– A picture of the South
About
Dakshina Chitra is an exciting cross cultural living museum of art, architecture, lifestyles, crafts and performing
arts of South India. The main mission is to exhibit, promote and preserve aspects of the broader, more inclusive
cultures of the states and to bring these arts to the public in a participative, enjoyable and engaging way.
Architect
• The spatial conceptualization at Dakshina Chitra and his building techniques and process breathe Laurie Bakers
philosophy of empowering masons and craftspeople in the building process.
• Architect Benny Kuriakose designed the public buildings and supervised the conservation and reconstruction
of the heritage buildings, has also provided continued service to the Museum.
Quarters
Tamil Nadu Karnataka Andhra
Kerala
Reception
OAT
Entrance is very cosy and small, like
First sight– Reception center entering a home.
The character of the reception and
craft shop blends cultures from
south India.
The exposed lattice
brickwork and the
smooth tiles complement
each other as well as the
character of the
museum.
The vast central
courtyard garden and
row of arched passages
along the outstretched
verandah gives a sense of
lightness to the space.
Small is beautiful
Baker did not want to have grand buildings on the campus.
“For one thing, they can’t be typical or genuine because our
forbears didn’t have such things – and for another thing – folk
stuff is mainly small. Blow it up and out of size, it is all wrong” -
Laurie Baker
Form - Heritage village
One can explore 17 heritage houses, exploring contextual exhibitions along recreated streetscapes, interacting
with typical village artisans and witnessing folk performances set in an authentic ambience.
Exhibition inside weavers house
Handicraft shops Exhibition inside weavers house
Heritage village
Visualized each State as a village with its small streets and
walkways. “Another thing – “I thought that once you go through
the gateway into Tamil Nadu, ….. . through streets leading into
squares and intersections and back into other lanes, etc. and you
just want to go on into the many types of buildings and see-through
inside them.” - Laurie Baker
Response
Dakshina Chitra's dedication to authentic vernacular architecture, from streetscapes to household items,
creates a unique and immersive experience for visitors, evoking a range of emotional responses:
• Authenticity and Realism: By recreating streetscapes and replicating utensils within houses, Dakshina
Chitra captures the essence of traditional South Indian architecture and lifestyle with meticulous
attention to detail. This authenticity transports visitors back in time, providing a genuine glimpse into
the region's cultural heritage.
• Nostalgia: For many visitors, especially those familiar with or hailing from South India, Dakshina Chitra's
displays can evoke deep feelings of nostalgia. Seeing familiar household items, architectural styles, and
streetscapes may trigger memories of their own upbringing or ancestral homes, fostering a sense of
connection to the past.
• Awe and Appreciation: For others, particularly those less familiar with South Indian culture, Dakshina
Chitra's exhibits can inspire a sense of awe and wonder. The craftsmanship, intricacy, and beauty of
vernacular architecture and traditional artifacts may impress visitors with the rich cultural heritage and
skills of the artisans.
Tamil Nadu
Kerala
Celebrating differences - States are kept together but their diversities are kept alive
Calicut house, Kerela Brahmin house, Tamil Nadu
The architecture, environment and culture of Kerala stand in marked contrast to that of Tamil Nadu. Unlike the
Tamilian, the Keralite prefers to live isolated from neighbours in the middle of a plot of land, with privacy and beautiful
tropical vegetation.
Location
Dakshina Chitra's location in Chennai provides a refreshing contrast to the bustling urban environment.
• Escape from Urban Chaos: Chennai is a vibrant metropolis known for its bustling streets, commercial
centers, and dense population. Dakshina Chitra, nestled amidst greenery and traditional architecture,
offers visitors a serene retreat away from the noise and hustle of city life.
• Natural Environment: The museum's setting with lush vegetation, gardens, and open spaces provides a
tranquil environment conducive to relaxation and contemplation. It allows visitors to reconnect with
nature and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere within an urban context.
• Cultural Oasis: Amidst the urban landscape of Chennai, Dakshina Chitra stands as a cultural oasis where
visitors can explore and appreciate the rich cultural diversity of South India. It serves as a platform for
showcasing traditional arts, crafts, performances, and exhibitions that celebrate the region's heritage.
Overall, Dakshina Chitra's location in Chennai enhances its appeal as a sanctuary of culture and heritage
amidst the urban chaos, offering visitors a refreshing and enriching experience that is both educational and
rejuvenating.
Cultural Context
Dakshina Chitra, located on the East Coast Road
near Mahabalipuram, derives its unique character
from its setting and proximity to this historically
rich area.
Muttukadu boat house
• Architectural Synergy: The architectural style
Blue flag Kovalam beach
of Dakshina Chitra resonates with the
traditional buildings found in Mahabalipuram
and surrounding areas. This creates a
cohesive visual and thematic experience that
blends old and new architectural elements
• Tourism Hub: Mahabalipuram attracts
tourists from around the world, making the
East Coast Road a popular route for travelers.
Dakshina Chitra benefits from this traffic,
becoming a significant cultural stopover that
adds value to the overall tourism experience
of the area.
Sculpture college
Sculpture museum
Shell museum
An open-air museum showcasing vernacular architecture from
South Indian states, where houses are meticulously
reconstructed using salvaged components like wooden pillars
and doors from buildings slated for demolition. This initiative
aims to serve as a model for illustrating how traditional
elements can be effectively integrated into modern
architecture. By offering a tangible link to the region's
architectural heritage, the museum also provides valuable
lessons on adapting these elements for contemporary
architectural practices.
