CITIZENS' CHARTER OF
THE DEPARTMENT OF MUSEUMS AND ZOOS

The Museums and Zoo located in the heart of the Thiruvananthapuram city have everything for their visitors who reach here for tourism, Education, Study or Research. The institutions located inside the historical Museum compound are potential education centres to all regardless of their age, sex or social status. Whereas the Museums offer enormous opportunities to learn about the rich Heritage, Art and Culture, the Zoological and Botanical gardens have a lot to reveal about the rich natural heritage of the Gods Own Country as well as India.

What we do

Promote education and awareness on our glorious past through the cultural heritage protected, preserved and displayed in Museums and Galleries to pave way for future cultural development.

Provide opportunities for research in the field of Museology, Iconography, History, Architecture etc. based on the objects of rare artefacts and antiquities displayed in Museums.

Promote Wildlife conservation through Zoo education programmes among general public with special reference to younger generations.

Facilitate Wildlife research in the field of Animal nutrition, Physiology, Reproductive biology, Behavioural science etc. using captive wild animals with the ultimate goal of evolving management strategies for effective Wildlife protection and management in-situ.

Brings visitors close to the animals with exhibits that stimulate natural behaviour and well-being for the animals. Visitor experience is enhanced by creative educational materials.
What we have for you

Museums and Galleries

Art Museum (Napier Museum), Thiruvananthapuram.

One of the earliest Museums in India established by the Maharaja of Travancore in 1855. Only a very few Museums like the Indian Museum Calcutta, Madras Government Museum are its contemporaries. In 1874, the old Museum Building was pulled down and the foundation for the new building named after Lord Napier, the Governor of Madras presidency, was laid. The Architectural masterpiece was designed by Mr. Chisoln, the consulting Architect of the Madras Government and the construction completed in 1880. This 120 year old structure is a landmark in the city with its unique ornamentation and architectural style with gothic roof and minerets.

It offers an array of display of artistic, cultural and antique importance comprising of sculptures in bronze and stone, carving of wood and ivory, lamps, textiles, Kathakali models, handicraft items, Kuftgiri works, traditional musical instruments, a treasure of numismatic collections representing Chera, Chola, Pandy dynasties of Southern India etc.. The bronze display include fascinating images of Siva, Vishnu, Parvathi and Laskhmi in "Silpa Sastras". The metal images illustrate the features of South Indian sculpture style of 8th to 18th Century. The Vishnu image of 8th Century collected from Ambalapuzha temple in central Travancore which has Pallava style is the oldest metal image in the State. The stone sculptures belong to 8th to 18th Century such as Agasthya, Vishnu etc. manifest Dravidyan influence. Shiva with Sati is a unique and the rarest exhibit found in the Museum. Each and every exhibit has a wonderful and fascinating tale twined around it.

Srichitra Art Gallery

This gallery established in 1935 has a century old world famous paintings of Raja Ravi Varma as star attraction in its display. The Artistic masterpieces of Bengal school of Arts, contemporary painters from within and outside the country constitute the bulk of the display. Famous Roerich paintings, miniatures from various parts of the world, manuscripts of great archival significance and the mural paintings unique to Kerala make the display in the gallery wholesome and complete. One gets dismayed as one goes through the profile of display watching hundreds of years old original works of world famous artists. Four hundred year old Tanjore miniature paintings, are interesting display in the gallery.
Natural History Museum

Established in 1964, has one of the exhaustive collections amongst the Natural History Musia in the country. It illustrates an excellent attempt made in the past to depict the different kinds of wild animals in their natural habitat. The panoramas so created in the past signify the present day relevance of in-situ conservation of wildlife and their habitats.

The display provides exhaustive information, facts and figures concerning the whole of animal kingdom from the tiny creatures such as ants and termites to that of the largest Blue Whale. It is an enormous animal collection cabinet for especially students of Zoology and other Biological sciences to explore any information they need. One gets dismayed with the exhaustive collection of variety of avi fauna which provides unparalleled Ornithological study and research opportunities. The panoramic display of animals in their natural habitats makes it equally interesting and fascinating to the general public as well.

K.C.S. Panicker Gallery

The gallery was opened on 31.5.1979, in the specially constructed auditorium building of the Museum office. In this, the paintings and sculptures of Late Sri. K.C.S. Panicker are displayed. The display induces tremendous amount of inquisitiveness in the minds of visitors who venture into their interpretation. A true lover of art may not miss this unique experience of spending interactive time with these wonderful and fascinating exhibits.

