The archaeological museum in Thrissur is run by the Kerala archeological department and is a cultural and art museum that has exhibits mainly from around the area but also few from outside too. Thrisuur is the location of the ancient muziris port an important port for trading, one of the earliest mosques was constructed near there and Thomas the apostile is said to have landed there and as important trade center it mixed with a lot of cultures, later thrissur was part of the cochin kingdom and currently is considered the cultural capital of Kerala. So it is fitting that a museum is located here. The museum in itself is an exhibit as it an old palace of the cochin kingdom.
Most of the exhibits pertain to local history, there are lot of painting and sculptures. Lot of the exhibits were similar to the one in another museum run by the archaeological department, the Pazhassi raja museum in Calicut, like models of temples, burial stones; pottery, jewelry and other household items, but this one had more varied exhibits. there were statues of eminent personalities from around the area.There were also exhibits from the surrounding tribal areas and there also a display of weapons discovered from the area. Apart from exhibits around the area there were also collections from Indus valley civilization and many more.
Apart from archaeological exhibits it also has art exhibits, infact it is said that this museum started off as a art gallery of the Cochin kingdom. There are many painting and apart from this there are also murals, colorful wall paintings on display.
Overall it is great place to learn local history. And eventhough it is more suited for historian and people who have taste in history and culture, others can also spent some good time here. It is located in Thrisuur city and is easily accessible. There is a nominal entry fee, I think 10 rs. There is also a zoo part of the complex.