Vyloppilli Samskrithi Bhavan, located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, Nanthancode, is a Multi-Purpose Cultural Complex (MPCC) functioning as a cultural institution under the Department of Culture, Government of Kerala. Founded as a research, documentation, performance and preservation centre of cultural traditions and art forms of Kerala, this traditional building houses the personal belongings of the great Malayalam poet, the late Vyloppilly Sreedhara Menon.
Vailoppilly Samskrithi Bhavan is a cultural institution that serves as a platform for the presentation and preservation of Kerala’s art forms and cultural traditions.
The buildings are designed in accordance with the traditional architecture of Kerala. One can see the traditional gateway (padippura) and temple theatre (koothambalam) of Kerala here. The cultural complex including open air auditorium, art gallery and museum block was dedicated to the nation in the year 2001.
An administrative committee consisting of 20 members, chaired by the State Minister for Culture, and an eight-member executive committee, makes and executes decisions regarding the policies of the institution.
The complex houses the T. K. Ramakrishnan Memorial Cultural Library, and Research Centre. Apart from this there is a library, with a vast collection of books of interest to those who wish to pursue higher studies in or undertake research on Kerala’s culture and art forms. The library was inaugurated at the Vailoppilly Samskrithi Bhavan in 2008.
From 2004, the Vailoppilly Bhavan has been conducting Mudra, a national dance festival. Another of its initiatives is the observance of the death anniversaries of noted writers such as Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai, M. P. Narayan Pillai, Kovilan, P. Kesavadev, K. Surendran, M. Govindan, T. P. Kishore, T. V. Kochubava, P. Padmarajan, Pulimana Parameswaran Pillai and O. V. Vijayan, as a Day for Stories.
Documentation, a collection of cultural archives, a rare collection of Sanskrit books, websites of artistes and the study of Kerala culture are some of the salient features of this memorial.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central, about 4 km
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 5 km