Sree Chitra Enclave

The Sree Chitra Enclave started functioning in the old Museum police station building from 12th November 1993. The enclave is dedicated to the memory of Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma (1912 - 1991) the last Maharaja of Travancore. This Museum depicts the history of Travancore royal family and recalls their enriching contributions. It highlights the landmarks in the evolution of the Travancore state and its geographical and sociocultural history. This memorial is a respectful homage to Maharaja Sree Chithira Thirunal whose abiding contributions are legion. In this Museum, the chariot used by the Maharaja, plaster cast models of the Maharaja and Amma Maharani, medals, stamps, coins, swords and other belongings of Maharaja are exhibited. A series of audio visual presentations unveil interesting and informative real stories of the past.
Botanical Garden

The premises of Museums as well as the Zoo constitute Thiruvananthapuram Botanical Gardens. The gardens were laid originally by a well known British named Mr. Ingle Bee who was trained in Kew Gardens, London during 1900s. The garden has more than 200 species of trees, thousands of ornamental plants, orchids, aunturiams in its diverse collection. It provides excellent opportunity for students of Botany to undertake various studies regarding plants. The garden undertakes multiplication and sale of ornamental plants to needy public at very reasonable price.

Thiruvananthapuram Zoo

Established as early as 1857 in conjunction with the famous Napier Museum, it occupies the prime position amongst the tourist destinations in the State. Spread over in 50 acres of lush green lands located in the heart of the city of Thiruvananthapuram, the Zoo offers a rare opportunity to the visitors to experience and enjoy an unparalleled, picturesque and panoramic sylvan surroundings besides variety of animal collections. The Zoo has 75 different species of animals from all over India. It also has several species of animals and birds from Ethiopian and Australian Zoo geographic regions. The Lion tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr, Manipur deer, Indian Rhino, Asiatic Lion, Royal Bengal Tiger are prominent among the indigenous endangered fauna. Giraffe, Hippo, Zebra, Cape Buffalo are the guests from African region. It will usher in a new era with the completion of the ongoing modernisation works in the Zoo. Thrilling encounters with the animals out in their open air landscapes are not too far.

Location and approach

The Museums and Zoo are situated in the Museum Compound right in the heart of the temple city of Thiruvananthapuram.

3 Kms. from Thampanoor Bus Station.

3 Kms. from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station.

9 Kms. from the Airport.

Approachable by frequent buses, autorikshaws, taxicars etc..

State Museum and Zoo, Thrissur.

Started functioning in 1885. Spread over in 5.5 acres of land in Thrissur town. There are Zoological Garden, Botanical Garden, Art Museum and Natural History Museum in this compound. The Zoo has 315 animals in 46 species. Art Museum consists of antiquities, a rare collection of bell metal lamps and other unique exhibits. Natural History Museum displays an array of natural history exhibits.

Location and approach

Located at Chembukavu about 2 Kms. from railway and bus stations.
Kochi is the nearest Airport (50 Kms.).
Approachable by frequent buses, autorikshaws, taxicars etc..

Krishna Menon Museum and Art Gallery, Kozhikode.

Started functioning in 1975 Situated at East Hill, 4½ Kilometres away from the Kozhikode City. There exhibits personal belongings of V.K. Krishna Menon, the former Defence Minister of India. Some collections of the paintings of the Raja Ravi Varma and some collections of Mural paintings, Modern paintings are also exhibited there. A few collection of sculptures and ivory carvings are also displayed.

Location and approach

Located at East Hill, Kozhikode.
5 Kms. from Bus station.
6 Kms. from Railway station.
Approachable by autorikshaws and taxicars.

Visiting time : 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Monday holiday.

Entry : free.

Education and Awareness programmes in Thiruvananthapuram Zoo.

The Department of Museums and Zoos has an Education wing under the charge of a full fledged Educational Officer. This section undertakes education and awareness programmes for students and members of public. The details of such programmes are given below.

Conservation Education Class : Regular classes are organised for the school/college students and public. The target groups are given half a day class followed by a free visit to the Zoo. Wildlife and its importance, Nature and Wildlife Conservation are the core subjects covered. Film shows and slide shows are also conducted as part of it. If any school/college desires to attend the classes can contact the Educational Officer.

