The Wax Museum at Mysore is aptly named Melody World. The museum fascinates visitors by displaying various musical instruments in interesting settings, replete with life-size wax statues of musicians playing the musical instruments. Since the museum is based on music and musical instruments, it reflects the diverse kinds of musical instruments that have been in use across various parts of the country and the world since ancient times. This is a one-of-its-kind wax museum in the whole world. The museum was established in October 2010 by a Bengaluru-based IT professional named Shreeji Bhaskaran. It was created as a tribute to musicians from all over the world.
Melody World – A truly charming world of music
The wax museum takes its visitors on a 19-gallery tour comprising of 110 life-size wax statues and more than 300 Indian and Western musical instruments. The statues and instruments are exhibited in various bands and stage settings. Visitors are treated to an amazing representation of musical instruments covering from the Stone Age to Modern Instruments. The attractive exhibits of bands include Indian Classical Hindustani and Carnatic, Jazz, Rock, Hip Hop, Punjabi Bhangra, South Indian, Middle Eastern, Chinese, etc. The museum also has a lovely representation of tribal music and its instruments.
There are a few exhibits that are more of social relevance than of musical relevance. For instance, a grand statue of the erstwhile king of Mysore, Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, is a special attraction at the museum. There are a few statues that depict the growing differences between the rich and the poor. Each wax exhibit is a brilliant work of art that reflects the talent of the sculptor and his deep passion for his art.
Melody World – The result of a single man’s efforts
Melody World is the brainchild of Shreeji Bhaskaran, who conceptualized and developed the museum through his tireless efforts and his love for the wax craft. The museum is managed through advanced computer technology applied by Shreeji and his wife Reena. For this 46-year-old IT professional, Melody World at Mysore is his third wax museum project.
His first wax museum project was the Wax World at Ooty, established in March 2007. His second wax museum project was opened in July 2008 at Old Goa. He also has several other achievements under his belt in terms of wax creations, including wax statues of H.E. Dr. Abdul Kalam and several other celebrities. His wax-statue representation of “The Last Supper” is a celebrated work of art at the Goa Wax Museum.
Melody World – The secret behind the life-like statues
The amazing wax statues at the Mysore wax museum are a source of attraction for the old and the young alike. Some of the wax statues displayed at the museum have been sourced from outside of India. The process of making wax statues involves a lot of processes, including computerized digital imaging techniques, conventional methodologies of moulding and sculpting, etc.
Depending on the complexity of the process involved, the cost of creating a wax statue can vary from Rs 3 lakhs to 15 lakhs. The process of creating a wax statue is a time-consuming affair and may require 2 to 4 months to construct a single statue. Around 50 kg of wax is needed for the construction of a single life-size statue.
After the statues are developed they are given an authentic look through the use of various accessories. Clothes are specially stitched to fit the statues and their styles. In the molten state the wax is mixed with colors. But the cosmetic coloring is used only in the final stages of the statue’s creation.
The eyes and teeth used in the statues are artificial while the hair may be synthetic or natural, depending upon the statue’s requirement to get a real-life look.
Melody World – Visitor’s Information
The wax museum is a place for enjoying and appreciating beautiful creations. The wax statues and musical instruments displayed at the museum are not available for sale. The museum has an interesting section which houses a few musical instruments. In this section, a visitor can play any musical instrument available. The museum charges a fee of Rs 30.00 for entry to this museum section.
- Timing: 9.30 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. on all days of the week
- Entry Fee: Rs. 30.00
- Still Camera Fee: Rs. 10.00
- Located at: # 1 Vihara Marga, Siddhartha Layout, Mysuru – 570011
- Phone: +91 9900 454707
How to reach
As Mysore is a tourist destination, there are several means of reaching the place. The small airport in Mysore connects the city exclusively to Bangalore. Mysore’s railway station has trains connecting the city to several other cities in south India, including Bangalore and Chennai. Mysore’s road network is excellent, and there are frequent buses plying between Mysore and Bangalore every day. Hired taxis and private vehicles also carry passengers from Bangalore to Mysore.
The Wax Museum at Mysore is easily reachable through several means of local transport. Taxis and auto rickshaws can be availed for a trip to the museum from any part of the Mysore city.
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