Located on Chamundi Hill Road, right across from the Mysuru Sand Sculpture Museum, this unique museum showcases extraordinary sculptures made entirely of seashells and conches, created by artist Radha Mallappa, earning a Guinness World Record for the largest seashell sculpture—an awe-inspiring 22-foot-tall Ganesha . The collection also includes large representations of the Taj Mahal, St. Philomena’s Cathedral, a Shiva Temple, and Dashavatara figures—all crafted meticulously in shell .
🎨 Artistry & Themes
The museum features impressive models of architectural marvels and deities—Taj Mahal, Philomena Cathedral, Shiva Mandir, as well as Hindu gods like Ganesha, Mahalakshmi, Saraswathi, and more—all made with intricate seashell craftsmanship . Observant visitors also find smaller artworks: animals, flowers, even a coconut and banana clusters at the feet of Ganesha—all realized using shells . Some artifacts incorporate innovative materials like hair, paddy grains, and recycled items .
⌛ Visiting Experience
• Duration: Recommended time is 30–60 minutes, though more focused visitors can finish in ~30 minutes . • Size: The venue is modest and compact—small in footprint but dense in visual appeal. A few reviews note the ventilation is limited, making longer stays less comfortable . • Photography: Allowed and free—though a small additional fee has been reported in the past for DSLR stills . • Entry: Approximately ₹50–60 per person for adults; around ₹25–30 for children; prices may vary slightly with time .
Feature Details Uniqueness India’s first seashell sculpture museum; Guinness-record 22-ft Ganesha Art Highlights Shell replicas of Taj, church, Shiva temple, plus smaller creative pieces Visit Time 30–60 minutes; compact layout suitable for a quick stop Entry Fee ₹50–60/adult; ₹25–30/child (cameras usually free but may vary) Best For Art lovers, families with older children, visitors touring Chamundi Hills & nearby sites Room for Improvement Small venue; limited ventilation; entry fee may seem steep to some
🎯 Who Should Visit?
• Ideal as a short, visually intriguing detour, especially if you’re exploring Chamundi Hill or the Sand Museum nearby. • Perfect for children and curious travelers, due to its sculptural creativity and compact size. • If you’re passionate about unique art forms and rich handiwork, this museum offers a memorable and...
Read moreIt is a one of a kind museum, in Mysore which houses the Guinness World Record Sea Shell Sculpture of Lord Ganesha along with various other sea shell artifacts and different art forms by Mysorean Smt. Radha Mallappa. Radha Mallappa was born on 23rd February 1963 in Hullahalli village, Nanjangudu Taluk, Mysore. Smt. Radha Mallappa is the beloved daughter of Shri B.N. Shivanna and Susheelamma and wife of Shri Mallappa. Radha Mallappa has studied upto S.S.L.C and she had dedicated herself to art from past 40 year.
She has trained thousands of people with her talent in art and handicrafts. she has been practising Ayurveda treatment for a long time now, and has helped more than 86 thousand people in past 20 years.
She has been felicitated by many National and international awards, along with many Karnataka State awards for her contribution and dedication to art.
Radha Mallappa's 22 ft.Lord Ganesha sculpture using sea shell is the World's largest seashell sculpture and got recognised by Guinnese world Record, who certified it as the Largest SeaShell Sculpture which can be seen in the museum. Her mother Shrimathi Susheelamma and her husband Shri Mallappa are the two persons who encouraged her in every step of her dedication to art and in acheiving this dream of setting up this museum. Radha Mallappa has the dream and aim to do sculpture of seven wonders of the world by using sea shell if she gets appropriate assistance.
She has started this sea shell museum by paying rent and managing by the support of her family and hopes, she will get assistance to make her dream of Seven wonders of the World come true. The museum houses 22 feet Lord Ganesha sculpture, 14 feet hight Shiva Mandir, 9.5 ft Tajmahal and also many other types of sea shell art along with Idols like Lord Mahalakshmi, Saraswathi, Ganapathi, Yadiyuru Siddalingeshwara,Hanuman in Ravan's Durbar, Kalinga Mardhana, Buddha under Bodhi tree, Dashavathara and other art pieces.
Art forms, made out of Recycled waste, old handicrafts, broom stick ship, oil colour painting, water colour painting etc are there at Museum in both Mysore style and Tanjavoor style are housed in the Museum.
How to reach shell museum :
About 1 km from the Diu Airport, you can easily reach this museum by means of cabs or hired...
Read moreThe Guinness World Record Sea Shell Art Museum in Mysore is a unique and enchanting destination that captivates visitors with its extraordinary collection of sea shell artworks. Situated in the heart of the culturally rich city of Mysore, this museum is a testament to the artistic prowess and dedication of Radha Mallappa, whose lifelong passion for sea shells culminated in this remarkable institution.
Upon entering the museum, visitors are immediately struck by the sheer diversity and intricacy of the exhibits. The museum houses over 1,000 art pieces meticulously crafted from sea shells, ranging from elaborate sculptures to delicate jewelry. Each piece is a marvel of creativity and craftsmanship, showcasing the natural beauty and versatility of sea shells. The collection includes lifelike replicas of famous monuments, intricate floral designs, and even miniature furniture, all fashioned with an astonishing level of detail.
One of the highlights of the museum is the record-breaking sea shell replica of the Mysore Palace, a true masterpiece that has earned a place in the Guinness World Records. This awe-inspiring creation is a testament to the artist’s skill and patience, taking years to complete and using thousands of sea shells sourced from around the world.
The museum also serves an educational purpose, offering insights into the various types of sea shells and their origins. Informative displays provide context about the ecological significance of sea shells and the meticulous process of creating art from these natural materials. Visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry involved and the environmental considerations of collecting and using sea shells.
Overall, the Guinness World Record Sea Shell Art Museum in Mysore is a must-visit for art enthusiasts and curious tourists alike. It stands as a unique tribute to the beauty of nature and human creativity, offering a captivating experience that is both visually stunning and intellectually...
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