Cooking vessels line the hearth; firewood adds to its authenticity. Nearby sits an uppu marava (salt container), and at right, in a corner, is an ennakudam (oil pot). There are also a few spice boxes, in varying shapes, a couple of mulanazhi and a marakkal used to measure cereals, and a rectangular wooden vessel for collecting strained rice gruel water. This is how a 150-year-old Kerala kitchen is recreated at the Keralam – Museum of History and Heritage at Park View, near the Corporation office, in the city.

The museum does not see a significant footfall, unlike the Napier Museum or the Natural History Museum. On some days, it receives fewer than 30 visitors, mostly domestic tourists and those from abroad who are drawn by its mention on the must-see list in the Lonely Planet travel guide book. Doordarshan has also telecast a documentary on the museum.

Not many are aware of the museum. It is in a prime location, but is easily missed owing to inadequate signage. The display boards are not prominent enough, it is pointed out.

Space constraint

“The museum faces space constraints. It does not have seating arrangements for families to relax during or after a tour,” says museum Executive Director S. Raimon.

Prem P. Mahesh, guide-lecturer at the museum, blames paucity of parking space. Vehicles have to be parked at the museum and zoo parking space opposite, or along the road to Nanthancode or Kanakakkunnu. A common ticket for both the zoo and the heritage museum will attract more visitors, it is pointed out.

“Museums usually have the concept of a cafe. This museum does not have one,” Mr. Raimon says. There is a Tourism Department canteen, but it is not exclusively for the museum’s visitors.

Night museum

Many suggested keeping the museum open till 8 p.m. “One finds such night museums in the West,” Mr. Raimon says.

The museum at present receives groups of schoolchildren towards the fag end of the year, courtesy visits by its authorities to schools.

Target groups

However, it is also looking at improved visibility among groups such as the Technopark staff.

It plans to reach out to them through online campaigns and exhibiting its photos and brochures. “We are planning to hold such an exhibition during Onam,” Mr. Raimon says.

The museum is keen on attracting more visitors. “This will address the issue of fund shortage, and the future of the museum as a self-sustaining unit will be secure,” Mr. Mahesh says.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Thiruvananthapuram / by R.K. Roshni / Thiruvananthapuram – July 10th, 2015