Walking through the 90-year-old heritage building at Siddhartha Layout, Melody World Wax Museum greets visitors with life-size wax figures playing 1,500 musical instruments across 19 themed galleries. Created by IT professional Shreeji Bhaskaran in October 2010, this music-themed museum charges Rs 60 entry fee and operates from 9:30 AM to 7 PM daily. Located 3 kilometers from Mysore Palace on Vihara Marga near Karanji Lake, the museum represents Karnataka’s largest musical instrument collection.
Each wax statue costs between Rs 3-15 lakhs to create, requiring 50 kilograms of wax and specialized craftsmanship. The museum displays instruments from stone age drums to modern electric guitars, with wax musicians frozen mid-performance. The horror house, mirror maze, and VR games add contemporary attractions beyond the traditional museum experience, making it popular among all age groups.
Musical Galleries at Melody World
The 19 galleries showcase different music genres with authentic instruments and performer statues. The Carnatic music section features veena, mridangam, and tabla with musicians in traditional silk attire. The Western classical gallery displays a complete orchestra setup with violins, cellos, and a grand piano worth Rs 8 lakhs.
The tribal music section exhibits rare indigenous instruments from Karnataka’s forest communities. Punjabi bhangra gallery shows dhol players in colorful turbans. The rock music section has electric guitars, drum kits, and amplifiers with long-haired wax rockers. The Middle Eastern gallery features oud, darbuka, and qanun instruments with Arabic ambiance.
Wax Statue Collections
Over 110 life-size wax statues populate the museum, each taking 3-6 months to complete. The Maharaja Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar statue stands prominently in royal attire. Musicians from different eras and cultures are represented – from ancient court musicians to modern pop stars. The statues use glass eyes imported from Germany and human or synthetic hair depending on requirements.
Social awareness statues depicting wealth disparity and environmental themes occupy separate sections. The recreation of a village folk music scene includes 15 statues with authentic costumes and instruments. International music legends’ replicas include classical composers and jazz musicians, though specific celebrity names are not highlighted to avoid copyright issues.
Horror House Experience
The horror house charges additional Rs 60 per person for a 10-minute walkthrough. Automated sensors trigger sound effects and moving props. The narrow corridors feature horror-themed wax figures, skeletons, and dim lighting creating jump scares. Not recommended for children below 10 or people with heart conditions.
The horror section runs on timed entry with maximum 6 people per batch. Strobe lights and loud sounds enhance the scary atmosphere. Emergency exits are marked for those wanting to leave midway. The attraction remains popular among teenagers and young adults seeking thrills beyond the regular museum experience.
How to Reach Melody World
From Mysore Palace, take Sayyaji Rao Road towards Karanji Lake, turning left at Siddhartha Layout. City buses 6, 180, and 333 stop at Siddhartha Nagar, 500 meters from the museum. Auto-rickshaws from city center charge Rs 60-80.
Limited parking exists inside for 20 cars and 30 two-wheelers. Street parking is available outside. The museum stands opposite Indira Venkata Lingiah Choultry, a known landmark. GPS navigation works accurately using ‘Melody World Wax Museum’ as the destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry fee for Melody World Wax Museum?
Basic entry costs Rs 60 for adults, Rs 40 for children aged 5-12, free for below 5. Additional attractions charge separately.
What are Melody World museum timings?
Open daily from 9:30 AM to 7 PM, with last entry at 6:30 PM. Extended hours until 8 PM during Dasara season.
How many musical instruments are displayed?
Over 1,500 musical instruments from various cultures and time periods across 19 themed galleries.
Is photography allowed inside the museum?
Yes, still photography without flash is permitted. Video recording is prohibited in galleries.
How much time needed to see everything?
Allow 2-3 hours to explore all galleries and try additional attractions like horror house and mirror maze.
Contact: 099004-54707
Address: 1 Vihara Marga, Siddhartha Layout, Mysore – 570011
Landmark: Near Karanji Lake, Opposite Indira Venkata Lingiah Choultry