Melody shaped in wax
Monica S A, Jul 11 2017, 0:05 IST
Perfect blend: Wax statues of musicians at the Melody World Wax Museum in Mysuru. DH Photo
What makes the Melody World Wax Museum in Mysuru stand out from other wax museums is its display of various musical instruments and wax statues of musicians playing instruments. There are around 100 life-size wax statues and over 470 musical instruments displayed here.
This is a one-of-its kind wax museum that was established by Shreeji Bhaskaran, a Bengaluru-based IT professional, in October 2010 as a tribute to all musicians from across the world. This museum focuses on the preservation of art and culture of India, especially in the field of music.
Making of the statues
All the musical instruments that are displayed here are purchased from across the country and world. “While India is moving towards a virtual digital platform, most of the art and culture heritage of India is disappearing. The collection of this museum is unique and represents most states of India,” says Shreeji. Nearly all the musical instruments of Karnataka are displayed in this museum.
The wax statues and instruments in the museum are a source of attraction for many. However, the making of these wax models takes a long time. The process of making wax statues involves several steps including computerised digital imaging techniques, conventional and traditional methodologies of moulding and sculpting, etc. In fact, around 50 kg of wax is used to make each statue and it takes 13 months to complete.
After the statues are developed, they are given an authentic look with the use of various accessories.
Clothes are specially stitched to fit the statues and their styles. Colours are mixed in with wax when it is in the molten state. However, cosmetic colouring 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. All the statues exhibited are of life size and are dressed in traditional clothing.
Probably, this museum houses the largest collection of musical instruments in Karnataka. These have been displayed in 19 galleries. There are also wax models of various bands from across the country and abroad in genres such as Indian Classical, Hip Hop, Jazz and Bhangra. While many of the wax statues showcased at this museum have musical relevance, there are a few which also have social importance.
Major attractions
Highlights of this museum include a colossal statue of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar and a life-size statue of Maharaja Srikantadatta Wadiyar. Another attraction at the museum is that you can play some of the musical instruments displayed in a special section.
The museum has become a popular haunt for people who want to get to know the rich musical diversity that India offers. In fact, the museum gets as many as 400 visitors on weekdays, while it gets around 600 visitors on weekends.
Melody World Wax Museum is open on all days between 9.30 am and 7.00 pm. To know more about the museum, visit www.melodyworld.in.
This is a one-of-its kind wax museum that was established by Shreeji Bhaskaran, a Bengaluru-based IT professional, in October 2010 as a tribute to all musicians from across the world. This museum focuses on the preservation of art and culture of India, especially in the field of music.
Making of the statues
All the musical instruments that are displayed here are purchased from across the country and world. “While India is moving towards a virtual digital platform, most of the art and culture heritage of India is disappearing. The collection of this museum is unique and represents most states of India,” says Shreeji. Nearly all the musical instruments of Karnataka are displayed in this museum.
The wax statues and instruments in the museum are a source of attraction for many. However, the making of these wax models takes a long time. The process of making wax statues involves several steps including computerised digital imaging techniques, conventional and traditional methodologies of moulding and sculpting, etc. In fact, around 50 kg of wax is used to make each statue and it takes 13 months to complete.
After the statues are developed, they are given an authentic look with the use of various accessories.
Clothes are specially stitched to fit the statues and their styles. Colours are mixed in with wax when it is in the molten state. However, cosmetic colouring 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. All the statues exhibited are of life size and are dressed in traditional clothing.
Probably, this museum houses the largest collection of musical instruments in Karnataka. These have been displayed in 19 galleries. There are also wax models of various bands from across the country and abroad in genres such as Indian Classical, Hip Hop, Jazz and Bhangra. While many of the wax statues showcased at this museum have musical relevance, there are a few which also have social importance.
Major attractions
Highlights of this museum include a colossal statue of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar and a life-size statue of Maharaja Srikantadatta Wadiyar. Another attraction at the museum is that you can play some of the musical instruments displayed in a special section.
The museum has become a popular haunt for people who want to get to know the rich musical diversity that India offers. In fact, the museum gets as many as 400 visitors on weekdays, while it gets around 600 visitors on weekends.
Melody World Wax Museum is open on all days between 9.30 am and 7.00 pm. To know more about the museum, visit www.melodyworld.in.
