The Sri Chithralayam popularly known as Sri Chithra Art Gallery was opened to the public by the erstwhile Maharaja of Travancore Sri Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma on the 25th of September 1935 for the enjoyment elucidation and development of Artistic taste of the people. The major works in display were the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma - a repository of artistic achievements and the means of development of artistic taste. The Sri Chithralayam is a standing monument to the finest of fine arts namely paintings. It has a collection of paintings in India along with a few from other parts of Asia with distinct stamp of Indian culture. The achievement from the influence of Europe through oil colour has come from Travancore in the works of Raja Ravi varma and other members of the Kilimanoor family. The Art Gallery has gathered on permanent loan through the kindness of the head of the family, a representative collection consisting 46 original paintings of Raja Ravi Varma being examples of this phase of painting in India.Apart from this 16 numbers of Pencil Sketches and 14 numbers of Chromolithographs are displayed here along with the Artist’s Easel.

Raja Ravi Varma (29th April 1848 – 2nd October 1906) was born in Kilimanoor, an aristocracy in the kingdom of Travancore. His family was unique for they were warriors but inclined in artistic pursuits. His artistic talent was recognized and encouraged by his maternal uncle, Bharani Thirunal Raja Raja Varma. (Image: Portrait of Bharani Thirunal Raja Raja Varma – Raja Ravi Varma – Oil on Canvas – 84cm x 69cms