It is a rarity in India that collections of artistic and also of antique value become objects of appreciation and wonder for the public. In Alappuzha District of Kerala, also known as the ?Venice of the East?, a remarkable personality dedicated a great deal of time, money and energy for the growth and development of the coir industry. Mr. Revi Karuna Karan till his passing away, couple of years back, played a pivotal role towards the betterment of the coir industry.
While Mr. Revi carried on with his passionate and dedicated efforts for the development of the coir industry and for the welfare of those making a living out of it, he also found time to scan the world of fine arts. An avid collector of wonderful works of art; with and without utility, Mr. Revi eventually became the custodian of many fabulous works of art from around the world. A true connoisseur of art, after his passing away, Mr. Revi?s family opened a museum in his name to house some of the selected items from his impressive collection.
The Revi Karuna Karan Memorial Museum in Alappuzha town is a befitting memorial to a man who besides his first passion ?coir?, also possessed a special interest in collecting classic works of art; old and rare; varied and inspiring.
Located on the National Highway-47 passing through the town of Alappuzha, near the powerhouse bridge, the museum has literally enhanced the interests of visitors to the ancient trade town of Alappuzha, also famous for its backwaters and beaches.
Among the displayed items in the museum, one would without doubt get amazed at the range of crystal wares, especially those from the world renowned Swarovsky. The world of ivory always has a tag of royalty and grandeur attached to it. The collection of works in ivory at the Revi Karuna Karan Memorial Museum is indeed an impressive one. The ivory and crystal collections at the museum are one of the largest of its kind. And for those, who admire paintings, the museum houses a good collection of them, especially that of renowned Tanjore paintings. Among the displayed items, a 200 sq. ft. mural is bound to catch the attention of one and all. This mural, depicting the social and cultural heritage of India was created by using only vegetable dyes, and took about 4160 man-hours for its completion.
The museum also has a space dedicated for d?cor and architectural marvels called ?Kerala Room?. With about 3,800 pieces on display, the museum also has for its visitors an array of other artistic objects, especially those in porcelain, antique furniture etc. A 1946 model ?Buick Super? owned by Mr. Revi Karuna Karan?s father is another major attraction.
The museum with an exhibition area of 10,000 sq. ft. houses a variety of objects of high artistic excellence and heritage value, originating from different parts of the world, and is the first of its kind in Kerala.
Address:
Revi Karuna Karan Memorial Museum
XIII/990 ? A,
NH 47,Near Power House Bridge,
Alappuha -688012
Kerala-India
Houses a gallery of murals from all over Kerala and preserves a rare treasure of Veerakallu, temple models, olagrandhangal (manuscripts on dry palm leaves), megaliths etc.
Built in the Indo-European style way back in 1667, the Bungalow gets its name from its location on the site of the Stromberg Bastion of the old Dutch fort.
A display of large collection of superior quality driftwood articles of very high artistic value, prepared through a rare and innovative modern artforms.
'Water Heritage Museum' highlights the significance of water in relation to man and and also its usage in day-to-day life, with special emphasis of Kerala's traditions involving the use of water.
Built in the 19th century, this Indo - Saracenic structure boasts a natural air conditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artefacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings.
Displays the acclaimed paintings of Kerala's cherished artists, Raja Ravi Varma (1848 - 1906) whose works brought international repute to the State and his uncle Raja Raja Varma.
Among the displayed items are major attractions like the cannon balls used by the invading army of Tippu Sultan; the holy vestments of priests; tablets that describe the old liturgical order and the tabernacle of the old church.
The museum houses galleries on electricity, electronics, power & motion, mechanics, popular science, mathematics, solar energy as well as automobile, computer and biomedical engineering.
Displays original paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich; exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of art in India as well as paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali.
This museum depicts the history of the Travancore Royal Family and displays their personal belongings and artefacts. Old newspaper footage and deeds describing events are also exhibited.
Houses curious, photographs and machineries, each depicting a turning point that contributed to a flourishing tea industry, as seen today in the region.
Houses a rich treasure of marine wealth has perfected the Image Pearl production technique, by which a mould of any shape made of shell cement is implanted into the pearl oyster.
