DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum Chennai Entry Fee
- 200 per person Indian Adults
- 100 per person for Indian Children (between 5 to 15 years of age)
- 350 per person for Foreigners
- 200 per person for Foreign students (between 5 to 18 years of age)
- 50 for Still Camera
- 250 for Video Camera / SLR & professional camera
DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum Chennai Parking Fee
- 20 for Two wheeler
- 40 for Car
- 60 for Van
- 100 for Bus
DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum Chennai Phone
044 2747 2603
Rating: 
| 4/5 stars
Based on total 32 reviews
DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum Chennai Address: State Highway 49, Muthukadu, Tamil Nadu, 603118, India
DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum is a renowned cultural centre dedicated to showcasing the rich heritage of South India. The museum features over 18 authentic heritage houses, representing the styles of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It’s both an educational centre and a vibrant cultural hub, hosting regular workshops, exhibitions and live demonstrations.
The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore traditional architecture, crafts and performing arts from those southern states. Its immersive environment brings their art forms to the public in a participative, enjoyable and engaging way.
DakshinaChitra Chennai is popular among families, students and international tourists seeking a deeper understanding of the region. If you like to explore history and culture, visit the DakshinaChitra Museum to get a glimpse of life in southern India.
Where is DakshinaChitra Museum in Chennai?
DakshinaChitra location in Chennai is in the Muttukadu region, on East Coast Road (ECR). The museum is built on 10 acres of land overlooking the Bay of Bengal. It’s close to MGM Dizzee World amusement park, 30 km away from the Chennai city centre. Developed as a heritage village, it provides an in-depth knowledge of South India’s heritage.
History of DakshinaChitra Museum Chennai
DakshinaChitra Museum in Muttukadu, Tamil Nadu, is a project of Madras Craft Foundation (MCF), which was founded by Deborah Thiagarajan in 1984. She visited Chennai (then Madras) in 1970 with the sole purpose of preserving the culture of South India. In 1991, she secured ten acres of land from the Government of Tamil Nadu on 33 years of lease.
MCF also received a Ford Foundation grant for research and education in 1988, followed by grants from the Development Commissioner Handicrafts (Government of India) and the Ministry of Culture for the building. The museum was then opened to the public in 1996.
In establishing the museum, collaborative efforts of MCF, government organisations and various industrialists were maintained. This vibrant heritage museum received financial support also from like-minded people in Madras and other organisations.
Today, DakshinaChitra successfully showcases the rich cultural heritage of South India. It reflects the beauty, traditions, innovations and the continuing evolution of South Indian arts and culture.
Architecture of DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum
DakshinaChitra Museum architecture resembles an Indian village, with the life of each South Indian state displayed in separate zones. 18 heritage houses represent the way of life of people from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. These homes are the actual houses which were demolished with the permission of the original owners and were rebuilt here.
Architect Laurie Baker graciously volunteered to design the layout of DakshinaChitra. It’s designed to feel like a walk through a traditional village rather than a museum. Architect Benny Kuriakose adapted the plan to fit the site’s needs. He added the relocated houses, galleries, guesthouses and other places while keeping the spirit of Baker’s vision intact.
The heritage houses were dismantled at their original location under the guidance of Stapathis. Then they were brought to the DakshinaChitra site and recreated in the designated space. This created a living heritage village where each section offered an immersive and genuine experience.
Things to do at DakshinaChitra Heritage Centre
1. Walking through traditional houses – Explore the reconstructed houses in DakshinaChitra heritage village, each revealing how people live and work around their village. The houses are built in a similar layout as in their original location, complete with courtyards, kitchens, living areas, and other spaces. It provides an immersive exploration of the museum complex as you move through those houses and understand the rhythms of everyday living.
2. Exploring art & exhibition spaces – DakshinaChitra Chennai ECR also has separate galleries and exhibition halls displaying cultural items, textiles and folk artefacts. These displays add context to the beliefs and rituals, offering deeper insight into the rich traditions of South India. Temporary artistic installations and curated displays are also hosted in the museum from time to time.
3. Watching live craft demonstrations – This heritage museum also serves as a live centre of arts and crafts. Several artisans demonstrate their processes as they shape everyday objects by hand. DakshinaChitra Muttukadu Museum also hosts workshops or interactive sessions for training in necklace crafting, basket weaving and other crafts. It’s one of the most engaging parts of the visit as you try your hand at simple artistic activities.
4. Shopping for handmade crafts – The museum complex features a craft shop with various folk paintings, traditional toys, and textile pieces. Jewellery, home furnishings and decor items are also available here. This DakshinaChitra in ECR/Muttukadu houses a selection of journals and books as well, highlighting the cultural and regional aspects of southern India.
5. Enjoying the outdoor village setting – Apart from all its exhibitions, you can simply spend time walking around, observing the open village layout of the DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum. A variety of folk performances and cultural programs are also held at the open-air amphitheatre. And if you feel hungry along the way, take a break in the South Indian restaurant in the complex. Then, the on-site DakshinaChitra rooms enable you to stay and enjoy the experience for longer.
DakshinaChitra Chennai Timings and Entry Fees
This arts & crafts centre/museum is open on all days, except Tuesday. It remains open on national holidays as well, except on Diwali. DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum hours of working are 10 AM to 6 PM (weekdays) and 10 AM to 7 PM (weekends).
DakshinaChitra entry tickets are available at ₹200 per person (for adults) and ₹100 per person (for kids, between 5 and 15 years). For foreigners, the entry fee is ₹350 per person. Overseas students can get an entry for ₹200 per person. Camera charges are ₹50 for a digital camera and ₹250 for a Video Camera / SLR & professional camera.
Parking charges are ₹20 for a two-wheeler, ₹40 for a car, ₹60 for Van and ₹100 for a bus.
Best time to visit DakshinaChitra Museum Chennai
The best time to visit ECR DakshinaChitra Museum in Chennai is in winter, between November and February. During this time, it’s easier to explore the traditional houses, craft galleries, and other exhibition areas. The weather is relatively pleasant and comfortable throughout the day. Visit in the early afternoon hours, when most galleries and demonstrations are active.
Time to explore DakshinaChitra Cultural Centre
To explore the heritage centre at a comfortable pace, spend at least 3 hours on the campus. This allows plenty of time to comfortably stroll through the traditional houses, visit exhibition spaces, and watch live craft demonstrations. If you enjoy photography and performances, a longer stay makes your visit more rewarding.
How to reach DakshinaChitra Museum Muttukadu?
Chennai to DakshinaChitra distance is about 30 km from the city centre. It’s located in the Muttukadu region. This heritage museum is 34 km away from Chennai Central railway station, 33 km from the bus terminal in Koyambedu, and 30 km from Chennai airport.
Now, here are the different ways to reach DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum –
By bus – Chennai city buses offer an easy option to visit this living museum. MGM Dizzee bus stop is the closest, only a few hundred metres from the museum's entrance.
By taxi/cab – Booking a taxi or private cab is the most comfortable way to visit DakshinaChitra in Chennai Muttukadu. You can hire one from the top car rental companies in Chennai and explore the museum at your pace, taking as much time as you want.
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