DakshinaChitra is a living-history museum, dedicated to South Indian heritage and culture. It is located on the East Coast Road, about 25 kilometres to the south of Chennai. Opened to the public on December 14, 1996, the museum was founded and is being managed by the Madras Craft Foundation (MCF). The museum is built on 10 acres of land taken on lease from the Government of Tamil Nadu. Developed as a heritage village, DakshinaChitra has an array of displays depicting the life pattern of Indians in the states of South India. The exhibits portray the living beliefs of art, folk performing arts, craft, and architecture of India, in particular of South Indian traditions. It has over 4,220 artefacts and 1,000,000 pictures, and has recreated 18 heritage houses from the southern states of India. The houses purchased and redone at DakshinaChitra are those given up by their owners for demolition. They are reconstructed by artisans from the regions from which the particular houses belong.

More Information
Getting there

The museum is located about 200 metres from the MGM Dizzee World bus stop. It can be reached by bus, metered taxi or private vehicles.

Average duration of visit

Full day

Museum administered by

Madras Craft Foundation

Person in charge

Updated

Quick Facts
Address:

East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Kanchipuram District, Chengalpattu

Visiting Time:

Sunday: 10 am - 6 pm Monday: 10 am - 6 pm Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 10 am - 6 pm Thursday: 10 am - 6 pm Friday: 10 am - 6 pm Saturday: 10 am - 6 pm The Museum remains closed on public holidays.

Entry Fees:

Indian adults: ₹100 during weekdays and ₹120 during weekends Indian children under 12: ₹30. Indian students between 13 and 18 years of age: ₹50 Foreign nationals: ₹250. Foreign students: ₹70

Facilities & Services:
Established:
1996