the distinct gallery wings inside Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion to fully appreciate the varied artisan tools, musical instruments, and regional performance art displays.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Folk Lore Museum Mysore is easy to reach on Mysore’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Mysore Palace and St. Philomena's Cathedral. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Mysore travel guide.