Mysore Sand Museum

Mysore Sand Museum being the first museum in India devoted solely to sand art, is a monument to creative ingenuity. This one-of-a-kind outdoor museum in Mysuru, Karnataka, is located in the foothills of Chamundi Hills and features the elaborate work of sand sculptor M.N. Gowri, who is known as India’s only female sand artist.

As the first and only museum in India devoted solely to sand art, the Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum was opened in 2014, creating a new standard. The goal of this creative area was to introduce a rare and transient art form to the general public in a more secure and long-lasting environment.

The Mysore sand museum is an outdoor display venue that covers 13,500 square feet of well-planned open space. The sculptures are protected from weather harm by metal roofing. While maintaining the natural atmosphere, the arrangement provides an immersive viewing experience and facilitates effortless mobility.

Mysore Sand Museum timings and fees

• Timings: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
• Entry Fee:
  • Adults: ₹40
  • Children (5–10 years): ₹20
• Photography: Permitted
• Facilities:
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Parking available
  • Cafeteria and museum shop on-site
  • Note: Restrooms and drinking water facilities are not available

Sand Museum in Mysore

More than 150 intricate, hand-carved sand sculptures can be found at the Mysore sand museum exhibition. These sculptures demonstrate the artist’s technical mastery as well as a profound comprehension of visual storytelling. It took days or even weeks to finish several of these pieces.

Themes: 16 interesting and varied topics

The exhibits in the museum are organized around 16 distinct topics that appeal to people of all ages and interests. These consist of:

• Mythology: Indian epic scenes, Statues of deities such as Lord Ganesha (15 feet tall), Goddess Chamundeshwari, and depictions from the Bhagavad Gita

• History & Heritage: Representations of the Mysore Dasara procession, ancient civilizations, and royal figures like King Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wadiyar.
• Wildlife & Nature: Ecological themes, jungle landscapes, and animal sculptures
• Disney characters, Santa Claus, and cartoon characters like Tom and Jerry are examples of popular culture.
• Social and Global Messages: Sculptures that address issues such as global peace and conservation

With a wide range of themes, the museum is both informative and amusing, catering to everyone from history buffs and spiritual seekers to kids and pop culture aficionados.

Materials Used:
To build these detailed sculptures, Gowri used:

• Over 115 truckloads of fine river sand, carefully filtered and treated
• Water to mold and shape the sand effectively
• A minimal amount of glue to enhance durability while preserving the raw texture and natural appeal of the medium

Unlike traditional sculptures made from marble or bronze, these sand artworks are eco-friendly and biodegradable, yet resilient enough to withstand the outdoor environment with minimal maintenance.

Book your Mysore Tour packages or Mysore places to visit with Groowynd Holidays, a tour operator with operational presence in Mysore and Kerala. Groowynd is a South India-based 9 Times Award-winning travel company from TripAdvisor. The Mysore Tour packages can be customised, and more destinations can be incorporated.

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