Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum is a living museum of art, architecture, lifestyles, crafts, and performing arts of South India. It is a project of Madras Craft Foundation, an NGO that aims to exhibit, promote, and preserve the diverse and rich cultures of the southern states of India. The museum is located on the East Coast Road, overlooking the Bay of Bengal, at Muttukadu, about 25 km south of Chennai. It was opened to the public on December 14th, 1996.
The museum has a collection of 18 authentic historical houses from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, with contextual exhibitions in each house. The museum also organizes various events, workshops, festivals, and performances to showcase the vibrant and dynamic aspects of South Indian culture. Visit during Chennai Local Sightseeing By cab
Location of Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum
Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum is located on East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Chengalpet, Tamil Nadu 603112. It is about 25 km south of Chennai Central railway station and 40 km from Chennai International airport. It is easily accessible by public transport such as buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws.
Timing / Entry Fees Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum
Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on all days except Tuesdays. The entry fee is Rs. 100 per person for Indians and Rs. 250 per person for foreign tourists. The camera fee is Rs. 50 for still camera and Rs. 100 for video camera. The workshop fee varies depending on the type and duration of the workshop.
How to Reach Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum
Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum can be reached by road from any part of the city. You can take a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw to reach the spot. You can also take a train to Chengalpet railway station or a metro to Thiruvanmiyur metro station, which are both close to the museum.
Things to Do / Must See Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum
Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum offers various things to do and see for tourists and visitors of all ages and interests. You can enjoy a tour of the museum, a visit to the houses and exhibitions, a participation in the workshops and festivals, a watch of the performances and demonstrations, etc. at the complex. You can also visit the nearby attractions such as Muttukadu Boat House, MGM Dizzee World, Crocodile Bank, etc.
- Tour: A tour of the museum is one of the main attractions at the complex. You can learn about the history and significance of the museum and see its various structures and features such as the entrance plaza, the visitor centre, the craft shop, the library, etc.
- Houses and Exhibitions: The museum has a collection of 18 authentic historical houses from four South Indian states: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Each house represents a different community, region, and period of history. The houses are reconstructed by skilled artisans using traditional materials and techniques. The houses also have contextual exhibitions that display various aspects of the culture and lifestyle of the people who lived in them such as their clothing, utensils, furniture, art forms, rituals, etc.
- Workshops and Festivals: The museum organizes various workshops and festivals throughout the year to showcase the diverse and dynamic aspects of South Indian culture. Some of them are pottery workshop, puppetry workshop, basket weaving workshop, kolam workshop, mango festival, pongal festival, navratri festival, etc. The workshops and festivals provide an opportunity for visitors to learn new skills and interact with local artisans and experts.
- Performances and Demonstrations: The museum also hosts various performances and demonstrations by local artists and craftsmen to showcase their talents and traditions. Some of them are folk dance performance, classical music performance, martial arts demonstration, pottery demonstration, puppetry demonstration, etc. The performances and demonstrations provide an entertainment and education for visitors.
Significance of Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum
Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum is a place of cultural significance. It is a living museum that preserves and promotes the diverse and rich cultures of South India. It showcases the art, architecture, lifestyles, crafts, and performing arts of various communities and regions of South India. It also provides a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue among different groups of people. It also contributes to the conservation and development of local crafts and skills.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the best time to visit Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum?
A: The best time to visit Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and cool.
Q: What are the facilities available at Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum?
A: There are basic facilities available at Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum such as parking, toilets, drinking water, cafeteria, souvenir shop, library, etc. There are also facilities for the differently abled such as ramps, wheelchairs, audio guides, etc.
Q: What are some tips for visiting Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum?
A: Some tips for visiting Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum are:
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes as you will have to walk a lot to explore the museum.
Carry water, snacks and a camera to capture the views.
Be respectful while viewing the exhibits and do not touch or damage them.
Do not litter or smoke at the museum premises.
Respect the local culture and environment.
Conclusion
Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum is a living museum of art, architecture, lifestyles, crafts, and performing arts of South India. It is a project of Madras Craft Foundation, an NGO that aims to exhibit, promote, and preserve the diverse and rich cultures of the southern states of India. The museum is located on the East Coast Road, overlooking the Bay of Bengal, at Muttukadu, about 25 km south of Chennai. It was opened to the public on December 14th, 1996.
The museum has a collection of 18 authentic historical houses from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, with contextual exhibitions in each house. The museum also organizes various events, workshops, festivals, and performances to showcase the vibrant and dynamic aspects of South Indian culture. It is one of the most popular attractions of Chennai and a must-visit destination for cultural lovers.
