Napier Museum is spectacular wooden building situated north of the city, at Museum road and 400m east of Indian airlines.  One of the oldest museums of India, and named after Lord Charles Napier, the governor of Madras, this museum was established by Maharaja of Travancore 1855. 

It displays an eclectic assortment of historical and contemporary ornaments, temple carts, ivory carvings and life-size figures of kathakali dances in full costume. It has also famous collection of 8th-18th century south Indian bronze, rules for sculpting deities of Siva, Vishnu, Parvathi and Lakshmi in 'Silpa Sastras'

The visiting time  is from 10am to 6pm, closed on Monday and forenoon of Wednesday, January 26th, August 15th, Thiruvonam and Mahanavami.

Entry fee: For museum and art gallery - adult Rs 5, Children Rs 2.  Photography with prior permission.