Fortnightly interaction session : Interactive sessions are organised once every fortnight in the newly renovated Museum auditorium. Topics related to Wildlife Conservation, Environmental health, Cultivation of ornamental and medicinal plants, Museum display etc. are selected. Departmental staff in Museums, Zoo, Botanical Garden, Members of NGOs, Nature Clubs participate in the sessions. The programmes are anchored by experts in the related fields who render their service as labour of love. The sessions would last for 1 to 2 hours and would include presentations, slide shows, discussions etc. The programme was started since 14th February 2001 and has been going on consistently. Advance publicity is given in leading newspapers about the date, topic and resource persons to ensure maximum participation.

Wildlife Film shows and exhibitions : Wildlife film shows are organised on 1st Friday of every month in collaboration with World Wide Fund. Wildlife photo exhibitions are organised frequently supported by the renowned local Wildlife Photographers.

Other education programmes :
Touch table is arranged during special occasions in Thiruvananthapuram Zoo were the visitors are given oppotrunity to touch and feel animal trophies.

Wildlife Week, World Environment Day, Animal Welfare Fortnight etc. are celebrated every year with various programmes. Competitions in Quiz, Elocution, Essay writing, Painting etc. related to Wildlife for school/college students are being held as part of it. Prizes to the winners are also distributed in valedictory functions. Nature awareness camps, discussions etc. for students are also organised in connection with Wildlife Week celebrations.

Renting of Museum Auditorium, Thiruvananthapuram.

Newly renovated Auditorium is rented to Artists, Cultural Societies etc. for exhibitions of paintings and other selected cultural programmes. Booking has to be done in advance with the Educational Officer.

Sale of Publications at Thiruvananthapuram.

Sale of Museum and Zoo publications including books, catalogues, posters of Raja Ravi Varma paintings, picture cards of paintings, animals and birds etc. are sold from sale counter functioning at the ticket counter. The publications carry very reasonable prices fixed by the Government.

 

What you can expect from us.

We are committed to ensure prompt quality hospitable services to all our clients through

Being fair and impartial.

Being ethical and professional.

Being sensible to needs of public.

What we expect from you.

Be friendly with staff as well as your fellow beings inside the premises.

Follow signages to save time.

Do not carry non biodegradable materials (banned).

Use garbage bins to deposit litter.

Help us to keep the premises neat and clean.

Feedback

We have maintained feed back registers in all galleries and zoos. Please enter your constructive comments including compliments, suggestions and complaints. The feedback input given by you will be of immense use for further development of the Department.

How can you reach us.

For redressel of public grievances related to the services incorporated in this Charter, please contact

Shri. S. Abu,
Superintendent,
Natural History Museum,
Museum Compound,
Thiruvananthapuram - 695 033, Kerala.

Shri. K. Sasidharan,
Superintendent,
Botanical Garden,
Museum Compound,
Thiruvananthapuram - 695 033, Kerala.

Smt. P. Vijayakumary Amma,
Superintendent,
Sree Chitra Art Gallery,
Museum Compound,
Thiruvananthapuram - 695 033, Kerala.

Smt. P.S. Manjula Devi,
Curator-in-Charge,
Art Museum,
Museum Compound,
Thiruvananthapuram - 695 033, Kerala.

Shri. K. Sadasivan Pillai,
Curator-in-Chrage,
Zoological Garden,
Museum Compound,
Thiruvananthapuram - 695 033, Kerala.

Shri. K. Jayan
Superintendent,
State Museum and Zoo,
Chembukavu, Thrissur.
Phone : 0487 - 2333056

Shri. K. Gangadharan,
Educational Officer,
State Museum and Zoo,
Chembukavu, Thrissur.

Shri. V. Rajesh,
Curator,
Art Gallery and Krishna Menon Museum,
Kozhikode.
Phone : 0495 - 2381253

 

Smt. P. Vijayakumari Amma.,
Director-in-Charge,
Directorate of Museums and Zoos,
Museum Compound,
Thiruvananthapuram - 695 033, Kerala.

Phone : 0471 - 2316275
Fax : 0471 - 2318294
E-Mail : museumzoo@gmail.com

 

Dr. V. Venu,
Secretary to Government,
In-Charge of Department of Museums and Zoos,
Government Secretariat.

Phone : 0471 - 2327994
Fax      : 0471 - 2327994