Trivandrum - Napier Museum

The Napier Museum is the centerpiece of the park, housed in an Indo-Saracenic building from 1880. Napier Museum was designed by Chisolm, an architect noted for his eclectic architecture and created to honor Lord Napier, the governor of Madras.

The exhibits include a rare collection of archeological and historic artifacts such as 12th C bronzes, 15th C woodcarvings, temple chariots, stone idols, gold jewelry, ivory carvings, musical instruments and a model of the Guruvayur temple.

The carnival-like interior of the Napier Museum is striking and worth a visit all on its own! The structure boasts a "natural" air conditioning system.

East of the Napier Museum is the Natural History Museum, which houses a wood and stucco house, the traditional residence of the Nair warrior family. The ethnographic collection includes a traditional courtyard house featuring dancing and an elephant procession.