The Sri Chitralayam, popularly known as Sri Chitra Art Gallery, was opened to the public by the erstwhile Maharaja of Travancore Sri Chitra Thirunal on the 25th of September 1935 for the enjoyment, education and development of artistic taste of the people. It has a collection of paintings representing the various genres of paintings in India, along with a few from other parts of Asia with a distinct stamp of Indian culture.
The Gallery was reconstructed out of two bungalows side by side in the museum Gardens. The Construction, furnishing of exhibits and hanging was done under the direction of Dr. Cousins, the well known exponent of art and literature. He was instrumental in assembling this collection of paintings from various places. He spared no efforts in furnishing this gallery with rare and representative specimens of paintings from near and far. A large collection of paintings is a generous gift from the Royal House of Travancore and also from Kilimanoor Royal family.
The major attraction of Sri Chitra Art Gallery is the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma. He is one among the greatest painters of India.
Visiting hours: 10:00 to 16:45 hrs. It is closed on Mondays & Wednesday forenoons
